The Effect of Color, Shape, and Virtual Agent on Game-Based Learning of Mandarin Vocabulary

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Technology-Based Environments

Abstract

This research investigated how the color, shape and virtual agent of a 2D text-adventure game for HSK (a Mandarin standardized test) vocabulary learning influence adults' affect and learning performance by implementing a 2*2*2 factorial experiment. The results showed that adult HSK learners memorized Mandarin vocabulary more efficiently under the cool-color interface and the square-shape design, but felt more positively under the warm-color interface and the round-shape design. However, the effect of the virtual agent on learning performance was not significant. The results are consistent with emotional design theories in that design elements are associated with learners' emotions and learning performance, but a cultural variation with the effects of game-design features on learners' emotions and learning results were also found.

Authors

• Ming Chen, CUNY Graduate Center

• Jing Wang, Beijing Language and Culture University

• Bruce Douglas Homer, CUNY Graduate Center