International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 19, No. 3 (2023)

Integrating digital games for teenage mental health education in classroom teaching

Joseph Kizito Bada, Makerere University Business School
Bonface Abima, Makerere University Business School
Elizabeth Asianzu, Makerere University Business School
Maria Kafuko Miiro, Makerere University Business School
Fatuma Nakawoya, Makerere University Business School

Abstract
This study was on the development and integration of digital games for mental health education in secondary schools. Mental health challenges are becoming common among the youthful population due to substance and drug abuse and depression. A team of 5 researchers and 10 secondary school teachers jointly designed a digital game for teaching and learning mental health lessons in schools. The game prototype was tested and implemented in 5 secondary schools in a period of six weeks. A total of 218 students used the games to take mental health lessons. Game-based learning was evaluated using a questionnaire with five measurements on a Likert scale. The results indicate that the learning process was supported by the students’ experience of using digital games and their conscious attention when participating in game-based lessons. The adjusted r square value was 22.5%. Digital game-based learning is an effective tool for teenage mental health education in secondary schools.

Full Text: PDF

Research
Support Tool