Games+Learning+Society 12 Conference

This study examines how different aspects of avatar use on a science-game web platform influences motivation to play science games on this platform as well as STEM interest and STEM-learning self-efficacy. We developed a science-game web platform for this research on which we are testing our expectation that using a science-related avatar (compared to a general avatar), especially when this avatar is customized (not simply assigned), will lead to more positive effects on STEM-learning self-efficacy, STEM interest, and motivation to play STEM games. Data is being collected at a Midwestern university from undergraduate students as well as middle school-aged children. We hope to present the full results of this data collection and analysis at the GLS conference.