Poster #20 - Leveraging Technology to Create Ambitious Science Learning Environments for Elementary Learners: Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: 18.060 - MTCC Poster Session Two
  In Poster Session: 18.060-3 - Research on Science Teaching and Learning Poster Session 1

Abstract

Serious educational gameplay (SEG) continues to gain traction in K-12 educational settings, which has led researchers to measure learning gains associated interventions that use gameplay. This study stems from a larger project that created a SEG, Virtual Vet, designed to teach the human body systems through immersive gameplay. To examine student learning gains (n=316), we utilized a convergent mixed methods design to compare student performance before, during and after gameplay to a non-game condition that addressed the same learning objectives. Findings include significant learning games in both conditions, but more growth in the gameplay condition. Moreover, students’ mindset toward struggle improved in the game condition, which suggests that SEGs may increase elementary students’ persistence in problem solving environments.

Authors

• Georgia Wood Hodges, University of Georgia

• Kayla Flanagan, University of Georgia - Athens

• Sandhya Krishnan, University of Georgia

• Allan S. Cohen, University of Georgia

• Juyeon Lee, University of Georgia - Athens