motivation

I came across an educational game on the internet (education.com) “school bus spelling”.  I tried it out and then gave my 7 year old brother a turn to play. My little brother was very happy I let him play this game and even asked me to download it on the family’s tablet. It’s a simple game to play yet has exciting music and pictures.  The aim of the game is too help the school bus get to school by spelling the word the narrator tells you correctly. This will cause the bridges to be built so the children can get to school.  A game usually motivates kids to learn because it’s exciting and fun. The game I picked includes some of the 6 C’s. This game includes a challenge which helps student’s motivation to overcome the challenge. There are different levels that one can choose which creates a challenge for learners who want something a bit more difficult. Secondly, in the game the player has the choice to pick the first letter from a list of letters. After the player choses the first letter the narrator tells you a word to spell that includes the first letter you chose. Malone and Lepper (1983) explain that when a child is given a choice or options it enhances intrinsic motivation. This also lets the player take control of the game and their learning. Students are motivated when they are given some control. This is a single player game where you are in control at all times. When you touch any of the letters the narrator clearly says the sound of the letter I think this is a great learning tool since a player will hear the narrator and learn the correct sound. Lastly this game helps construct meaning by realizing the importance of spelling. When a child constructs meaning with what they are learning they become motivated to learn more because they see the importance. This game encourages students with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The player receives compliments and the reward of having the bridge built by the narrator of the game as extrinsic motivation. This will then lead to intrinsic motivation because the students will recognize the importance of spelling.