All-in-one: impact study of an online math game for educational purposes

Abstract

The purpose of this evaluation study is to address the impact of an educational game in strengthening mathematical skills and knowledge. Within this framework, the study deals with the appropriateness of specific game elements corresponding to the success of a math game, taking 65 Austrian players and a control group of 41 players of a different game into account. While an exploratory factor analysis confirms the validity and reliability of the 30-item scale, linear regression analyses illustrate the significant positive impact of the game's flow to its success. An independent t-test as well as an ANOVA demonstrate no significant differences between genders. However, a Kruskal-Wallis test stresses that the game elements are significantly important for different age-groups. In addition, the results show that the game elements should be chosen carefully with respect to the educational objectives. This impact study supports the positive research stream referring to the high potential of games as an educational instrument in math education.