Hershey, Pennsylvania
New York, New YorkBeijing, China
Leveraging Game-Play in a 3D World: A Comparative Study in a Biology Classroom

Leveraging Game-Play in a 3D World: A Comparative Study in a Biology Classroom

Catherine Norton-Barker (Cornell University, USA), Margaret Corbit (Cornell University, USA), Richard Bernstein (Cornell University, USA), and Ebonie Greene (Cornell University, USA)
Copyright: © 2009 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/jgcms.2009040102
OnDemand:
(Individual Articles)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

Computer games have the potential to engage students who do not respond well to traditional classroom activities. To test the appeal and usability of game-play in the classroom, four ninth grade science classes in a rural Upstate New York school were randomly assigned to learn an introductory genetics unit for three class periods in either an online, multi-user, virtual world computer environment or in a traditional classroom setting using lecture, worksheets and model building. The groups were then reversed for a second three-day trial. Quizzes were given before, at midpoint and at the end of the study. Both groups demonstrated significant knowledge gain of the genetics curriculum. This study demonstrates that self-directed learning can occur while exploring virtual world computer environments. The students were enthusiastic about using virtual worlds for education and indicated a strong preference for a variety of teaching methods, which suggests that offering mixed modalities may engage students who are otherwise uninterested in school.

Complete Article List

Search this Journal:
Reset
Volume 17: 1 Issue (2025)
Volume 16: 1 Issue (2024)
Volume 15: 1 Issue (2023)
Volume 14: 4 Issues (2022): 2 Released, 2 Forthcoming
Volume 13: 4 Issues (2021)
Volume 12: 4 Issues (2020)
Volume 11: 4 Issues (2019)
Volume 10: 4 Issues (2018)
Volume 9: 4 Issues (2017)
Volume 8: 4 Issues (2016)
Volume 7: 4 Issues (2015)
Volume 6: 4 Issues (2014)
Volume 5: 4 Issues (2013)
Volume 4: 4 Issues (2012)
Volume 3: 4 Issues (2011)
Volume 2: 4 Issues (2010)
Volume 1: 4 Issues (2009)
View Complete Journal Contents Listing