LudoScience

Informations

Support : Références scientifiques
Author(s) : Meng-Tzu Cheng, Yu-Wen Lin, Hsiao-Ching She
Editor : Computers & Education, Volume 86, August 2015, Pages 18?29
Date : 2015
Lang :

Description

Abstract

Video games possess many unique features that facilitate learning. Meanwhile, teaching about evolution is never an easy task due to the existence of some barriers to its learning.Virtual Age, therefore, has been developed in an attempt to harness the power of gaming to increase student understanding of biological evolution. The aim of this study was to examine whether Virtual Age is effective for learning about evolution and to further explore the interplay of student concept learning, gaming performance, and in-game behaviors. A total of 62 7th graders took part in the study, and significant findings were revealed. The students did learn by playing Virtual Age, and their long-term knowledge retention was promising. The in-game behaviors, such as times and duration of viewing the relevant information embedded in Virtual Age, were significantly related to gaming performance (game score), which subsequently influenced learning outcomes. Moreover, the results of cluster analysis indicated that three clusters of low learning outcomes/low gaming performance, high learning outcomes, and high gaming performance emerged. Overall, Virtual Age is an effective game for learning about evolution based on its sound and sophisticated design. Implications derived from the study and suggestions for future work are proposed.

References (1):

D. Djaouti, J. Alvarez, J.-P. Jessel, and O. Rampnoux, "Origins of serious games," in Serious Games and Edutainment Applications, M. Ma, A. Oikonomou, and L. C. Jain, Eds., pp. 25-43, Springer, Berlin, Germany, 2011.

Keywords : Virtual reality, Teaching/learning strategies, Interactive learning environments, Applications in subject areas, Secondary education

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