Outnumb3r3d : intrinsically motivating mathematics for the PlayStation 4

HABGOOD, M. P. J., JONES, Carl and MALLINSON, Daniel (2015). Outnumb3r3d : intrinsically motivating mathematics for the PlayStation 4. In: The 9th European Conference on Games Based Learning : ECGBL 2015, Steinkjer, Norway, 8-9th October 2015. (Unpublished) [Conference or Workshop Item]

Documents
10445:24196
[thumbnail of Habgood_Outnumb3r3d_ECGBL2015.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Habgood_Outnumb3r3d_ECGBL2015.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (572kB) | Preview
Abstract
This paper and accompanying poster describes the design of an intrinsically integrated educational game to improve children’s competencies in mental mathematics. A number of researchers have suggested that educational games are more effective when they are closely integrated with their learning content. Specifically work by the lead author has showed that a closer integration between an educational game's core-mechanics and its learning content can be both more appealing (in terms of time spent on-task) and more educationally effective (in terms of learning outcomes) than a less integrated "edutainment" approach. However, cursory approaches to integrating learning content remain common in contemporary educational software, and the literature lacks an exemplar of what can be achieved using an integrated approach. The Outnumb3r3d game was conceived to provide a commercial and theoretical exemplar of intrinsic integration for the Nintendo Wii, but was never completed. This project is now porting the original Wii prototype onto the PlayStation 4 in order to revive Outnumb3r3d as a research project. This paper details the design of Outnumb3r3d with reference to the key theoretical constructs that underlie its pedagogical design. In doing so it provides an example of a game design created to integrate mathematical learning content seamlessly into the game's core mechanics, ensuring that the mathematics is what makes the game intrinsically motivating to play rather than trying to hide or "sugar coat" its learning content. At the time of writing the game’s implementation is still a “work in progress”, but is expected to be the subject of future empirical evaluations into its effectiveness as a teaching tool.
More Information
Statistics

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item