Effects of game-based learning on informal historical learning: A learning analytics approach

Abstract

Game-based learning for informal learning has become an issue in digital game-based learning research. However, assessments from the observations of the learning process are difficult in the non-face-to-face situation of an informal settings. This research aims to evaluate the effects of a game-based informal learning system for history, “Hist Maker ” integrating the external assessment with tests and the game-embedded assessment with the analysis of players’ gameplay log data. For the data analysis, we integrated the statistical model and learning analytics technology through cluster analysis. This approach allowed us to draw conclusions about the correlation between players’ behavior patterns and learning effects in the game. These conclusions show the potential of this approach to solve the observation problem in research on serious games for informal learning.