ERIC Number: EJ1154899
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-8518
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Fifth Graders' Flow Experience in a Digital Game-Based Science Learning Environment
Zheng, Meixun; Spires, Hiller A.
International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments, v5 n2 Article 6 p69-86 2014
This mixed methods study examined 73 5th graders' flow experience in a game-based science learning environment using two gameplay approaches (solo and collaborative gameplay). Both survey and focus group interview findings revealed that students had high flow experience; however, there were no flow experience differences that were contingent upon gameplay approaches. Results identified four game design features and student personal factors (reading proficiency) that significantly impacted student game flow experience. Students made significant science content learning gains as a result of gameplay, but game flow experience did not predict learning gains. The study demonstrated that the game was effective in supporting students' flow experience and science content learning. The findings indicated that the adapted game flow experience survey provided a satisfactory measure of students' game flow experience. The results also have implications for educational game design, as game design features that significantly contributed to students' flow experience were identified.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Grade 5, Learner Engagement, Attention, Computer Games, Educational Games, Science Education, Mixed Methods Research, Play, Student Surveys, Focus Groups, Reading Skills, Science Achievement, Achievement Gains, Predictor Variables, Instructional Effectiveness, Outcomes of Education, Instructional Design, Science Tests, Reading Tests, Pretests Posttests, Likert Scales, Scores, Semi Structured Interviews, Multivariate Analysis, Regression (Statistics)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL0822200
Author Affiliations: N/A