Development of a Contextualized Digital Game on Typhoon Preparedness for Grade 8 Learners

Abstract

In the Philippines, typhoons are the most frequent natural disaster and can occur at any time of the year. Most of the studies on typhoon preparedness reported inadequately prepared or with low to moderate levels of preparedness. Even though these topics are already embedded in the K-12 curriculum with constructed diagrams and illustrations, their understanding of these concepts in Typhoon preparedness is not assured as they leave their formal schooling years. To address this issue, this study developed contextualized digital game as supplementary teaching material in teaching typhoon preparedness for Grade 8 learners in Junior High School to improve decision making and response knowledge of students in the occurrence of typhoon. The researcher utilized the ADDIE Model to developed digital game on typhoon preparedness based on the game element preference of the learners. Upon development, one hundred eighteen (118) respondents were chosen to test the reliability of the application which composed of grade 8 learners, in-service science and ICT teachers and CDRRMO personnel. Further, ISO 25010 was adapted assessing the project. The results showed that the game is strongly acceptable and gives appropriate output in terms of disaster preparation garnering a total mean of 4. The achievement test was used to measure the learners' achievement levels. Results showed a significant difference in the mean score of the learners in their pretest and posttest scores. The significant improvement in posttest scores suggests that the contextualized digital game intervention was successful in achieving its intended objectives. Hence, it indicates that the game designed to provide useful and accurate information on typhoon preparedness while promoting active participation and motivation, effectively enhanced the students' understanding and awareness of disaster preparedness measures. Also, the findings validate the contextualized digital game as a valuable educational tool for disseminating information on natural calamities such as typhoons.