Developing a Pedagogical Framework for Designing a Multisensory Serious Gaming Environment

The importance of multisensory interaction for learning has

increased with improved understanding of children’s sensory

development, and a flourishing interest in embodied cognition.

The potential to foster new forms of multisensory interaction

through various sensor, mobile and haptic technologies is

promising in providing new ways for young children to engage

with key mathematical concepts. However, designing effective

learning environments for real world classrooms is challenging,

and requires a pedagogically, rather than technologically, driven

approach to design. This paper describes initial work

underpinning the development of a pedagogical framework,

intended to inform the design of a multisensory serious gaming

environment. It identifies the theoretical basis of the framework,

illustrates how this informs teaching strategies, and outlines key

technology research driven perspectives and considerations

important for informing design. An initial table mapping

mathematical concepts to design, a framework of considerations

for design, and a process model of how the framework will

continue to be developed across the design process are provided.