Changes in Student Attitudes Toward Six Dimensions of Digital Engagement in a Program of Game Design Learning

• In Event: Using Digital Media for Learning: From Dora to Facebook to Games and Beyond

Abstract

This paper reports findings from the 2009/2010 pilot school year of a digital literacy project being conducted by a non-profit in NYC, with students and educators in West Virginia, involving game design learning and social media engagement among youth. N=386 middle and high school students for the 2009/2010 school year. Here we investigate changes in student attitudes towards technology among participants. Overall, pre and post program survey results partially support our hypothesis that student attitudes towards the range of practices in each CLA category are positively influenced by their participation in the game design program. Especially for practices representing the more Constructionist CLAs 1-3, t-test statistic results indicate increases in student motivation towards, and understanding of these practices.

Author

• Rebecca Reynolds, Rutgers University