Prosocial games for inclusion: Interaction patterns and game outcomes for elementary-aged children

Publication date: Available online 5 August 2019Source: International Journal of Child-Computer InteractionAuthor(s): Sarah Parsons, Efstathia Karakosta, Michael Boniface, Simon CrowleAbstractThere is good evidence that children’s prosocial skills are positively associated with health, well-being, and academic outcomes. Games-based approaches have demonstrated strong potential for teaching prosocial skills in both digital and non-digital formats. However, much of this research focuses on middle-childhood and adolescence and is based on self-reports from teachers, children, and parents. This paper reports on the pilot evaluation of a digital co-operative game (The Chase), which is based on a ‘shared goal’ interaction pattern such that children have to co-operate in order to be successful in the game. 49 children from Italy and 22 children from the UK, aged 7-10 years participated, playing the game twice in small groups during the course of a day. Children’s moves during gameplay were assessed using logging data, and their interactions with each other represented using a graphical social network analysis. Usability feedback was also obtained from some children and pedagogical possibilities explored with teachers. Findings show that even within a very short period children shifted towards a more co-operative mode of play. The social network analysis revealed the dynamics of these interactions while playing the game. Children enjoyed the game and were highly motivated by ...
Source: International Journal of Child Computer Interaction - Category: Child Development Source Type: research