Reflective Blog #2 (4) Research in Educational Technology 4/5

Kebritchi, Mansureh. (2010). Factors affecting teacher's adoption of

educational computer games: A case study. British Journal of

Educational Technology, 41(2), 256-270,

Retrieved February 25, 2010 from EBSCO Host Academic

Search Complete.

Author Mansureh Kebritchi, PhD, is an Instructional Technology graduate from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida. The purpose of the study is to inform educators and instructional designers on factors affecting teachers' adoption of modern educational computer games. He is a strong believer that educational software are considered effective teaching tools because they use action instead of explanation. It also creates personal motivation and satisfaction to the user. The final results of this study showed that educational computer games are considered powerful tools that have the potential for improving the quality of the educational system. The methods used in the case study were to use experienced teachers who were looking for engaging interactive tools to enhance the teaching of complicated subjects. The three teachers used for the study played the game for 2 hours straight. Dimenxian, the name of the computer game, was used in the study to investigate teachers perceptions on its adoption. It is a game that teaches students how to graph linear equations and understand coordinate system. The key attributes of the study included, was the game compatible, its complexity, the trail ability, and the observability. The teachers suggested that the combination of learning with fun and the learners learning preference were the two main reasons of using the game. Teachers also concluded that the game was helpful for students who struggle grasping concepts like the graph. It also puts a fun twist on learning, kids love anything relating to video games. The findings of the study showed that the game was effective. The game also included gender neutral features. the game consists of compatibility with state and national standards which is important. There also is an opportunity for players to access a trial version of the game prior to purchase. Overall this study will be helpful to identify adoption factors of Dimenxian as well as similar educational computer games.