The effect of learning mechanics design on learning outcomes in a computer-based geometry game

Jan L. Plass, Bruce D. Homer, Elizabeth O. Hayward, Jonathan Frye, Tsu Ting Huang, Melissa Biles, Murphy Stein, Ken Perlin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A computer-based geometry game was adapted to allow for play using a conceptual rule or an arithmetic problem-solving mechanic. Participants (n = 91) from an urban middle school were randomly assigned to experimental conditions. Results suggest that play in the number condition was more situationally interesting than play in the rule condition. Participants in the rule condition were found to perform better in the game than those in the number condition. Learning outcome results suggest that in the number condition, but not the rule condition, playing more levels in the game diminishes the gain from pretest to posttest. For the design of games for learning, results highlight the importance of choosing a game mechanic that reflects the intended learning outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationE-Learning and Games for Training, Education, Health and Sports - 7th International Conference, Edutainment 2012 and 3rd International Conference, GameDays 2012, Proceedings
Pages65-71
Number of pages7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event7th International Conference on E-Learning and Games for Training, Education, Health and Sports, Edutainment 2012 and 3rd International Conference on Serious Games for Sports and Health, GameDays 2012 - Darmstadt, Germany
Duration: Sep 18 2012Sep 20 2012

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume7516 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Other

Other7th International Conference on E-Learning and Games for Training, Education, Health and Sports, Edutainment 2012 and 3rd International Conference on Serious Games for Sports and Health, GameDays 2012
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityDarmstadt
Period9/18/129/20/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Computer Science(all)

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