Using a gesture interactive game-based learning approach to improve preschool children's learning performance and motor skills

• Published in: Computers and education 2016-04, Vol.95, p.151-162
• Main Authors: Hsiao, Hsien-Sheng, Chen, Jyun-Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Construction; Game theory; Games; Interactive; Interactive learning environments; Learning; Multimedia/hypermedia systems; Performance enhancement; Preschool children; Statistics; Teaching/learning strategies; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 0360-1315; 1873-782X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2016.01.005

Children love to play games, and early childhood is a critical time for developing motor skills. This study combined gesture-based computing technology and a game-based learning model to develop a gesture interactive game-based learning (GIGL) approach that was suitable for preschool children. In this research, the ASUS Xtion PRO was used as a game-based device to build a virtual interactive learning environment for preschoolers. The aim of this study was to implement the GIGL approach to improve the learning performance and motor skills (namely, coordination and agility) of the participants. Based on a quasi-experiment involving 105 preschoolers (average age 5.5 years), the results showed that the participants who used the GIGL approach demonstrated better learning performance and motor skills than those who used the traditional activity game-based learning approach, and the statistics showed a significant deviation between the two approaches. Thus, this study provides additional evidence that using a GIGL approach is an effective learning method that improves both learning performance and motor skills to a greater extent compared with the traditional activity game-based learning approach. •This study developed a gesture interactive game-based learning approach.•It combined gesture-based computing technology and game-based learning model.•A quasi-experiment with 105 preschoolers (average age 5.5 years) was conducted.•Learning performance and motor skills (coordination and agility) were evaluated.•This approach improved both learning performance and motor skills.