From October 20–21, 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Watcharee Ketsapichaiyarong, Deputy Director for Administration; Asst. Prof. Dr. Namkhang Sriwattanarotai, Deputy Director for Education and Networks; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Wararat Wongkiat, Chair of the Graduate Program in Science and Technology Education at the Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, were invited to serve as speakers on “From Ideas to Learning Game Design: Design • Play • Learn.” The session was part of the 6th Mahidol University Academic Development Program (MU-ADP#6), organized by the Division of Academic Affairs, Mahidol University.
Educational games are most effective when they are designed to align with the subject matter and learners’ needs. A game may be entertaining, but if it is disconnected from the intended learning objectives or too challenging for learners’ existing knowledge and skills, it may create an energetic classroom without necessarily leading to meaningful learning.
Throughout the two-day session, lecturers from various faculties began with their own course content, identified their target learners, and designed and tested their games. They then reflected on whether their games genuinely helped learners understand the intended concepts. This hands-on approach encouraged participants to consider not only how to make learning enjoyable, but also how to ensure that game-based activities support meaningful learning outcomes.
The session also reflected the Institute for Innovative Learning’s ongoing work in game-based learning and learning experience design. IL continues to support the development of creative, engaging, and learner-centered classrooms through educational innovation.
The Institute for Innovative Learning, Mahidol University, welcomes opportunities to collaborate with faculties and lecturers interested in integrating games and learning innovations into their teaching. To discuss potential collaborations and learning design development, please contact:
Ms. Atcharaphan Phothong
Tel: 02-441-9729
Email: atcharaphan.pho@mahidol.ac.th
* Individuals appearing in this article who wish to have their images removed, please contact us at 0-2441-9729 or ilpdpa@mahidol.ac.th.