Explore and Explain: How Exploration of a Minecraft Environment Influences Scores on Self-Explanation Responses

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of Affect and the Self in Online Learning (Table 7)

Abstract

Using open-world digital games for learning offers opportunities to customize environments towards specific content, however it is unclear what types of behavior and engagement lead to learning in such environments. Prompted self-explanations were incorporated into a Minecraft game environment and scored by researchers. Scores on self-explanations were correlated with metrics for exploration, in-game observations, as well as scores on STEM and Minecraft interest surveys. The only significant correlation was between observations and self-explanations scores. While Minecraft interest survey scores positively correlated with exploration, observations, and self-explanations, STEM interest survey scores negatively correlated with those variables. Taking time to pause, reflect, and type observations may improve conceptual understanding, and having interest in the game may be an antecedent to engagement.

Authors

• Matt Gadbury, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author

• Jennifer G. Cromley, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Non-Presenting Author

• Runzhi Chen, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Non-Presenting Author

• H. Chad Lane, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Non-Presenting Author