Creativity is often characterized by the capacity to generate novel ideas, explore unconventional approaches, and solve problems through intuition, curiosity, and innovative thinking. Assessing this multifaceted skill is both essential and challenging, especially in educational and game-based environments where creativity drives engagement and…

Recent developments in the use of large-language models have led to substantial improvements in the accuracy of content-based automated scoring of free-text responses. The reported accuracy levels suggest that automated systems could have widespread applicability in assessment. However, before they are used in operational testing, other aspects of…

This interesting book discusses why, as an activity, topic and metaphor, play and game have become an integral part of modern life. Empirically exemplary and theoretically grounded, this book discusses the developments and expansions in gaming, from easily accessible casual games to the galaxy-spanning gaming worlds of Massively Multiplayer Online…

In recent years, learning programming has been a challenge for both learners and educators. How to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes has been a significant concern for researchers. This study examines the effects of AI-based pedagogical agents on students' learning experiences in programming courses, focusing on web game development…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as the development of computer systems and software that imitate human abilities and perform human-like tasks. Understanding what gifted students think about this system that includes deep cognitive abilities is considered important. Based on this premise, this study examines the perceptions of gifted students…

This design case presents a gamified dictionary learning intervention for away-from-school learning. Intended to be mobile, the game features AI speech recognition for practicing English words and phrases. We also introduce a second feature--an integrated teacher dashboard that addresses issues in traditional homework--a lack of immediate feedback…

Children's math learning (N = 217; M[subscript age] = 4.87 years; 63% European American, 96% college-educated families) from an intelligent character game was examined via social meaningfulness (parasocial relationships [PSRs]) and social contingency (parasocial interactions, e.g., math talk). In three studies (data collected in the DC area:…

Digital learning games are designed to foster both student learning and enjoyment. Given this goal, an interesting research topic is whether game mechanics that promote learning and those that promote enjoyment have different effects on students' experience and learning performance. We explored these questions in "Decimal Point," a…

Digital sandbox games such as "Minecraft" can be used to assess and support creativity. Doing so, however, requires an understanding of what is deemed creative in this game context. One approach is to understand how Minecrafters describe creativity in their communities, and how much those descriptions overlap with the established…

This study aimed to identify and rank the serious game fidelity themes that should be considered for retaining both the learning potential and predicted market growth of serious games. The authors also investigated existing links between fidelity and AI. The methodology unraveled serious game fidelity through the co-development of a theory- and…

The world currently grapples with ambiguity and uncertainty, facing ongoing challenges that span various aspects of life, from economic fluctuations and political instability to environmental crises and technological advancements. Confronting such ambiguity and uncertainty highlights the critical importance of equipping learners with…

Background: STEM education aims to develop innovation and problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary learning, yet struggles to foster student engagement and interdisciplinary thinking. Whilst alternate reality games (ARGs) can boost motivation via game-based problem-solving, integrating large language models (LLMs) remains underexplored.…

Previous research showed that the parents acknowledged the technology's benefits for their young children's learning, however, they are still worried about the extended screen time, lack of physical activity and lack of social interactions. To address these concerns, we developed Kid Space to enable pedagogically appropriate technology use for…

Many empirical studies have shown that educational games and recent technologies impact education and increase learning effectiveness, students' motivation and engagement. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of Imikode, a virtual reality (VR) game that was developed to introduce the concepts of object-oriented programming to…

With the rise of digital technologies, digital learning (DL) has created new opportunities and challenges for traditional education. This book aims to: (1) strengthen the mutual understanding and connection between Taiwan and other countries with high digital competitiveness in promoting DL in primary and secondary schools, so as to facilitate the…