Finding the Right Balance: Integrating Fantasy, Rhythm, and Content Into Educational Computer Games

• In Event: Poster Session 19
  In Poster Session: Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments

Abstract

Abstract: Intrinsic fantasy games— which are characterized by the integration of the learning objectives into the game’s narrative and mechanical structure —have been shown to facilitate learning and increase student engagement. However, making the fantasy and pedagogical content seamlessly integrated is a rarely achieved ideal, and there is always the risk that the narrative may detract from the learning. In this paper we present the results of a think-aloud interview and video data from a six-week classroom intervention that highlights students’ thinking processes in an intrinsic fantasy game we designed, called Tug-of-War. Our findings highlight the unique ways fantasy and rhythm affect the decision-making processes of students.

Authors

• Ugochi Cynthia Acholonu, Stanford University

• Osvaldo Jimenez, Stanford University

• Dylan Andrew Arena, Stanford University