Bombs, Fish, and Coral Reefs

Visual Computer (2013) 29:99–110

12 Pages Posted: 7 Apr 2017

See all articles by Erwin Bergervoet

Erwin Bergervoet

Human Media Interaction (HMI)

Frans van der Sluis

Human Media Interaction (HMI); University of Twente, Students

Betsy van Dijk

Human Media Interaction (HMI)

Anton Nijholt

Human Media Interaction (HMI)

Date Written: September 1, 2013

Abstract

Often, the way subject matter is included in educational games does not fully utilize or sometimes even inhibits the full learning potential of games. This paper argues that in order to optimally use the potential of games for learning, games should be endogenous. An endogenous educational game is a game where the educational content is integrated in the game play mechanics themselves, rather than bolted-on using explicit messages. This research examines the relation between explicit messages, explorative game behavior, and comprehension by developing two versions of an endogenous educational game about overfishing, one with and one without an explicit purpose. The game was tested with 13 children aged 8 to 11. The results indicate that factual knowledge and comprehension is increased with explicit messages, and in particular deep comprehension is fostered by explorative game behavior. This confirms the plea for endogenous games to teach about bombs, fish, coral reefs, and more.

Keywords: Educational games, Endogenous games, Exogenous games, Game design, Game experience

JEL Classification: I20, M53, C79, C91

Suggested Citation

Bergervoet, Erwin and van der Sluis, Frans and van Dijk, Betsy and Nijholt, Anton, Bombs, Fish, and Coral Reefs (September 1, 2013). Visual Computer (2013) 29:99–110, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2947844

Erwin Bergervoet

Human Media Interaction (HMI) ( email )

Drienerlolaan 5
Enschede, NB 7522
Netherlands

Frans Van der Sluis

Human Media Interaction (HMI) ( email )

Drienerlolaan 5
Enschede, NB 7522
Netherlands

University of Twente, Students ( email )

Netherlands

Betsy Van Dijk

Human Media Interaction (HMI) ( email )

Drienerlolaan 5
Enschede, NB 7522
Netherlands

Anton Nijholt (Contact Author)

Human Media Interaction (HMI) ( email )

Drienerlolaan 5
Enschede, NB 7522
Netherlands

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