Students frequently struggled with the mathematizing process -- forging connections between implicit and explicit mathematical thinking -- when solving a context-rich applied problem. The current research investigated how students interact with and leverage purposively designed "mathematizing" supports when solving applied math problems…

While studies of contextualized game-based language learning (CGBLL) have to date gained a growing scholarly interest, there is still a lack of systematic review synthesizing its research trends regarding theoretical foundations, learning contexts, research foci and findings. To address the gap, this study collected data from the Web of Science…

In higher education, it is challenging to cultivate non-computer science majors' programming concepts. This study used the GAME model (gamification, assessment, modeling, and enquiry) in a programming education course to enhance undergraduates' self-efficacy and performance of basic programming concepts. There were 83 undergraduates taking part in…

This study examines the effectiveness of a collaborative support method in enhancing programming learning outcomes in a serious game. The game Code Hasp was developed to facilitate the comparison between two support methods, worked examples and a collaborative peer support approach. A total of 111 elementary school students participated, divided…

Although prior research has highlighted the significance of representations for mathematical learning, there is still a lack of research on how students use multimodal external representations (MERs) to solve mathematical tasks in digital game-based learning (DGBL) environments. This exploratory study was to examine the salient patterns problem…

Entertainment video games are very popular among young audiences. Nevertheless, despite their potential to improve cognitive functioning, they are still studied rarely as a tool for digital game-based learning. To better understand video gaming practices' value in the classroom, this article provides a systematic review of literature on the effect…

The study aimed to examine the learning effects of integrating various game elements into game-based learning materials to enhance learning for learners of different age groups. Two sets of game-based music learning materials were designed. The version with full game characteristics was developed with a narrative story, diverse game behaviors, and…

Scientific knowledge is often abstract and challenging, making it difficult for students to apply these concepts effectively. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) offers an engaging and immersive approach, but the fixed resources and predetermined learning paths in most games limit its ability to adapt to individual learners' needs. Large language…

This study critically reviews sixteen empirical studies that investigate the various difficulties that primary school students encounter while learning programming through educational games. Specifically, the challenges that students face in understanding basic programming concepts and the game elements that contribute to these difficulties, as…

This study investigates the effectiveness of digital games in arts education for learning art knowledge and enhancing art interest. Art knowledge includes the topics of art history, production, esthetics, and art criticism. A quasi-experimental approach was used in this study. A 1-month course on arts education digital games was conducted with 40…

The objective of this article is to design, develop, and evaluate an Internet of Things (IoT)-based serious gaming platform for children with autism spectrum disorder. The platform aims to improve the children's cognitive skills. To attain this research objective, first, a conceptual framework for developing the gaming platform was proposed. Then,…

This meta-analysis examines the effects of game-based learning (GBL), compared with traditional instructional methods, on the science achievement of students, ranging from primary school to university. Results from the 41 primary studies of 6256 participants showed heterogeneity among effect sizes. The random effects model results showed a…

We sought to identify factors that optimize individual learning in complex, technology-enhanced learning environments. Undergraduates viewed tutorials and played a simulation-based game either alone or in groups and in either high or low cognitive load sequences and later took tests measuring comprehension of tutorials and transfer of computer…

As past studies showed mixed results, this meta-analysis determined game-based learning's overall effect on students' critical thinking and tested for moderators, using 21 effect sizes from 20 empirical studies of 1,947 participants. The results showed that game-based learning had a significant positive overall effect on students' critical…

Body movements are regarded as part of the learning process. With the evolution of motion-sensing technology (MST) (e.g., Kinect, Xtion Pro, and Leap Motion), educational researchers try to explore the effect of MST on learning. However, the effect of MST on learning performance is still unclear. This is the first meta-analysis that aims to…