JobStar Online: Game-Based Learning on Smartphones to Promote Youth Career Education

Abstract

Career education for the youth is a crucial social need and must be upgraded and made relevant to the current generation, to help the youth develop a positive attitude toward career development and prepare for emerging opportunities. Existing job search tools are not designed to change a job seeker’s focus from current job opportunities to future possibilities. We sought to address this need while appealing to the contemporary youth’s communication styles by developing and implementing an online smartphone game called JobStar Online. The game requires participants to analyze social issues and articulate future job needs. A formative user test was conducted to evaluate the impact of playing the game on participants. Results indicated that the game offered an engaging opportunity that enhanced social interaction and facilitated learning from other players. The instructional materials need refinement to help users become familiar with the game environment, but the game created a playful context for thinking about a serious topic and supported participants in practicing idea generation.