Participatory Design and Testing of Gamification Elements in a Mobile App for Music Learning

• In Event: 18.072 - Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: 18.072-17 - Design and Technology-Mediated Learning

Abstract

This participatory design research study explores the use of a mobile application to support the independent practice of piano students. Motivation to practice their instrument between weekly lessons may wane due to feelings of isolation, discouragement, or boredom. To address these issues, 22 piano students, along with parents, teachers and programmers, designed and developed a mobile app which includes gamification. This phase of the project involves collecting data over a 12-week period. Data logs generated by the app will indicate when, how often, and how long students practice. Students are legitimized as instructional designers as they engage in focus group sessions to provide feedback about the gamified features of the app, and suggest further developments to support their practice.

Author

• Heather J S Birch, OISE/University of Toronto