The effect of application of multimedia design principles in educational game environment on students' achievement, cognitive load and flow experience scores

Within this research, it is aimed to reveal the effects of background music, game speed, number of items that can be collected in the game, level, feedback, pre-training progress bar and color preferences on learning performance, flow experience and cognitive load in educational games. In addition, this research, which aims to reveal the effectiveness of educational games, gamification and worksheets in the learning experience, was designed as a quantitative research supported by qualitative data. In this study, which was planned as a random experimental research with a pretest-posttest control group, data were collected via two knowledge tests, a cognitive load scale and flow scale, as well as an open-ended question. While the knowledge tests and flow scale were developed within the scope of in this research, the Subjective Cognitive Load Scale was used as the cognitive load scale. The developed flow scale within the scope of the researchis in the form of a 5-point Likert consisting of 16 items and the Cronbach alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.932. Experimental applications were carried out with the participation of seventh grade students studying at the campuses of a private school in different cities in Turkey. As a result of the analyzes carried out, it was determined that the background music, speed, pre-training content, feedback and progress bar had a positive effect on the flow experience, cognitive load management and learning performance. Nevertheless, it has been determined that choosing contrast colors in educational games provides more effective benefits in terms of flow experience, cognitive load and learning performance. Lastly, it was concluded that the number of items that can be collected in educational games should be determined in a way that allows students to adequately rehearse the target learning.