Are We Washing Poop?: Unintended Consequences in Educational Game Design

Are We Washing Poop?: Unintended Consequences in Educational Game Design  

Are We Washing Poop?: Unintended Consequences in Educational Game Design  

Christine Bediones, Camille Macalinao, Kal Benjamin McDowd, Katerina Schenke, Cathy Tran, AnneMarie Conley

Abstract

"What game developers and researchers know about what makes games enjoyable

for children does not always transfer well to educational contexts. This paper highlights potential pitfalls that may arise when creating a game that attempts to integrate learning and fun using a case study of Down With Food, a game that teaches upper elementary school students about the digestive system. We employed game mechanics and game design usability heuristics in our development of this iPad application. User testing revealed areas in which applying general game

principles to an educational context created concerns, particularly with respect to the effects of schemas, visual misrepresentation, and usability issues. In detailing these unintended consequences, we hope to spur productive discussions about how to address the challenges of bridging the fields of game design and education."

Reference

Bediones, C., Macalinao, C., McDowd, K. B., Schenke, K., Tran, C., & Conley, A. Are We Washing Poop?: Unintended Consequences in Educational Game Design. https://press.etc.cmu.edu/file/download/1705/f5ff87b1-3c9b-4844-bf72-92c072da1106

Keywords

Game design, Educational contexts, Usability