Mobile Game-based Learning Research Articles

The effects of augmented reality-facilitated mobile game-based learning on the diversity of life for promoting learning at the natural history museum

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Augmented Reality-facilitated Mobile Game-based learning (MGAR) approach by comparing the learning achievement, learning motivation and cognitive load of the students who learned with this approach with those learning with the conventional Mobile Game-based Learning (MGL), Augmented Reality-based Learning (ARL), and conventional Web-based Learning (WL). All units were consistently designed for the concept of the diversity of life. The participants were 192 grade 9 students who were randomly assigned into four groups: MGAR (N = 46), MGL (N = 50), ARL (N = 43), and WL (N = 53). The instruments were the pre-test and post-test for achievements, the learning motivation questionnaire, the cognitive load questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview. The overall results show that MGAR was more effective in enhancing students' understanding of the diversity of life and significantly more motivational than the other groups. In addition, the MGAR decreased the cognitive load of the students when compared with the other groups.

The effects of augmented reality-facilitated mobile game-based learning on the diversity of life for promoting learning at the natural history museum

The effects of augmented reality-facilitated mobile game-based learning on the diversity of life for promoting learning at the natural history museum

A mobile game-based learning system with personalised conceptual level and mastery learning approach to promoting students' learning perceptions and achievements

Mobile learning game has been widely used for encouraging students whenever and wherever. However, several studies have indicated that without properly incorporating students' personalised characteristic and learning assistance mechanism into the digital game-based learning environment might fail to motivate students learning and to help them acquire knowledge. To address this issue, this study proposes an integrated learning diagnosis and mastery learning mechanism to generate appropriate gaming stage according to the conceptual levels of an individual student in a pre-test and monitor learning during the gaming process. A mobile game-based learning system was developed on the general science course in four Thai elementary schools with 282 students to evaluate its effectiveness. The experimental results showed that the students achieved the concepts of force and motion through the proposed approach. The findings also highlight relationships between the proposed game and the conventional game in terms of students' achievement clusters, performance, and perceptions.

A mobile game-based learning system with personalised conceptual level and mastery learning approach to promoting students' learning perceptions and achievements

Mobile learning game has been widely used for encouraging students whenever and wherever. However, several studies have indicated that without properly incorporating students' personalised characteristic and learning assistance mechanism into the digital game-based learning environment might fail to motivate students learning and to help them acquire knowledge. To address this issue, this study proposes an integrated learning diagnosis and mastery learning mechanism to generate appropriate gaming stage according to the conceptual levels of an individual student in a pre-test and monitor learning during the gaming process. A mobile game-based learning system was developed on the general science course in four Thai elementary schools with 282 students to evaluate its effectiveness. The experimental results showed that the students achieved the concepts of force and motion through the proposed approach. The findings also highlight relationships between the proposed game and the conventional game in terms of students' achievement clusters, performance, and perceptions.

Utilising mobile game based learning methods effectively to support education.

This paper is a response concerning the implications of scholarship of the article entitled "A critical review of 13 years of mobile game-based learning" by Giannakas et al. (in Educ Technol Res Dev 66:341–384, 2018). This response focuses on the key ideas presented in Giannakas et al. (2018) from a practical perspective, highlighting how practitioners, scholars and designers can use their findings to effectively utilise mobile Game Based Learning (mBGL) approaches to support and enhance learning. This response paper is discussing the value, impact and practical implications of Giannakas, et al. (2018) and possible future directions relevant to the use of smartphone enabled virtual reality to support mGBL.

Pandemic induced remote learning increases need for mobile game-based learning to engage learners

The current global health crisis has reduced our mobility, consequently increasing the need to connect with others digitally. This brief provides a research perspective on Giannakas et al.’s (Educational Technology Research and Development, 66, 341–384, 2018) manuscript, “A critical review of 13 years of mobile game-based learning.” To serve as a resource to educators navigating the transition to remote learning, this perspective summarizes key ideas relative to mGBL (mobile game-based learning), value of the work, application to the educator context, and limitations. Future suggestions provide a clear roadmap of ideas to continue research and development of mGBL.

Contextualized mobile game-based learning application for computing education

This paper intends to present an overview of a mobile game-based learning application, BaghLearn that develops and upskills programming and algorithmic knowledge by cross-curricular capabilities through a traditional world-based game. The focus of this research was to explore the learning effectiveness of BaghLearn on students. Mixed method research approach was applied to collect, process and analyze the research data in which undergraduate students who had some prior knowledge or had taken algorithm courses were instructed to test the mobile game learning application. This study exhibits the idea of integrating learning with contextual mobile game as an effective approach in understanding the influence of games towards cognitive achievements of students in computing education. In addition, there are no major requirements for the use of this application (can be maintained in resource-constrained contexts such as Nepal), which makes it expressively satisfying and useful for students who are relentlessly using mobile devices. Besides, this study evaluated the influence of BaghLearn towards learning of the design and analysis of algorithm course, which is a compulsory course for most undergraduate computing education program. Furthermore, the study findings can be used as a guideline for developing learning solutions and usability evaluation of such solutions, especially for infrastructure-constrained contexts. Students using the BaghLearn opined that the application is easy to use, supportive and lead to improved learning satisfaction.

Mobile Game-Based Learning to Enhance the Reading Performance of Dyslexic Children

Mobile Game-Based Learning to Enhance the Reading Performance of Dyslexic Children

Design of Mobile Game-Based Learning Application for Children with Dyslexia

Design of Mobile Game-Based Learning Application for Children with Dyslexia

A systematic review of mobile game-based learning in STEM education

Research on mobile game-based learning has been gaining attention in the past few years. To understand the potential of mobile game-based learning in STEM education, a systematic review was conducted. Based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles published during the years of 2010 through 2019 were included. Analyses were conducted to identify the contexts of studies, research foci, research methodologies, measures, research instruments, the mobile game features and so on. Based on the analyses, a comprehensive understanding of the research in mobile game-based learning in STEM education was presented, and insights and directions for future research were provided. The systematic review suggests that, although current research has greatly increased our understanding of mobile game-based learning in STEM education, future research is needed to address the fundamental question of when mobile game-based learning is an appropriate approach for learning in STEM education and when is not.

Self-regulated mobile game-based English learning in a virtual reality environment

Various studies over the past few decades have been exploring the educational advantages and potential of virtual reality (VR) and the idea that students engage with their learning materials more effectively when using their own devices. This study uses a newly created VR game-based English mobile learning application and investigates student English learning effectiveness, student game engagement, and self-regulated learning from a cognitive and psychological perspective. In total, 274 students from a Taiwan university of science and technology participated in this study. Statistical results indicate that both game engagement and game experience were significantly influenced by self-efficacy, intrinsic value, and test anxiety. Immersion, flow, and presence enhanced self-efficacy while absorption and immersion enhanced self-regulation. Self-efficacy and self-regulation affected each other. Student self-regulation in the learning environment was at a moderate level. The results imply that the interaction feature of the VR application and the challenges of game-based design enable students to enter the state of flow easily and enhance their motivation to learn.

Kahoot! In an EFL Reading Class

Game-based learning has attracted considerable attention over the past few years. Mobile apps are welcomed by the digital generation. Debate continues regarding the approach that will most benefit students in English language classrooms, and the impact of mobile applications, particularly on English as a foreign language (EFL) learning, remains unclear. Specifically, little is known about EFL learners’ perceptions of mobile applications. The main purpose of this study was to understand Chinese students’ attitudes toward the application of Kahoot!, a mobile game-based learning app, in a college EFL class in Taiwan. No gender differences were found in students’ perceptions of the use of Kahoot! for English learning. Although the participants expressed positive attitudes towards the application of Kahoot! in the EFL reading class, several negative opinions were expressed regarding the use of Kahoot! as a testing tool. These results provide support for the affective filter hypothesis. Implications for EFL teachers and future research are discussed.

Teacher readiness to adopt game-based mobile learning with augmented reality

Mobile augmented reality (AR) games have potential in Education, as they can enhance learning experiences, by offering to learners contextualized information. This study aim is to reveal teachers’ readiness to adopt these strategies, after training. Hence, this is a case study of two editions of a workshop under the EduPARK project, designed to support teachers’ adoption of strategies involving game-based mobile learning with AR. The workshops required collaborative exploration of the EduPARK app and educational resource planning. Data collected from individual questionnaires and focus group interviews were analysed through content analysis, descriptive statistics, and computing of the Educational Value Scale and of the System Usability Scale. The 45 teacher-trainees consider they are ready to integrate mobile AR games in their practices, but they are foreseeing difficulties that need to be addressed. This work presents a typology of teacher training that, according to the participants, is successful in promoting their readiness to adopt innovative practices.

Design and Development of Game Based Learning Applications for Mathematics Learning Based on Multiple Language to Develop Verbal Capabilities

The purpose of this research is to design an application that can help students in learning. So, the authors are interested in designing game-based mobile learning applications that have mathematical content on integer material integrated with hijaiyah numbers, so that the game media has its own uniqueness. This design is based on the obligation to develop numeracy skills for all citizens according to Law number 20 of 2003 concerning the national education system. In addition, there is also an obligation to understand the number of hijaiyah for Muslim citizens. The research method used uses research development. The development model used is Lee Owens. The concept in this game is like a game in general that uses this type of adventure. In the game there is a mission to solve the problem. The challenge is through hijaiyah figures provided. So this game combines mathematics with hijaiyah numbers in a portable way.

Collaboration and fuzzy-modeled personalization for mobile game-based learning in higher education

Mobile game-based learning constitutes a hot issue in the related scientific literature since it promotes learning through an entertaining way and fosters student motivation to increase engagement in the educational process. As such, it can enhance the learning process and improve student participation. Towards this direction, this paper investigates how mobile learning and game-based learning can be utilized in higher education settings and analyzes the pedagogical affordance of their adoption. As a testbed for our research, we designed and implemented Quiz Time! which is an intelligent mobile game-based learning application for assessing and advancing learners' knowledge in the programming language C#. Quiz Time! employs an assessing knowledge module for testing the knowledge of learners, a vectorial-based recommendation module for proposing personalized collaboration in group playing, a dynamic fuzzy logic-based advice generator for tailored assistance to learners' profile and misconceptions, and a cognitive learner modeler supporting the aforementioned modules. Quiz Time! was used in a higher education institution for an academic semester and was evaluated by students and computer science experts using an established framework and the statistical hypothesis test. Regarding the evaluation results, the computer science experts validated the pedagogical adequacy of the application and the students highlighted its positive impact on learning and its usefulness. A major conclusion is that incorporating personalization and collaboration in mobile game-based learning can further assist students in higher education towards advancing their knowledge level.

Mobile game-based learning in secondary education: Students’ immersion, game activities, team performance and learning outcomes

Studies on game-based learning show positive effects, but insights into the relationship between students' game activities and the outcomes of these activities are lacking. In this study of the game “NoCredit, GameOver!®” (NCGO), students' game activities are explored and related to their learning outcomes and performance in the game. Secondary school students used tablets to access virtual information about having debts and to perform tasks in an urban environment. Data were gathered from 181 students who completed questionnaires concerning their game activities in a team, immersion into the game and character assigned to them, and learning outcomes. The extent to which students empathized with the game characters appeared be negatively related to their interest in and knowledge of the subject. In addition, perceived content authenticity was negatively related with students' spending money wisely. Searching the internet with a team was positively related to students’ self-reported spending money wisely. Visiting organizations, which was one of the scheduled game activities, showed a positive relationship with team game performance. Implications for teaching with games and future research are suggested.

An App that Changes Mentalities about Mobile Learning—The EduPARK Augmented Reality Activity

The public usually associates mobile devices to distraction and learning disruption, and they are not frequently used in formal education. Additionally, games and parks are both associated with play and leisure time, and not to learn. This study shows that the combination of mobiles, games, and parks can promote authentic learning and contributes to changing conventional mentalities. The study is framed by the EduPARK project that created an innovative app for authentic learning, supported by mobile and augmented reality (AR) technologies, for game-based approaches in a green park. A case study of the EduPARK strategy’s educational value, according to 86 Basic Education undergraduate students, was conducted. The participants experienced the app in the park and presented their opinion about: (i) mobile learning; (ii) the app’s usability; and (iii) the impact of the educational strategy in terms of factors, such as intrinsic motivation and authentic learning. Data collection included a survey and document collection of student reflections. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, System Usability score computing, and content analysis. Students considered that the EduPARK strategy has educational value, particularly regarding content learning and motivation. From this study emerged seven supporting pillars that constitute a set of guidelines for future development of mobile game-based learning.

Effects of a mobile game-based English vocabulary learning app on learners’ perceptions and learning performance: A case study of Taiwanese EFL learners

AbstractMany studies have demonstrated that vocabulary size plays a key role in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). In recent years, mobile game-based learning (MGBL) has been considered a promising scheme for successful acquisition and retention of knowledge. Thus, this study applies a mixed methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess the effects of PHONE Words, a novel mobile English vocabulary learning app (application) designed with game-related functions (MEVLA-GF) and without game-related functions (MEVLA-NGF), on learners’ perceptions and learning performance. During a four-week experiment, 20 sophomore students were randomly assigned to the experimental group with MEVLA-GF support or the control group with MEVLA-NGF support for English vocabulary learning. Analytical results show that performance in vocabulary acquisition and retention by the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Moreover, questionnaire results confirm that MEVLA-GF is more effective and satisfying for English vocabulary learning than MEVLA-NGF. Spearman rank correlation results show that involvement and dependence on gamified functions were positively correlated with vocabulary learning performance.

The Impact of Mobile Game-Based Language Learning Apps on EFL Learners’ Motivation

This study examines the effect of integrating mobile-game based language learning applications (MGBLLAs) on Saudi female English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ motivation to learn English. It explores the perceptions of students regarding the pedagogical value of the following free MGBLLAs: Game books: Great Reader, Game to learn English - EnglishTracker, and Learn English Vocabulary Pop Quiz. A group of thirty Saudi female beginner level students, aged from 18-20 years old and enrolled for their foundation year at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) participated in the study. The study was carried out over a seven week period. Data were collected using two questionnaires. A pre-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire was modified to determine students’ motivations for learning English. A post-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire designed by the author was also issued. It was utilized to explore the perceptions of students regarding the use of the three mobile game-based language learning apps, and to discover any impact on learner motivation. The results of the pre-MGBLLAs integration revealed that the EFL students were motivated to learn English. However, their motivation was high instrumental motivation, because it is taught as a compulsory course in their foundation year and they must achieve high scores to be able to start studying their preferred major. Significantly, the findings of the post-MGBLLAs integration questionnaire revealed that students perceived the three apps as beneficial for learning and improving motivation. These results contribute to the literature regarding mobile game based learning, and EFL students’ motivation.

Trends in digital game-based learning in the mobile era: a systematic review of journal publications from 2007 to 2016

The application of mobile learning and the use of game-based instructional strategies have been demonstrated as promoting students' learning performances and motivation. Over the past decade, many researchers and educators have integrated mobile technology and the features of gaming into their instructional designs; however, there has been little systematic review of the applications and trends in mobile technology-supported gaming. In the present study, related international journal publications from 2007 to 2016 were reviewed by searching the WOS database. The aim of this literature review was to highlight the research domain and issues of promoting game-based learning in future mobile technology. Based on this review, trends in mobile game-based learning are proposed from various aspects, such as the adoption of mobile technologies, gaming types, application domains, learning strategies, research issues, research methods, and participants. Accordingly, several suggestions are given for future studies.