An Experimental Study of the Effect of Online Math Games on Student Performance and Engagement
Abstract: The purpose of this experimental study was to examine the effect of playing competitive online math games on high school students’ engagement and performance in adding integers. Three Algebra 1 classes with 39 ninth grade students at an urban high school in the Midwest were assigned to one of two math practice groups: traditional flashcard practice using the computer (control group), and integer addition practice using an integer addition game on the Arcademics website against other students in the class (experimental group). Engagement was measured with an eGameFlow survey, while performance was measured using a gain score calculated from pre and posttests of student knowledge of basic integer addition facts. Mann-Whitney U and linear regression analysis was used to test various hypotheses and the results demonstrate both performance and engagement increases with use of competitive online games as compared to students using the individual drill and practice flashcards on the computer.