TickAttack!

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the Drexel University College of Medicine, TickAttack! is a public health tool that delivers pedagogical content on tick-borne disease prevention through a game-based learning interface. The system is designed for a broad audience and leverages interactive modules to instruct on tick identification, habitat awareness, and personal protective measures. The game-based format is engineered to reinforce key learning objectives and enhance knowledge retention regarding practices for preventing tick exposure and associated illnesses.

Evidence & Research Context

• The application is an example of digital game-based learning (DGBL), a pedagogical approach documented in educational research to enhance learner motivation.
• Associated research in higher education contexts explores the faculty experience of designing and implementing DGBL tools like TickAttack! as creative solutions to specific instructional challenges.
• A multi-case study reports that educators adopting this modality are often intrinsically motivated and describe their implementation experiences as positive, with support from institutional administration and peers.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is designed for the general public as a supplementary resource for public health education. Its primary utility is to disseminate foundational knowledge on tick-borne disease prevention in an engaging format. The application does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.