Samuel Kai Wah Chu1, Alvin C M Kwan1, Rebecca Reynolds2, Robin R Mellecker3, Frankie Tam4, Grace Lee5, Athena Hong6, Ching Yin Leung1. 1. 1 Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China . 2. 2 School of Communication and Information, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , New Brunswick, New Jersey. 3. 3 Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China . 4. 4 FifthWisdom Technology Ltd. , Hong Kong SAR, China . 5. 5 The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China . 6. 6 School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China .
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: A game application, "Making Smart Choices", was developed to fill the gap of limited easy-to-access resources available on sex education in Hong Kong and to disseminate correct knowledge and positive attitudes toward sex to teenagers using popular platforms such as tablets, Facebook, and the Web. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three versions of the game (iPAD, Facebook, and Web-based) were developed using HTML5. A theoretical framework that involved game-based learning and participatory design approach was used to design, develop, modify, and optimize the game for use with secondary school students (n=1176) 12-16 years of age. Pre- and post-test scores of students' safer sex knowledge were compared to test the effectiveness of the game. Students' survey and interviews were analyzed to assess participant feelings and attitudes toward the game. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test indicated that students' sex knowledge (n=788) improved with a medium effect size (0.477) after playing the game. Increases in positive attitudes toward sex and relationship and in awareness of making smart sexual choices were reported from student surveys and interviews. Students described the game as "interesting," "interactive," "informative," and "real-to-life." CONCLUSIONS: We advocate that the participatory design approach, which supports collaborative efforts of different stakeholders, is an effective framework for developing game-based learning tools for sex education. Our work provides preliminary findings that suggest game-based learning, preferably delivered through popular interactive platforms, can be effective in promoting sex education to teenagers.
OBJECTIVES: A game application, "Making Smart Choices", was developed to fill the gap of limited easy-to-access resources available on sex education in Hong Kong and to disseminate correct knowledge and positive attitudes toward sex to teenagers using popular platforms such as tablets, Facebook, and the Web. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three versions of the game (iPAD, Facebook, and Web-based) were developed using HTML5. A theoretical framework that involved game-based learning and participatory design approach was used to design, develop, modify, and optimize the game for use with secondary school students (n=1176) 12-16 years of age. Pre- and post-test scores of students' safer sex knowledge were compared to test the effectiveness of the game. Students' survey and interviews were analyzed to assess participant feelings and attitudes toward the game. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test indicated that students' sex knowledge (n=788) improved with a medium effect size (0.477) after playing the game. Increases in positive attitudes toward sex and relationship and in awareness of making smart sexual choices were reported from student surveys and interviews. Students described the game as "interesting," "interactive," "informative," and "real-to-life." CONCLUSIONS: We advocate that the participatory design approach, which supports collaborative efforts of different stakeholders, is an effective framework for developing game-based learning tools for sex education. Our work provides preliminary findings that suggest game-based learning, preferably delivered through popular interactive platforms, can be effective in promoting sex education to teenagers.
Authors: Joan R Cates; Bernard F Fuemmeler; Sandra J Diehl; Laurie L Stockton; Jeannette Porter; Chioma Ihekweazu; Arshya S Gurbani; Tamera Coyne-Beasley Journal: Games Health J Date: 2017-11-21
Authors: Hussein Haruna; Xiao Hu; Samuel Kai Wah Chu; Robin R Mellecker; Goodluck Gabriel; Patrick Siril Ndekao Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-09-17 Impact factor: 3.390