Game designers and researchers have sought to create gameful environments that consider user preferences to increase engagement and motivation. In this sense, it is essential to identify the most suitable game elements for users' profiles. Designers and researchers must choose strategies to classify users into predefined profiles and select the…

There are plentiful online programming resources that enable learners to develop an understanding of conceptual knowledge and practical implementation. However, learners, especially novices, often experience difficulties locating the required information to solve the programming problems. Differ from natural language in syntax and convention,…

Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, this study investigates how different player types--achiever, explorer, killer, and socializer--engage with gamified learning elements in higher education. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory--which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation--the research…

Histology is a preclinical subject transversal in medical, dental, and veterinary curricula. Classical teaching approaches in histology are often undermined by lower motivation and engagement of students, which may be addressed by innovative learning environments. Herein, we developed a serious game approach and compared it with a classical…

Background: Attention has been paid to collaboration in digital game-based learning, as it fosters interaction and student engagement, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. Previous findings about the effect of collaboration in digital game-based learning were inconsistent, and few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms, particularly…

Gamification has been widely used to design better educational systems aiming to increase students' concentration, motivation, engagement, flow experience, and others positive experiences. With advances in research on gamification in education, over the past few years, many studies have highlighted the need to tailor the gamification design…

This research examines the effect of critical reflection activities in an educational environment that uses active and blended learning experiences for students to develop confidence, motivation, and engagement with their learning. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted on a sample of 137 Communications and Media students, who were involved…

This study aimed to investigate the impact of gamification on students' learning outcomes in a higher secondary school subject, specifically focusing on the topic of Morphology. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, involving an experimental group that received gamified instruction using Kahoot and a control group that received…

This study examines the relationship between game-based student response systems (GSRS) and college student academic performance. GSRS, such as Kahoot!, are emerging in classrooms as a "fun" way to review course material and test student understanding. Its increasing usage begs the question of its effectiveness for students. Therefore,…

Digital games are considered relevant in higher education due to their ability to foster authentic, active and experiential learning opportunities that are of importance in engineering education. However, as a relatively new pedagogical tool, there is the need to understand the perceptions of engineering students as well as to identify factors…

The article discusses the efficacy of game-based learning (GBL) in logistics education, specifically through an empirical evaluation of the "Logistics Simulator LOST." Recognizing the complexities of evaluating serious games--interactive serious games platforms designed for educational, purpose--the article emphasizes the need for games…

Understanding the global water cycle is fundamental to Earth systems literacy and fostering an informed citizenry; however, students often struggle with terminology, the role of key processes, and estimating the physical and temporal scales, leaving knowledge gaps that impair comprehension. The Hydrologic Cycle Game is a pedagogical tool for…

The application of gamification for educational purposes has been widely reported with mixed results. Successful application, in most cases, is subjective and failures or mistakes are often downplayed when in reality, there is much to be learnt from these (failed) attempts. Despite the unique nature of each context and target audience,…

While the use of games for learning in higher education is well established, existing research provides limited understanding of individual experiences that shape engagement and learning in collaborative learning games. Insights into players' individual experiences can, however, contribute to a more nuanced utilization of learning games and to…

Game-based learning (GBL) has long been recognized as an effective way to engage students in learning through games, but little emphasis has been placed on scaffolding support for students, which hinders their learning. Therefore, our design of Space Adventure GBL ties games closely to scaffolds at every stage and investigates what role games and…