Learning by ruling: Use of videogames to simulate public economics management

Abstract

The potential of serious games as powerful educational tools to achieve multiple learning outcomes, is commonly accepted. This study describes an active-learning educational activity based on three videogames for use in introductory economics courses to facilitate understanding of public economics management in three different levels of governance: local, national, and international. A post-activity survey and an essay are used to assess the student's perception of the usefulness of the method to achieve several learning outcomes. The results suggest that digital game-based learning strategies have the potential to help students understand the complexities of public economics management at different government levels. The combination of these three games also contributes to make the learning experience more enjoyable, increasing overall student satisfaction and fostering the acquisition of the key learning outcomes that are expected of graduate students in the areas of economics, business, and management, with a focus on sustainability. In this context, since students feel more engaged and find the activity interesting, this can lead to better learning outcomes.