Blending Formal and Informal Learning Environments: The Case of SAVE Science

• In Event: 44.045 - Immersive Virtual Environments for Science Education

Abstract

This study explored how children attending a national science and engineering fair with their families engaged with a serious game, SAVE Science, designed for assessing science learning in the classroom. Several iPads were set up with two game-based assessments for children to play with. Once completed, children were asked the question “how do you learn science with videogames?” 54 children ranging from 7-12 years of age played at least one complete game, and then stayed to respond to this prompt. Results demonstrated that these children, when faced with many fun choices in a science fair, found our serious assessment games as appropriate and engaging in an informal setting.

Authors

• Diane Jass Ketelhut, University of Maryland - College Park

• Brian C. Nelson, Arizona State University