Social studies teachers are consistently looking for new avenues to motivate learners. To facilitate this process, simulations and roleplaying have garnered considerable attention. However, game-based simulations have received little consideration in social studies classrooms. Through game-based simulations, teachers can create sophisticated…

This article presents an innovative teaching and learning method based on three different simulations of multi-level governance settings. Public management at the local level is recreated using the SimCity computer game; the decision-making process at the national level is simulated through a national parliament simulation; and the intervention of…

In recent years, the application of augmented reality (AR) technology has been explored in numerous disciplines. This research focused on English sentence learning and utilized the activity theory as the basis to structure a game-based AR learning model (GBARLM). The aim of the investigation was to describe the model and explore the following…

This study explored youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learning social competence in the context of innovative 3D virtual learning environment and the effects of gaming as a central element of the learning experience. The empirical study retrospectively compared the social interactions of 11 adolescents with ASD in game-and nongame-based 3D…

In this paper, we describe the design for PurpleState, an internship simulation that applies the epistemic game model for informed civic learning. PurpleState places students in the role of interns at a political media firm and asks them to design a media campaign on a state level policy issue. Unlike the use of these models in STEM education,…

The flight of globalization is steered through its course when fueled by knowledge, thrust by engines of technology and uplifted by force of information drive. The emergence of Information and Communication Technology era has the concrete potential of drastically transforming the teaching-learning process. Technology facilitates pedagogy and makes…

This article reports on the main experiences gained from a teaching intervention which utilised the alternate reality game 'Helping Nemo' in an augmented reality environment for formative assessment. The purpose of the study was to explore the ways in which the affordances arising from the combination of alternate reality games and augmented…

The design and application of educational board games have been emphasized in game-based learning. The integration of educational board games and augmented reality (AR) can help provide extensive cognitive-scaffolding for learners. This study proposed a dual-scaffolding framework that integrated peer-scaffolding and cognitive-scaffolding for an AR…

Recent studies indicate tablets as the preferred devices of preschool children, due to portability, autonomy of use and variety of apps. There is also extensive evidence of the contributions of digital technologies in different areas of learning at these ages. The Aprender XXI project aimed to develop game-based learning apps, with content…

Orbital Battleship, published in 2016 in this "Journal," is a hands-on competitive exercise which has been shown to be an efficient tool to reinforce the knowledge of the atomic structure. We decided to give it a more futuristic look and are presenting VR Orbital Battleship, a completely immersive collaborative experience which, in…

The selection of career paths and making of academic choices is a difficult and often confusing task for young people. The impact on their lives, however, is enormous as it can determine entire future career possibilities. In India, a general remedy to this stress is that instead of choosing a field of study tailored to individual preferences and…

Simulation games offer a safe space to experiment with system models and provide learning experiences about interdependencies and thus, are considered to foster the development of a deeper understanding of systems. This article describes the use of SimCity in the university course Infrastructure Management, which has been in continuous operation…

Technology and games are the areas where learners are most interested in today's world. If these two can be brought together within the framework of learning objectives, they can be an advantage for teachers and students. This study aims to investigate the learning environment supported by game and simulation. The games were used to evaluate the…

This paper situates a critical review of studies that we have conducted within the broader research literature to analyze the affordances of integrating modeling within disciplinarily-integrated games from computational thinking and science as practice perspectives. Across the studies, the analyses pursue two themes: (a) the role of agent-based…

Mission HydroSci (MHS) is a 3D game-based learning environment and curriculum that supports middle school student learning of water systems science and scientific argumentation. MHS is a rigorous, coherent and engaging 6 to 8-day curriculum with all learning activities and social interactions taking place in the virtual world and with teachers…