ERIC Number: EJ1348587
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Aug
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-1629
EISSN: EISSN-1556-6501
Exploring Students' Behavioral Patterns When Playing Educational Games with Learning Supports at Different Timings
Yang, Xiaotong; Rahimi, Seyedahmad; Fulwider, Curt; Smith, Ginny; Shute, Valerie
Educational Technology Research and Development, v70 n4 p1441-1471 Aug 2022
The current study investigated students' gameplay behavioral patterns as a function of in-game learning supports delivery timing when played a computer-based physics game. Our sample included 134 secondary students (M = 14.40, SD = .90) from all over the United States, who were randomly assigned into three conditions: receiving instructional videos before a game level (n = 40), receiving instructional videos after a game level (n = 41), and without instructional videos (n = 53) while playing the game for about 150 min. We collected students' gameplay behavior data using game log files and employed sequential analysis to compare their problem-solving and help-seeking behaviors upon receiving instructional videos at different timings. Results suggested that the instructional videos, delivered either before or after a game level, helped students identify the correct game solution at the beginning of medium-difficulty game levels. Moreover, receiving the instructional videos delayed students' help-seeking behaviors--encouraging them to figure out game problems on their own before asking for help. However, receiving the instructional videos may possibly restrict students from creating diverse gaming solutions. Suggestions on design and implementation of in-game learning supports based on the findings are also presented.
Descriptors: Student Behavior, Educational Games, Game Based Learning, Problem Solving, Help Seeking, Computer Games, Secondary School Students, Design, Program Implementation, Sequential Approach
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF); Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 037988; 039019