Design and Development of Visualization Approaches for Informal Learning Game Logs

Abstract

Given the non-face-to-face context of educational online games, the learning process cannot be observed directly, creating a problem for the evaluation of informal learning. Methods that concentrate on employing gameplay log data such as learning analytics and game-embedded assessment are considered to be able to solve this problem. In our former study, we proposed cluster analysis; however, this approach has the inherent limitation of not being able to deal with more than a few parameters, and it limits the deeper insights we may gain into the players’ learning process. In this study, our aim was to determine the interrelationship between player behavior and exploration progress in stages. For this purpose, we designed and developed two visualization approaches focused on individuals and groups, and their usability was evaluated through semi-structured interviews.