BIO

Kayla Cardenas is a senior from Miami attending Florida State University's College of Communication & Information. She is pursuing a degree in Media Communication Studies (BS) with a minor in Information Technology. In her time at FSU she has worked with various FSU organizations such as International Programs, University Libraries, and Information Technology Services. She is experienced in digital marketing, UI/UX design, and project management, with research interests in game-based learning and artificial intelligence. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to apply to graduate school to further her knowledge in the media and technology fields.

Designing and Developing a Game-based Learning Experience for Healthier Eating

Abstract

Educating individuals on healthy eating habits is important in order to negate the development of eating disorders and correct unhealthy eating habits. Game-based learning has been proven to be instrumental in demonstrating certain scenarios where players can explore in a safe environment. This is valuable to teaching healthy eating habits that can then be practiced in real life, as teaching in a game-based environment allows room for error and improvement in eating practices. Making players aware of how to practice intuitive and mindful eating through game-based learning will encourage a preference for healthier meals based on decisions made about attitude. This game simulation includes gauges for satiation, satisfaction, and nutrition, which are all measures that can be used to determine healthy or unhealthy eating in real life. Players will balance and maintain these gauges through trial and error in navigating how to make healthy food recipes. If the player ends up making unhealthy food, the game will provide multiple-choice questions on how to make certain recipes healthier. A balanced and attentive approach to food consumption can be attained by cultivating an awareness of emotional triggers for eating. The ultimate goal of this educational game is to provide an alternative approach to educating individuals about healthy eating practices through game-based learning, emphasizing self-awareness and rejecting restrictive diets in favor of a more customized and holistic approach to well-being.

Keywords: video game, healthy eating