Finding resources, finding friends: using an alternate reality game for orientation and socialisation in a university enabling program

Sandra Elsom; Marguerite Westacott; Colleen Stieler-Hunt; Sarah Glencross; Kerry Rutter

doi:10.1080/10494820.2021.1894181

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Finding resources, finding friends: using an alternate reality game for orientation and socialisation in a university enabling program

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Finding resources, finding friends: using an alternate reality game for orientation and socialisation in a university enabling program

Sandra Elsom, Marguerite Westacott, Colleen Stieler-Hunt, Sarah Glencross and Kerry Rutter

Interactive Learning Environments, Vol.31(5), pp.2635-2649

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1894181

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Abstract

Higher Education

game-based learning

alternative reality game

serious games

orientation

enabling learning

Game-based learning has been recognised as a strategy to increase students’ engagement in higher education. Alternate reality games (ARG) provide players with the opportunity to apply newly developed knowledge and skills, such as visiting important campus locations and completing relevant activities. The collaborative nature of these games means they have the potential to support socialisation in the new environment. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the experience of 13 students who participated in an ARG during orientation week at a regional university in Australia. Data were collected using an online survey implemented at three time points, and from focus groups which took place at the end of the semester. Results of the analysis indicate that participants who played the game, reported a more positive emotional state, greater familiarity with the university campus and engaged in more social interactions than their peers who attended orientation, but did not play. These results suggest that an alternate reality game can engender positive emotions in new enabling program students and help them to create friendships at university. This impacts their sense of connectedness, one of the factors identified as important for success in higher education.

Details

Title: Finding resources, finding friends: using an alternate reality game for orientation and socialisation in a university enabling program
Authors: Sandra Elsom (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Tertiary Access - Legacy
Marguerite Westacott (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Tertiary Access - Legacy
Colleen Stieler-Hunt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Creative Industries - Legacy
Sarah Glencross (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Community Engagement
Kerry Rutter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Tertiary Access - Legacy
Publication details: Interactive Learning Environments, Vol.31(5), pp.2635-2649
Publisher: Routledge
DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2021.1894181
ISSN: 1774-5191
Organisation Unit: Engage Research Lab; Sustainability Research Centre; School of Business and Creative Industries; School of Education and Tertiary Access; School of Creative Industries - Legacy; School of Tertiary Access - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Community Engagement
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99512608702621
Output Type: Journal article

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