MiBoard: iSTART Metacognitive Training through Gaming

TL;DR

MiBoard is an online multiplayer game designed to enhance the effectiveness of the iSTART reading training by incorporating game elements like points and peer feedback, aiming to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

Contribution

This paper introduces a computer-based multiplayer game version of a physical educational game, integrating game features into iSTART to boost its effectiveness and engagement.

Findings

Improved student engagement through game features

Enhanced learning outcomes with multiplayer interaction

Increased motivation compared to traditional online practice

Abstract

MiBoard (Multiplayer Interactive Board Game) is an online, turn-based board game, which is a supplement of the iSTART (Interactive Strategy Training for Active Reading and Thinking) application. MiBoard is developed to test the hypothesis that integrating game characteristics (point rewards, game-like interaction, and peer feedback) into the iSTART trainer will significantly improve its effectiveness on students' learning. It was shown by M. Rowe that a physical board game did in fact enhance students' performance. MiBoard is a computer-based version of Rowe's board game that eliminates constraints on locality while retaining the crucial practice components that were the game's objective. MiBoard gives incentives for participation and provides a more enjoyable and social practice environment compared to the online individual practice component of the original trainer