The learning of theory in Computer Applications (CPA) poses a great challenge to many Normal Technical students. The students generally find it an insurmountable task to memorise definitions, facts and terminologies in the subject. This results in teachers facing difficulties in engaging and motivating students in the learning of theory in CPA. The pedagogical approach to engage students in the learning of theory in CPA is through the use of a game-based learning website called Zondle.
The main feature of this website uses games to support learning. Teachers created questions for learners to answer, providing them with a myriad of games to play if the answers are correct. Each correct answer earns them points which can be converted to Zollars. Teachers make use of the Zollars Leader Board to update students of their progress. Another feature, Zondle Challenge, is an interactive quiz which allows students to participate together as a class. This requires all students to respond to each question within a given time limit via their mobile phones, tablets or laptops. After all students had submitted their responses, the teacher will reveal and discuss the answer of each question with the students. The overall ranking of results will be shown to the students at the end of the quiz.
Through Zondle, the teachers are empowered to create and share content to meet the specific learning needs of individual students. The students no longer feel the stress of learning theory in CPA, as they get to learn theory and play games at the same time. Teachers in turn use extrinsic motivation by rewarding the students based on their Zollars earned to influence the students to work harder. Results collated across all levels show that students’ retention of computer knowledge related to the syllabus has improved tremendously after lessons using Zondle games are implemented.
