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Designing game-based learning environments for elementary science education: A narrative-centered learning perspective

Authors:

James C. Lester,

Hiller A. Spires,

John L. Nietfeld,

Bradford W. Mott,

Eleni V. LobeneAuthors Info & Claims

Information Sciences—Informatics and Computer Science, Intelligent Systems, Applications: An International Journal, Volume 264

Pages 4 - 18

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2013.09.005

Published: 01 April 2014 Publication History

Abstract

Game-based learning environments hold significant promise for STEM education, yet they are enormously complex. Crystal Island: Uncharted Discovery, is a game-based learning environment designed for upper elementary science education that has been under development in our laboratory for the past four years. This article discusses curricular and narrative interaction design requirements, presents the design of the Crystal Island learning environment, and describes its evolution through a series of pilots and field tests. Additionally, a classroom integration study was conducted to initiate a shift towards ecological validity. Results indicated that Crystal Island produced significant learning gains on both science content and problem-solving measures. Importantly, gains were consistent for gender across studies. This finding is key in light of past studies that revealed disproportionate participation by boys within game-based learning environments.

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cover image Information Sciences: an International Journal

Information Sciences: an International Journal Volume 264, Issue

April, 2014

371 pages

ISSN:0020-0255

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Copyright © © 2013.

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Elsevier Science Inc.

United States

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Published: 01 April 2014

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https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642198
Huber SCortez RKiili KLindstedt ANinaus M(2024)Game elements enhance engagement and mitigate attrition in online learning tasksComputers in Human Behavior10.1016/j.chb.2023.107948149:COnline publication date: 10-Jan-2024
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https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/978-3-031-74138-8_15
Kleinman EVillareale JShergadwala MTeng ZBryant AZhu JEl-Nasr M(2023)"What else can I do?" Examining the Impact of Community Data on Adaptation and Quality of Reflection in an Educational GameProceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3544548.3580664(1-12)Online publication date: 19-Apr-2023
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