Creating entertaining games with educational content: Case studies of user experiences with the children's Website, Food Detectives Fight Bac!RTM

This study reviews the gaming and entertainment preferences of 5 children ages 8 to 12 as they use a children's website on food-borne illness— The Food Detectives Fight BAC!® Children were observed while using the website and were interviewed regarding its use. Qualitative analysis of the observation yielded case studies of two boys and three girls revealing use preferences and game characteristics that children consider “fun.” Cross case analysis revealed themes in children's attitudes and preferences as well as recommendations for development of game-like educational websites for children. Suggested development guidelines include preferences based on game play, control, feedback, usability and interface design. Findings hold implications for developing educational games and software in revisiting Thomas Malone's question, “What makes computer games fun?”...