Educational Video Games and Students' Game Engagement

The [Math App], developed for the iOS platform (primarily targeting iPads), is an educational video game (EVG) intended to support students' understanding of fractions and thus promote algebra-readiness. In working with fractions, most fifth grade students in the U.S. rely on part-whole conceptions alone, inhibiting development toward algebra in higher grades. Using a quasi-experimental design, investigators document the theoretical and evidence-based approach to designing, developing, and piloting an EVG for algebra readiness. Our research and development of EVGs is grounded in theories of engagement known to facilitate learning. In this research, we report the game engagement levels differed by learner characteristic, the amount of gameplay, learners' gender, and learner's prior ability in mathematics performance.