Mobile game-based learning with Opi app: lessons learned with a children usability evaluation

• Ingrid Teixeira Monteiro UFC
• Marcelo Q. de Lima Brilhante UEC
• Jessica M. Ávila dos Santos UFC
• Francisco C. de Mattos Brito Oliveira UEC
• Ana C. Bernardo de Oliveira Dell

Abstract

Smartphones have been an alternative resource in emergency remote learning. In this paper, we introduce the Opi application, an educational game aimed at students from the 1st to the 5th grade of elementary school. The application was developed with the objective of contributing to the engagement and motivation of children in the context of remote classes during the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to promoting the participation of parents in the process. The main functionalities and characteristics of Opi are described from a mobile game-based learning framework. We report the usability evaluation carried out with children and parents, listing the problems found and the suggestions and feedback. It ends with some lessons learned on the design and evaluation for children in the context of the pandemic and of mobile game-based learning.

Keywords: mobile game-based learning, usability, children interaction, pandemic, Covid-19, learning at home