Gaming to Learn Genetics

Author

Sarah WolfeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Honors Paper

Degree Name

Biology-BS

Department

Biology & Earth Science

Advisor

Dr. Jeffrey Lehman and Dr. Cynthia Laurie-Rose

First Committee Member

Dr. Jeffrey Lehman

Second Committee Member

Dr. Cynthia Laurie-Rose

Third Committee Member

Dr. Margaret Koehler

Keywords

genetics, learning, game-based learning, video games

Subject Categories

Genetics | Higher Education

Abstract

Digital game-based learning is an alternative to traditional lecture learning. It involves active engagement with concepts in a digital game setting and can apply to a variety of subjects, including STEM fields. We examined this type of learning in the context of an undergraduate introductory genetics course: specifically, use of a genetics video game for teaching. There were two groups: an experimental group that played the genetics game Geniventure, and a control group that read and studied Powerpoint lecture slides. Both groups took a pretest and posttest, as well as completed an I/D (interest/deprivation) scale and workload scale. There was no significant difference in pretest versus posttest score between the groups, and individuals in the experimental group had higher workload across all subscales compared to the control group. However, individuals with higher interest had higher test scores in the course’s first post-experiment major exam. Overall, although there was no significant difference in game-based learning transfer between the groups, this study could act as a preliminary study for further testing with genetics digital game-based learning.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

Wolfe, Sarah, "Gaming to Learn Genetics" (2023). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects. 146.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_honor/146

Acknowledgement 1

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Acknowledgement 2

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