Integrating Mobile Games in Arabic Orthography Classrooms

Considerable advances in the capabilities of modern mobile devices have enabled their use as powerful educational tools. Today, mobile learning games are widely used as creative platforms for teaching and learning, offering enjoyable and ubiquitous educational content. This study describes the design and evaluation of a mobile Arabic orthography game aimed at improving Arabic orthographical skills among young learners. In particular, 52 female fourth-grade students participated in this study to answer the following research questions: what impact does the use of mobile Arabic orthography games have on students’ performance, and how do students perceive this learning approach? A mixed-method research design was adopted to answer these research questions, including pre-and post-tests, interviews, and classroom observations. Analysis of the data revealed that, although there were a few challenges involved in using mobile games as a learning tool, significant improvements were found in students’ performance and engagement, and positive attitudes were developed towards using the mobile game. In addition, there was an overall increase in students’ motivation and interaction. The pedagogical implications of these findings can be linked to the gamification of the teaching and learning environments. Teachers are encouraged to consider integrating mobile educational games into their instructional approaches, as they can serve as great incentives to learning (especially for young students).