A gamified approach for improving the learning performance of K-6 students using Easter eggs.
Yazdan Takbiri1, Azam Bastanfard1, Amineh Amini1
1Department of Computer Engineering, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
Multimedia Tools and Applications
|January 23, 2023
Summary
Gamification, using game elements in education, significantly boosted motivation and learning for 7-12-year-old students. The study introduced "easter eggs" in a web app, improving quiz scores and engagement.
Area of Science:
- Educational Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Game Design
Background:
- Gamification enhances user engagement and motivation by applying game elements to non-gaming contexts.
- Existing gamification research in education often overlooks the specific needs of K-6 students (ages 7-12).
- Evolving video game design offers new opportunities for innovative gamification elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of gamification, specifically using the "easter egg" element, for K-6 students.
- To propose and implement a gamified software application tailored for K-6 education.
- To assess the impact of gamification on student motivation, engagement, and academic performance.
Main Methods:
- Developed "Science Island," an online gamified web application incorporating "easter egg" elements.
- Implemented a gamified approach designed for K-6 students.
- Conducted a 2-month observation study with 47 sixth-grade students using the application.
Main Results:
- Over 82% of students found gamification effective for their educational performance.
- Student learning performance improved significantly, with average quiz scores increasing by 0.63 from the first to the second month.
- Increased user activity rates indicated heightened student motivation to use the educational software.
Conclusions:
- The proposed gamified approach, featuring "easter eggs," is effective for engaging K-6 students in learning.
- Gamification positively impacts educational performance and motivation in young learners.
- The "Science Island" application demonstrates the successful integration of game elements into educational software for elementary students.
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