“The Little Seed and the Wind”: Digital Intervention Tool for Geography and Empathy

Author

Maritha Pocorni-Humphries, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2020

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Colette Daiute

Subject Categories

Early Childhood Education

Keywords

geography, game-based learning, student performance.

Abstract

Educational researchers agree that there is an absence of student engagement in our primary education institutions. They also acknowledge that learner engagement could enhance their overall behavior. What could be done to promote learning, involve students and sustain their motivation? Why should we admit that students tend to show more involvement and engagement during digital interactivity? This paper describes my motivation behind my designed digital geographical educational intervention tool which in a playful way introduces and teaches 4- and 5-years old children the seven continents and the seven oceans. Drawing on the underpinning concept of game-based learning theory my framework investigates the motivational, cognitive, social and technological components to illustrate the efficacy of my game. Students could for example choose what page to start and how they want to navigate through the game. This level of agency may enhance the learner’s engagement which in turn also could improve their educational achievements. Additionally, technology-based learning is beneficial for student performance since it assures privacy, provides immediate feedback which allows trial and error, are also discussed. Submitting this version of my game should be seen as part of the ongoing development process of revising images for example my world map into an interactive one, the audio, as well as expanding the game such as adding iconic buildings, information about cultures of countries and cities, global languages, the process of germination and an inventory of different seeds to choose from and try to grow them in the game.

Key terms: geography, game-based learning, student performance.

Comments

Online component: http://www.edukids.xyz/

Recommended Citation

Pocorni-Humphries, Maritha, "“The Little Seed and the Wind”: Digital Intervention Tool for Geography and Empathy" (2020). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4110