Title: Exploring support mechanisms for learners at-risk through a coupled game environment

Authors: Birgit Schmitz; Roland Klemke; Marcus Specht

Addresses: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Welten Institute – Research Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology, Open University of the Netherlands, NL-PO Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Welten Institute – Research Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology, Open University of the Netherlands, NL-PO Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Welten Institute – Research Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology, Open University of the Netherlands, NL-PO Box 2960, 6401 DL Heerlen, The Netherlands

Abstract: Dropping out of the schooling system is one of the prevailing problems placing youths at-risk. With this paper, we propose possible support mechanisms for learners at-risk by analysing the characteristics of a coupled game. We provide a detailed description of an educational setting that is directed at supporting this target group and evaluate its individual design elements with regard to learners' attraction to the game environment, their motivation to deal with learning content and the knowledge gain. Study results suggest that the pattern Coupled Games as realised by way of SMS interventions provides chances to support the target group.

Keywords: pattern approach; coupled games; pervasive games; SMS notifications; short message service; learners at risk; game-based learning; GBL; potential drop-outs; school drop-outs; learner motivation; learning content; knowledge gain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2014.064493

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2014 Vol.9 No.2, pp.202 - 217

Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article