Disaster Ranger: Development of a Digital Game for Teaching Disaster Preparedness in Kindergarten

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a digital game for teaching disaster preparedness in kindergarten. Using a mixed-method exploratory sequential design through descriptive developmental interviews with disaster risk reduction management personnel and kindergarten teachers informed the game’s design, while standardized quantitative survey evaluated the educational quality, acceptability, and usability using the Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS) Evaluating Rating Sheet for Non-Print Materials, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and System Usability Scale (SUS). Results revealed that typhoons is most experienced disaster in the province, while teachers emphasized integrating disaster concepts through engaging and age-appropriated method. Evaluation showed a consistently high mean across all factors. A mean score of 3.87 in LRMDS Evaluating Rating sheet reflects that the digital game meet the educational standard of Department of Education. A mean score of 3.88 in TAM indicate that teachers accept the digital game as an instructional material, while the 94.9 SUS score indicates that the digital game has an exceptional usability in classroom settings. These findings highlight the importance of integration of disaster preparedness in kindergarten curriculum using an age-appropriate, localized, and interactive instructional material.