This article discusses how the authors' 'Science Hunters' suite of projects uses the computer game Minecraft to engage children, particularly those from underrepresented groups, with STEM. Delivered by environmental scientists, Science Hunters projects link to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through offering inclusive…

Background/purpose: This research aimed at designing an educational program based on gamification for teaching mathematics as required by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) to determine its impact on advancing strategic competence among fourth-grade male students in the first semester of Academic Year 1445AH in…

Background: Phonological awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate the sounds of language. This is a crucial skill for reading and spelling development. However, students with intellectual disabilities (ID) often have difficulties in acquiring phonological awareness skills. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of a digital…

Digital literacy games can be beneficial for children with reading difficulties as a supplement to classroom instruction and an important feature of these games are the instructional supports, such as feedback. To be effective, feedback needs to build on prior instruction and match a learner's level of prior knowledge. However, there is limited…

In primary education, digital games give students the opportunity to explore and participate in digital learning environments. Several researchers have found that digital game-based learning in primary education has many benefits. However, studies have also identified certain problems related to the use digital games in learning. This paper…

Playing video games engages children and youth and offers a potential for learning in general and situated language learning in particular. The aim of this paper is to explore the situated conditions and affordances for facilitating in-game interaction, as well as to discuss the language learning potential and educational implications of these…

There is a growing body of research exploring the application of digital games in Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) to enhance learner engagement within the information society. However, not many studies have systematically reviewed published research on this important topic. To address this gap, the present study systematically reviews…

Video games are an established part of popular culture, and frequently used in educational settings worldwide. There is now a substantive body of research suggesting positive outcomes of their use in classrooms. In spite of this, there is a dearth of research synthesizing the outcomes of these studies. This is particularly so in relation to the…

Low mathematics scores in the U.S. have been pressing educators to find engaging strategies and effective tools to promote math performance. While emerging technologies, such as digital math games, show promises in improving mathematical education, existing studies have garnered mixed findings and thereby necessitating further investigation. This…

The goal of the current study was to examine the perceptions of elementary school principals regarding the value of integrating digital games in teaching and learning and the steps they take to promote this initiative. The study was conducted using a qualitative-narrative methodology to analyze data retrieved through semi-structured in-depth…

This study investigates the effectiveness of digital games designed specifically for the formation of correct reading skills in the learning of the Latin alphabet by learners with special educational needs in primary school. Learners participating in the study (N = 36) were randomly selected from primary school with inclusive education. During an…

Problem solving is an essential skill for students to be successful in life and careers. Students need to use efficient strategies to solve problems effectively. In this basic interpretive qualitative study, we aimed to (a) explore children's problem-solving strategies in a game-based tool (i.e., puzzles), and (b) investigate the troubleshooting…

This study focused on an examination of how type, quality and children's awareness of design features in digital math games, along with an awareness of the mathematics goals of the game, were related to learning outcomes. We conducted a parallel conversion mixed methods study with 45 students in Grades 3 and 4 (ages 9-10). Students participated in…

This paper presents an innovative educational approach to organizing the out-of-school teaching of programming in middle childhood. The proposed DGBL model includes three distinct educational phases, i.e. learning visual programming, programming and robotics, and programming and electronics. The research was carried out during the school years of…

Although game-based learning strategies have been used in mathematics education for a period of time, the potential for enhancing students' learning achievement and math self-efficacy is still being explored. Students need to face complex mathematics concepts and calculations in mathematics courses. Even though using games to learn mathematics may…