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How Design Features in Digital Math Games Support Learning and Mathematics Connections
Computers in Human Behavior
  • Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham, Utah State University
  • Christina W. Lommatsch, Utah State University
  • Kristy Litster, Utah State University
  • Jill Ashby, Utah State University
  • Emma P. Bullock, Utah State University
  • Allison L. Roxburgh, Utah State University
  • Jessica F. Shumway, Utah State University
  • Emily Speed, Utah State University
  • Benjamin Covington, Utah State University
  • Christine Hartmann, Utah State University
  • Jody Clarke-Midura, Utah State University
  • Joel Skaria, Utah State University
  • Arla Westenskow, Utah State University
  • Beth L. MacDonald, Utah State University
  • Jurgen Symanzik, Utah State University
  • Kerry Jordan, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
10-1-2018
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0
Abstract

Current research shows that digital games can significantly enhance children’s learning. The purpose of this study was to examine how design features in 12 digital math games influenced children’s learning. The participants in this study were 193 children in Grades 2 through 6 (ages 8-12). During clinical interviews, children in the study completed pre-tests, interacted with digital math games, responded to questions about the digital math games, and completed post-tests. We recorded the interactions using two video perspectives that recorded children’s gameplay and responses to interviewers. We employed mixed methods to analyze the data and identify salient patterns in children’s experiences with the digital math games. The analysis revealed significant gains for 9 of the 12 digital games and most children were aware of the design features in the games. There were eight prominent categories of design features in the video data that supported learning and mathematics connections. Six categories focused on how the design features supported learning in the digital games. These categories included: accuracy feedback, unlimited/multiple attempts, information tutorials and hints, focused constraint, progressive levels, and game efficiency. Two categories were more specific to embodied cognition and action with the mathematics, and focused on how design features promoted mathematics connections. These categories included: linked representations and linked physical actions. The digital games in this study that did not include linked representations and opportunities for linked physical actions as design features did not produce significant gains. These results suggest the key role of mathematics-specific design features in the design of digital math games.

Citation Information
Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham, Christina W. Lommatsch, Kristy Litster, Jill Ashby, Emma Bullock, Allison L. Roxburgh, Jessica Shumway, Emily Speed, Benjamin Covington, Christine Hartmann, Jody Clarke-Midura, Joel Skaria, Arla Westenskow, Beth MacDonald, Jürgen Symanzik, Kerry Jordan, How Design Features in Digital Math Games Support Learning and Mathematics Connections, Computers in Human Behavior (2018), doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.09.036