How Game Experiences Affect Game Behavioral Patterns in a MMORPG-based Learning Environment?

Recently, close attention has been directed to MMORPGs for education purposes because of the features of problem-solving quests, realistic scenarios, role-playing, and team-work mechanisms that stimulate learners' motivation. This paper outlined a study of how game experiences affect game behavioral patterns. 55 sixth-grade students located in northern Taiwan participated in the study. They were classified as learners with higher/ lower game experience, their game behaviors in a MMORPG-based learning environment were coded and videotaped, and analyzed. Based on the results, the study indicated that learners' game experience affected their game behavior patterns regarding to game achievement, socialization, and online game assistance. The findings of this study could help teachers consider how effectively utilizing an educational game for enhancing students' learning effectiveness in MMORPGs.