In educational settings, gamified learning integrates a variety of game elements to improve the learning experience, but a thorough analysis comparing different combinations of these elements is sparse. This meta-analysis consolidated data from 182 effect sizes across 37 randomized or quasi-randomized trials to assess the impact of gamified…

Scholars in teacher education have observed that the dichotomy between teachers' professional and personal identities could restrain their pursuits of adopting innovative approaches in the classroom. At the same time, adopting new pedagogical approaches often contests teachers' professional identities and confidence. In this paper, we examine a…

Researchers have indicated the importance of engaging learners in self-regulated learning (SRL) states when situated in game-based learning contexts; however, it remains a challenge for both educational and educational technology researchers to effectively integrate both. To this end, this study investigated how SRL strategies are interwoven with…

This qualitative research study aims to examine the potential of the commercially available serious game, Spiritfarer. The study focuses on the game's unique approach to serious themes and its ability to facilitate discussions about grief. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze lived experience descriptions from 54 participants. Findings…

This study explores the roles of students' help-seeking profiles when seeking help from AI chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, in a digital game-based learning environment, "Summon of Magicrystal." The study involved 102 middle school students who played an online game with the provision of ChatGPT and sought help from ChatGPT while solving…

Research on the educational value of play tends to focus on active players, especially when evaluating novel interaction technologies. However, a long history of scholarship underscores observing communal practice as a primary means of enculturation and learning. This paper demonstrates learning opportunities available within a range of…

This systematic review, utilizing the PRISMA framework, analyzes 248 international and 143 Iranian articles to provide an overview of studies on games in education. It examines five key themes: common terminology, methodology, type of study, variables studied, and technologies used, presenting findings in the same order of priority.…

Recently scientists have underscored a significant mismatch between the latest theoretical Computational Thinking conceptualizations as an upcoming literacy that goes beyond computer science, and its operationalizations in current empirical research and designs, which are limited to coding-centred and domain-specific tools and approaches. To…

Many studies have incorporated concept maps into digital games to enable learners to make connections between subject concepts in the game. However, most learners do not associate spontaneously with the thematic concepts in the game but need to be facilitated by effective scaffolding mechanisms to reconceptualize the learning process and content.…

The effectiveness of digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) has been recognized by scholars. With the development of computer technology and multimedia learning environments, computer agents have been widely used in game systems to provide learning guidance or assistance. A computer agent is a virtual character created in a digital learning…

In the clinical medical field, case studies, medication records, examination results, and physician prescriptions are documented in English. As a consequence, the English for Medical Professionals (EMP) program has become one of the important courses in nursing education in non-English-speaking countries. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL)…

Although user-generated microgames, defined as very simple games made by non-professionals on open platforms, are popular and appear to have considerable advantages in facilitating learning, further exploration is needed to establish their potential in instructional practices. The present study investigates the design, participation and experience…

Secondary science students still struggle to master scientific concepts and apply content-based knowledge. The instructional design behind the incorporation of innovative technology and the use of game-based learning (GBL) could be a key to increasing student acquisition of science knowledge. Using a mixed methods design, this study examined the…

Computational thinking is acknowledged as an essential competency for everyone to learn. However, teachers find it challenging to implement the existing learning approaches in K-12 settings because the existing approaches often focus on teaching computing concepts and skills (i.e., programming skills) rather than on helping students develop their…