Authors:
Javier Melero
;
Davinia Hernández-Leo
and
Josep Blat
Affiliation:
Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain
Keyword(s):
M-learning, Game-based Learning, Puzzle-based Games, Location-based Games, Instructional Design Strategy, Game Design Task.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer-Supported Education
;
e-Learning
;
Information Technologies Supporting Learning
;
Instructional Design
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
;
Mobile Information Systems
;
Mobile Learning
;
Technology Enhanced Learning
;
Ubiquitous Learning
;
Web Information Systems and Technologies
Abstract:
Recent research in the Game-Based Learning domain shows that location-based games can lead to positive effects in students’ motivation and engagement. However, the potential effectiveness of these approaches depends on to what extent their design is aligned with the requirements of specific educational situations. For this reason, involving teachers in the design of their own location-based learning games becomes crucial to fulfil their teaching requirements. This paper presents a metaphor based on puzzle boards as a technique to involve teachers in the design of their own location-based games. A design-based research methodology has been followed to evaluate the proposed metaphor. Previous research experiments have shown the feasibility of the puzzle-based games approach to allow secondary education teachers the design of these types of learning experiences. However, some issues in terms of understanding specific elements of the proposed metaphor were detected. A second iteration of
the research methodology is described in the paper to evaluate the changes made to the definitions of the metaphor’s elements and the dynamics of the game design task. The evaluation is carried out with 20 primary and secondary education teachers who completed a paper-based design task. The main findings show that teachers did not have problems using the proposed metaphor and they successfully designed their own location-based learning games.
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