A Framework for Identifying the Proper Mechanics of Computer Games for Teaching Cognitive Topics

Dehghanzadeh, H.; Dehghanzadeh, H.; Minaei, B.

doi:10.22035/jicr.2019.378

Document Type : Scientific Research Manuscript

Authors

¹ PhD Student of Educational Technology, Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, Educational Sciences Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran

³ Associate Professor of Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22035/jicr.2019.378

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to develop a computer game design framework for learning a variety of cognitive topics and assessing its effectiveness in procedural learning. To achieve this goal, a mixed research method was used. In the qualitative phase for obtaining the framework, a deductive analysis was employed and in quantitative part for internal validation, a survey method to extract the experts' point of view was utilized. Moreover, for evaluating external validity in procedural learning, a pretest and post-test experimental group with a control group was used. Through analyzing the data related to the mechanics of computer games, 32 essential mechanics of computer games were extracted. Mechanics such as problem solving, search and exploration, action, implementation, hierarchy, and time limits were used for procedural learning in digital games. The proposed mechanics for internal validation were sent to 25 learning and game specialists and the results of the analysis of the internal validity of the framework assessment showed that the proposed framework for teaching cognitive subjects has a good validity. Furthermore, in order to obtain the external validity of the proposed framework, 40 students were placed in experimental (20) and control (20) groups. The results of covariance analysis to examine the effectiveness of an external validation also showed that there is a significant difference between the game design based on the proposed framework and the normal game.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Computer Games

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