ZooQuest: A mobile game-based learning application for fifth graders

I finished my Human Centered Multimedia thesis at the University of Amsterdam and graduated with an 8! The abstract is presented as follows:

Motivation is considered one of the most important aspects in learning. Mobile game-based learning applications offer learning opportunities to keep the learner engaged and motivated. This study examined ZooQuest, a mobile game that supported fifth graders in the process of learning English as a second language. ZooQuest embedded the Mobile English Learning (MEL) application and was compared to MEL as a standalone application. Two groups were compared in a quasi experimental pre- and posttest design. The first group had English lessons at school, used the MEL application at the zoo and used the MEL application at home for 2 weeks. The second group solely used the ZooQuest application at home for 2 weeks. Fifth graders that used the ZooQuest application spent more time on learning at home than fifth graders that used the MEL application and obtained significant better learning results on the posttest than they did on the pretest. The ZooQuest application demonstrated its benefits in the practice of language learning outside school.

Keywords: mobile learning, serious games, motivation. Full text.