The Design and Analysis of Learning Effects for a Game-based Learning System

The major purpose of this study is to use network and multimedia technologies to build a game-based learning system for junior high school students to apply in learning “World Geography” through the “role-playing” game approaches. This study first investigated the motivation and habits of junior high school students to use the Internet and online games, and then designed a game-based learning system according to situated and game-based learning theories. A teaching experiment was conducted to analyze the learning effectiveness of students on the game-based learning system and the major factors affecting their learning. A questionnaire survey was used to understand the students’ attitudes towards game-based learning. The results showed that the game-based learning system can enhance students’ learning, but the gender of students and their habits in using the Internet have no significant impact on learning. Game experience has a significant impact on students’ learning, and the higher the experience value the better the effectiveness of their learning. The results of questionnaire survey also revealed that the system can increase students’ motivation and interest in learning "World Geography". Keywords—Game-based learning, situated learning, role playing, learning effectiveness, learning motivation.