Author(s)

Kerui Fan

Corresponding Author

Kerui Fan

ABSTRACT

In this study, a biology class with online game Foldit is developed to improve junior high students’ performance during and after the class. To evaluate the effectiveness and influence of this class, thirty-three students in different junior high schools participate in the experimental class, those students are divided into two grades to have the class individually, Grade 8 and Grade 9. Learning achievement, learning interest, learning attitude and students’ responses are four dimensions to examine students’ performance. According the experimental results, students from two grades have significant higher percent correct after the experimental class, but students’ learning achievements in Grade 8 have stronger connection with the class, that is, the gamified class with Foldit has more influence on students of Grade 8 in learning achievement. After analyzing students’ questionnaires, students in both grades show higher interest in this biology class with online game Foldit, which means gamified class can activate students’ interest and improve their attitude in biology class in junior high schools. Besides, students’ responses also show that using small groups to play the game in class can stimulate students’ collaborations in groups and competition with other groups.

KEYWORDS

Biology class, online game Foldit, gamification, junior high students