Gamification, User-Centered Design and Learning Objectives as the Basis for a Minigame-Based Cardiovascular Anatomy ITS

Reva Freedman, Virginia Naples, Ian Sullivan, Lucas Edwards, Dean Labarbera

Abstract: We are building an ITS based on a three-dimensional matrix of minigames to teach human anatomy and physiology. The three dimensions are the bodily organ, the learning objective and the user’s point of view, whether pedagogical or one of a variety of clinical tasks. The intended audience is advanced undergraduates majoring in the medical and allied health professions who are required to master this topic. The system is based on the principles of reusable gamification and design elements, user-centered design and explicit learning objectives. We illustrate the initial games we have developed and explain the role of the design principles in speedy and effective development. Our goal is to increase student success by aligning the system to the way students prefer to learn.