Creating Entertaining Games with Educational Content: Case Studies of
User Experiences with the Children's Website, The Food Detectives Fight
BAC!®
A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty at the Curry School of Education,
University of Virginia, In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Degree Doctor of Philosophy
By Barbara Chamberlin, BA, MA, May, 2003
Abstract
This study reviews the gaming and entertainment preferences of 5 children
ages eight 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?”