Investigation of Key Principles of Game-Play and Their Abstraction to Enhance Learning in Rural Children

摘要

The paper outlines the outcome of an undergraduate design project that focused on user-centric design approach in designing an activity-based learning solution for upper primary students in rural Assam. The advantages of introducing games to classroom learning were studied through literature review. Ethnographic research methods were followed. Interviews were conducted amongst students, parents and teachers in rural schools in Guwahati, and insights drawn to design a set of activities that were implemented amongst identified schools. Feedback received from the initial pilot study was further incorporated into the solution and the improvised version was tested for its usability. Results obtained from the usability test were analyzed for their significance and effectiveness. In conclusion, the paper highlights the experience in design methods for the design of educational aids for learning that incorporate the principles of game-play and act as a supplement to the current system of school education.