Gender Differences in Game Activity Preferences of Middle School Children: Implications for Educational Game Design Export

@article{citeulike:4116343, abstract = {Educators and learning theorists suggest that play is one of the most important venues for learning, and games a useful educational tool. This study considers game activity preferences of middle school-aged children, so that educational games might be made more appealing to them. Based on children's activity modes identified in our prior research, we developed the "Educational Game Preferences Survey," which collects information on children's preferences for play activity modes, their attitudes about each activity mode, and their preferences for game characters, settings, and forms of help. Survey results suggest the appeal of the "Explorative" mode of play for all children, especially girls. Gender differences in children's preferences and attitudes for "Active, Strategic, and Creative" play modes were also found. We close with recommendations for game design to appeal to both boys and girls, as well as for boys and girls individually, to build engagement and hopefully lead to learning.}, author = {Kinzie, Mable B. and Joseph, Dolly R.}, citeulike-article-id = {4116343}, citeulike-linkout-0 = {http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=EJ815295}, day = {0}, journal = {Educational Technology Research and Development}, keywords = {design, educational, game, learning, play}, month = {December}, number = {5}, pages = {643--663}, posted-at = {2009-10-18 14:49:24}, priority = {2}, publisher = {Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com}, title = {Gender Differences in Game Activity Preferences of Middle School Children: Implications for Educational Game Design}, url = {http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=EJ815295}, volume = {56}, year = {2008} }

TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:4116343 L3 - citeulike-article-id:4116343 N2 - Educators and learning theorists suggest that play is one of the most important venues for learning, and games a useful educational tool. This study considers game activity preferences of middle school-aged children, so that educational games might be made more appealing to them. Based on children's activity modes identified in our prior research, we developed the "Educational Game Preferences Survey," which collects information on children's preferences for play activity modes, their attitudes about each activity mode, and their preferences for game characters, settings, and forms of help. Survey results suggest the appeal of the "Explorative" mode of play for all children, especially girls. Gender differences in children's preferences and attitudes for "Active, Strategic, and Creative" play modes were also found. We close with recommendations for game design to appeal to both boys and girls, as well as for boys and girls individually, to build engagement and hopefully lead to learning. IS - 5 JF - Educational Technology Research and Development EP - 663 TI - Gender Differences in Game Activity Preferences of Middle School Children: Implications for Educational Game Design PB - Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com VL - 56 SP - 643 KW - design KW - educational KW - game KW - learning KW - play AU - Kinzie, Mable AU - Joseph, Dolly PY - 2008/12/0/ UR - http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=EJ815295 ER -