Raising Ecological Awareness and Digital Literacy in Primary School Children through Gamification

María-Carmen Ricoy,Cristina Sánchez-Martínez

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031149

María-Carmen Ricoy, Cristina Sánchez-Martínez

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031149

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Abstract

Environmental education, at least in northwest Spain, is often overlooked in the education system from infant schooling onwards and interventions are needed to raise the profile of this subject. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a learning program designed for primary school students to broaden their ecological awareness and improve digital literacy using gamification tools. The research was developed using a qualitative approach, with data obtained from 156 subjects, including teachers, students and families. The results show that the children assimilated new habits on the better usage of water and electricity and recycling paper and plastic. Moreover, they acquired more efficient strategies for finding information online, by using apps and developing content with digital tools. Gaming dynamics and resources were the key to students’ learning, with the tablet proving an essential tool for boosting motivation, interaction and problem solving.

Highlights

Environmental degradation is such a worldwide reality these days that it is humanity’s duty to future generations to tackle this crisis head-on
There is the change caused by scientific communication, and the transition from traditional education to innovative learning supported in media including Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and gaming
The teachers stated that the students acquired some of the conceptual, procedural and attitudinal content relating to the protection of the environment and ICT (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Environmental degradation is such a worldwide reality these days that it is humanity’s duty to future generations to tackle this crisis head-on. The problems of the environment have not been studied sufficiently to provide effective long-term solutions, while the various political and economic initiatives being developed seek to reverse the damage already inflicted on the climate. Another important defense of the environment is to inculcate today’s children with environmental awareness, based on school and family. There is the change caused by scientific communication, and the transition from traditional education to innovative learning supported in media including ICT and gaming. All these changes must be considered in order to enhance scientific communication and the practical implications for education [5,6]

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