A Usability Evaluation of a Serious Game for Tackling Bullying and Cyberbullying in Primary Education by Pre-service Teachers

Abstract The use of serious games has been shown to be effective in different subjects of primary education, but they can also help in tackling bullying. A serious game on this subject aimed at primary school students has been developed using RPG Maker software. These resources should be designed considering usability, so that any of their users (teachers or students) can use them properly. Once developed, the evaluation of the usability becomes relevant, leading us to two scenarios for usability evaluation by teachers. Firstly, positive evaluation by teachers regarding its usability is crucial, so that any teacher, regardless of their characteristics, can easily use the resource with their students and feel comfortable doing so. Secondly, following teaching material development models, conducting a prototype implementation and evaluation of the educational resource prior to implementation with future real recipients is imperative to ensure a positive experience for them. This study evaluates the usability of the serious game ‘About Us’ as an educational resource for tackling bullying and cyberbullying in primary education according to pre-service teachers. The 98 pre-service teachers positively evaluated the resource’s usability, and there were no differences by gender, frequency of playing video games or the technological device used to play. Significant differences were found in some specific items and in the global usability value, based on pre-service teachers’ degrees and years of experience playing video games. Teacher training is essential to facilitate the use of video games into classrooms and to exploit games’ educational potential regardless of teachers’ gaming experience.