Design and Initial Evaluation of an Online Absolute Value Educational Game Using Sorting Mechanism and Scaffolding Hints

Abstract

Absolute value is one of the basic concepts in secondary school mathematics. It is not easy for learners to maintain their motivation to learn and keep practicing. Using game-based learning activities and scaffolding guidance may help increase motivation and reduce anxiety, the provision of appropriate scaffolding allows students to reflect and strategize during the computation process. In this study, we designed an online educational game that combines a sorting mechanism and adaptive scaffolding hints to provide in-game uncertainty through a variety of easy-to-difficult and constantly changing numbered levels, so that players can complete the correct absolute value equations by sorting cards. Players can get two types of scaffolding hints in the game, i.e., the arrangement of absolute value equations and the rules of absolute value arithmetic. A total of 35 secondary school students participated in the empirical evaluation of this study. The study found that learners had high mind flow, low anxiety, enjoyed the game. (All scores are significantly higher than 3, i.e., the median of the scale.) In terms of academic achievement, the average score of the post-test was 7% higher than that of the pre-test. Regarding the scaffolding hints in the game, 80% of the participants considered that scaffolding was helpful in solving the problems; 77% of the participants considered that scaffolding could help to better understand the concept of absolute value; and 74% of the participants considered that scaffolding could help to improve their ability to calculate absolute value.

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Author Information
Yu-kai Chu, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
Huei-Tse Hou, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

• Category: Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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