Measuring Changes in College-Going Efficacy: A Case Study of an Innovative Digital Game Intervention

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  In Poster Session: Learning and Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts Poster Session 1

Abstract

For the past four years, educational researchers and game designers have collaborated on an innovative tool to engage low-income students in the college application process – a role playing Facebook Application where players learn and master application strategies. This paper shares findings from a mixed methods case study designed to determine the effects of game play on students’ college-going efficacy. Quantitative data from pre and post tests administered to quasi treatment and control groups at three high schools demonstrate significant increases in efficacy for students who played the game more than once. Longitudinal interview data show robust and nuanced effects of game play on students’ college-going efficacy and underline the changing nature of efficacy over time.

Authors

• Zoe Corwin, University of Southern California

• Kevin Eagan, University of California - Los Angeles

• Gisele Ragusa, University of Southern California