Learning Through Play:

The Role of Learning and Engagement Theory in the Development of Educational Games

for Intellectually Challenged Children

Andriani Piki, Markos Markou, Anna Vasiliou

Learning & Engagement

Theory

Systems Analysis & Design

Instructional Systems Design

2

Research Gap

Piki Andriani, Markou Markos, Vasiliou Anna 26/10/2016

• Learner engagement is a challenge.

• Key pedagogical considerations: • Language

• Level of difficulty

• Motivation & rewards

• Skills & knowledge

• Alignment between game goals and learning goals

• Educator’s active involvement

3

Theoretical Background (1/2)

Piki Andriani, Markou Markos, Vasiliou Anna 26/10/2016

Threads from a combination of theories

can be drawn together to better

understand learner engagement

and design and develop

engaging educational

games.

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Theoretical Background (2/2)

Games-based

learning

Intellectual Disability

Learning Theory

Engagement Theory

5

Framework

Piki Andriani, Markou Markos, Vasiliou Anna 26/10/2016

Research milieu

• Special education school in Cyprus.

• Age range: 8-10 years old.

• Mild to moderate degree.

Research approach

• Real-life case study.

• Theoretically-grounded.

• Empirically-informed (Mixed-methods).

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Research Context

“For most people technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, however, technology makes things possible.”

(EDI, 2013)

7

Requirements Gathering

Piki Andriani, Markou Markos, Vasiliou Anna 26/10/2016

“Nothing

for us

without us”

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Requirements Analysis

Educational Games

Platform

Motivation & Reward

Language

Skills

Challenges Learning

objectives

Design & Technology

Functionality (for students & educators)

Examples of games

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Demonstration

http://www.paixnidizo.com/

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Conclusion

• Learner engagement is a key pedagogical consideration.

• Theoretical exploration, combined with empirical insights and on-going evaluation, enriches the development of educational games.

• Vision: – To complement traditional teaching and learning practices

employed in special education, and accelerate students’ learning through intuitive and engaging educational games.

Thank you! Any Questions?

Andriani Piki, Markos Markou, Anna Vasiliou