González (computer science, U. of La Laguna, Spain) brings together a group of technology, computer science, software engineering, informatics, and other researchers from Europe, Australia, and South America for 17 articles on student usability in the design and evaluation of learning systems and educational game environments. They cover new models of interaction and human-computer interaction paradigms applied to learning environments, to help specialists in human-computer interaction, learning systems, and educational video games improve their understanding of student experiences with new learning-gaming environments and allow researchers and developers to share techniques for design and evaluation. They discuss principles and techniques related to usability, accessibility, and playability in e-learning and educational video games; the study of human factors in serious games, including the power of attraction, trust, and different aspects linked to users' collaboration; and eight case studies of experiences in the design and usability evaluation of educational tools, 3D mobile games, laboratory experiments in computer supported collaborative learning activities, and applications in different contexts or with individuals such as deaf or hospitalized patients.
– Book News Inc. Portland, OR
Written for the instructor or instructional designer considering the implementation of games and simulations into education of any subject, these chapters explain terms in a way that most can understand, while providing sufficient literature review to support the findings and assertions.[...] This work is a valuable addition to any education or academic collection where patrons might be looking for information and guidance on the use of educational software, games, and simulations in their classes.
– Sara Marcus, American Reference Books Annual
[This title] allows the reader to understand how to design and implement educational games in education domains. Student Usability in Educational Software and Games: Improving Experiences is worth reading. Teachers, educators, and researchers who are interested in GBL, DGBL and CSCL can benefit from reading it.
– Professor Pei-Di Shen, Ming Chuan University, Taiwan, and Yi-Chun Chiang, Ming Chuan University, Taiwan, Yi-Fen Chen, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan, and Professor Chia-Wen Tsai, Ming Chuan University, Taiwan