Search for the Optimal Balance Among Learning, Psychometric Qualities, and Enjoyment in Game-Based Assessment

• In Event: Designing Game-Based Assessment Around Learning Progressions

Abstract

There is growing interest among educators today in using video games to assess and support students’ learning. However, only a few studies provide empirical evidence that supports this approach. The present study aims to investigate how varying a game design element, nonlinearity, influences the effectiveness of such an assessment. Nonlinearity refers to the degree of freedom given to players regarding gameplay sequences and problem-solving actions and strategies. Two versions of a computer game (Newton’s Playground) are used in the study to investigate the effects of nonlinearity on psychometric properties, learning, and enjoyment.

Authors

• Yoon Jeon Kim, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Valerie J. Shute, Florida State University