Game-based learning in science: The use of an educational game in parasitology
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Parasitology is an important subject matter that is highly complex. This complexity creates challenges with student comprehension and engagement. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an educational game called Parasite Patrol in two upper-level zoology courses: An Introduction to Invertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 401) and Principles in Parasitism (ZOOL 581). The game was strategically designed using the essential elements outlined by Malone (1980) to create an effective and engaging learning tool. Through the utilization of a pre and post-game survey design, we assessed the impact of playing Parasite Patrol on undergraduate students' knowledge of parasitology, attitudes towards parasites, and attitudes towards educational games. We identified that students in both courses had an improved performance on parasite knowledge questions after playing the game, more positive attitudes towards parasites, and enjoyed using the game as a learning tool.
Description
An undergraduate thesis on game-based learning in parasitology.
Keywords
Parasitology, Educational games
Citation
Nykyforuk, C. (2021). Game-based learning in science: The use of an educational game in parasitology [Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis]. University of Calgary.