New Tools in Education: Development and Learning Effectiveness of a Computer Application for Use in a University Biology Curriculum

In recent years student exposure to computer applications has increased at an unprecedented rate. Yet the use of these promising technologies in education remains in its infancy. The growing practice of ‘gamification’ offers today’s educators the means of conveying their lessons in a more engaging way, by utilising computer game mechanics. However, many of these learning tools have not been empirically evaluated. This research investigated the development of a desktop computer application, to replace an existing learning resource, a video, currently used by over 700 life sciences students a year in one of the top 100 universities of the world. The interactive game presents the same essential information as the video, on key anatomical features of mammalian skulls, and provides student self-testing. Results from a two-treatment, pre- and post-intervention experimental design suggest the new product is better for providing both knowledge acquisition and a positive learning experience. Nevertheless, the results are unlikely to be statistically significant. Insights from the findings are discussed and directions for future research are given.