First-Order Platformer

Controls

Left and Right  Movement - Left & Right Arrow keys / A & D

Jump - SPACE / Up / W

Exit Level Doors - E

Pick-Up / Put-Down Boxes - F

Abstract

This dissertation details the development and evaluation of the serious game First-Order Platformer as a teaching aid for first-order logic concepts, designed primarily for individuals with little prior knowledge. Mathematical concepts, such as first-order logic, are typically taught in schools using textbooks. Evidence suggests that serious games utilised in such contexts have significant educational benefits, specifically regarding engagement, due to their interactive nature. 

Serious games teaching first-order logic are few in existence. Those available lack structure for players and can be inaccessible due to required payments and package installation. These games can be improved such that content delivery is managed through carefully considered level progression and made freely available to play online. The designed game intends to fill this gap in resources available for learning first-order logic. Inspiration for the game's design was taken from existing games, and design principles relating to teaching efficacy were applied as a result of background research on learning theory. 

The game's efficacy as a teaching aid was assessed through user testing. Feedback was given on various aspects of the game, such as perceived difficulty, enjoyment, and learning gain. The results showed that significant learning was achieved overall regardless of participants' mathematical backgrounds. Analysis of the data indicated a steady increase in the game's difficulty depending on how many levels a participant completed. However, it was observed that some levels could be completed by trial and error, hence informing future work to design more complex levels to increase the learning potential of the game. Qualitative feedback showed that the game was fun to play, intuitive and highly engaging. It was concluded that First-order Platformer is an effective tool for learning first-order logic concepts, which is available to play for free online, thus meeting the objectives of the project.