Leveling the Playing Field: Amplifying Rural Student Voices in Game-Based Learning Design with a Rural User Experience (RUX) Kit

Abstract

This paper introduces the Rural User Experience (RUX) initiative, developed to assess and address the unique challenges faced by rural users in educational technology testing, particularly for game-based learning applications. By piloting a RUX kit and its associated activities in rural Missouri, this initiative aims to minimize sampling bias in user experience (UX) testing, especially in underserved rural areas where transportation and communication barriers persist. This work-in-progress paper evaluates the feasibility of using iMotions, an advanced UX testing software, to conduct on-site and remote data collection, specifically through eye-tracking and facial expression analysis. Tests were performed on three games under development: vSchool, Mission Vita Nova, and Mission HydroSci, across laboratory, remote, and rural school settings. The paper discusses training provided to researchers, the tools employed, and the outcomes of rural student engagement. While this phase of the initiative revealed both successes and limitations in the applicability of iMotions, it also highlighted the need for further development and testing of alternative UX tools for rural contexts. This work contributes valuable insights for future researchers and practitioners interested in enhancing UX inclusivity in game-based learning environments.