Organic Fanatic: A Quiz-Based Mobile Application Game to Support Learning the Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds

Abstract

Organic Fanatic is a free-of-charge quiz-based mobile application game that encourages students to test their abilities and enhance their learning of organic structure and reactivity through a fun, arcade-style interface. Students can attempt a total of 270 multiple choice questions, choosing from a possible 1080 associated answers that can be selected from 9 different functional group categories at varying difficulties. The game can be played in single player mode as part of independent learning or in multiplayer mode, facilitating student interaction. Organic Fanatic was provided to first-year undergraduate students studying chemistry, biochemistry, or natural sciences degree programs as a resource following all organic chemistry teaching but ahead of the examination period. Students found Organic Fanatic to be an innovative and enjoyable resource where they could learn organic chemistry through play and via the convenience of using their smart phones. Such an interactive resource has shown to be a useful component to facilitate a blended learning environment in organic chemistry instruction.