ALGEbright: Design of an Avatar Customization Game-Based Learning for Algebra

Abstract

Game-Based Learning (GBL) is considered as an effective tool to motivate and engage students to learn. The literature indicates that Game-based learning using video games has allowed game developers to apply Bloom's Taxonomy of learning. Although there are several video games available on the Internet as examples of GBL, very little seem to present the use of avatar customization as a key feature. Avatar or character customization is a ubiquitous feature found on video games which allow users to create their own experiences over the game. Literature indicates that autonomy, a product of character customization, leads to game enjoyment and game loyalty. When users experience enjoyment in the game, they are likely to achieve better. This paper adds novelty to the body of knowledge in game-based learning by designing a mobile game application dubbed as “ALGEbright” that incorporates the use of avatar customization for the Algebra subject in secondary education. The ALGEBright is designed to provide an easy to understand and friendly user interface intended for beginners. Users can access the mobile app anytime and anywhere at their own convenience, a key feature of Mobile Learning. What makes the mobile app unique is aside from the character customization, the teacher or instructor module is incorporated in the application. This module allows teachers to view the results of the students and manage the exercises in the form of games. Software development methodology, features, and implications are further discussed in the paper.