Social Constructivism in Games Based Learning in The South African Context

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Foko, T. & Amory, A. (2008). Social Constructivism in Games Based Learning in The South African Context. In J. Luca & E. Weippl (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2008 (pp. 5757-5764). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/29180.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Conference Information

World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA) 2008
Vienna, Austria
June 30, 2008
ISBN 1-880094-65-7
  Joseph Luca & Edgar R. Weippl
AACE

More Information on EDMEDIA
Table of Contents

Authors

Thato Foko, Centre for Information Technology in Higher Education, South Africa; Alan Amory, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

This research investigates the use of computer video games in teaching and learning of learners from disadvantaged communities and is guided by the design experiment/development research paradigm, which calls for a pragmatic epistemology that regards learning theory as being collaboratively shaped by researchers and practitioners with the overall goal of solving real problems. Participating schools are Buhlebemfundo Secondary, Qhakaza High and University of Zululand. Vygotsky’s social constructivism which views learning as a social construct mediated by language grounds the study. Firstly, the study examines the effectiveness of an adventure game Zadarh to overcome misconceptions related to photosynthesis and respiration. Secondly, yKhozi, a 3D virtual world adventure game, is utilized to determine if games, when used as mediating artefacts in a social context, support the development of educational literacy and communication skills. Finally, the study concludes that computer games are effective learning tools if designed to inculcate social interactions and dialogue.

Keywords

• Elementary Education
• Virtual Environments
• Information Sciences
• Educational Technology
• Information Communication Technologies

Also Read

• QR Codes: A Quick Response for Education
• Avatars as Pedagogical Agents for Digital Game-Based Learning
• Development of a Multimedia Software System for Teaching English as a Foreign Language to South Korean University Students
• A Special Passage Through Asia E-Learning
• Emerging Vocabulary Learning: From a Perspective of Activities Facilitated by Mobile Devices
• Learning and Teaching with Electronic Games
• Education and Information Technology 2012: A Selection of AACE Award Papers
• Vocabulary Acquisition by Secondary Students: Only an App Away
• Quality of Students’ Communicative Strategies Delivered Through Computer-Mediated Communications
• Tween Avatars: What do online personas convey about their makers?

Tags