Escape Room Research Articles

“The Mysterious Disappearance”: assessment of a sustainability-themed virtual educational escape room in higher education

PurposeIn this study, we assessed the educational value and efficacy of a virtual educational escape room (VEER), called “The Mysterious Disappearance”, for training pre-service teachers.Design/methodology/approach“The Mysterious Disappearance” was developed ad hoc and contains various activities and puzzles focussing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research will evaluate the design quality and satisfaction of 193 participants regarding the VEER, their perceptions of game-based learning (GBL) and analyse which soft skills are most used and which valence typology (positive/pleasant or negative/unpleasant emotions) has the greatest impact on players’ experience. Descriptive, exploratory factor and inferential analyses are employed.FindingsThe study indicates that the VEER is rated very positively by pre-service teachers. Overall satisfaction levels are high, and the resource and methodology are perceived as favourable. The design quality of the resource is also well rated, with participants perceiving it as a challenging but engaging and well-balanced. Participation in the VEER shows several benefits, especially in cognitive and motivational areas. The participants demonstrated high levels of soft skills utilisation. The resource elicits predominantly positive and pleasurable emotions. Finally, there is a positive perception towards GBL among pre-service teachers, both as students and future teachers.Originality/valueThis study employs a multivariate analysis, using a questionnaire comprising three scales. This study’s dual focus on participants’ perceptions, as current Students and Future teachers, provides insights into their potential role as designers/implementers. Findings contribute to the ongoing development of academic hypotheses, particularly by highlighting the increased motivation linked to VEER use and its positive impact on learning. Designed with the SDG framework, the game enhances teachers' engagement with the 2030 Agenda, supporting their professional development and promotes values related to sustainability. The VEER was developed ad hoc by one of the authors, and the study has potential implications for numerous fields and areas of research.

Utilizing a Digital Escape Room to Improve Students’ Grasp and Understanding of Qualitative Research Methods

Utilizing the potential in game mechanisms for learning purposes is not new. This version of gaming for learning is about developing a Digital Escape Room (DER) revolving around a specific subject: qualitative research methods. Qualitative research methods have proved to be a difficult topic for many UG and PG students. It is thus important to develop tasks that will enable these students to obtain a deep learning experience. The significance of this project lies in that both qualitative and quantitative research methods seem to be difficult to learn for students. It seems to be a curriculum that the students need to invest more time learning than they expect and are willing to spend. Hence, seeking to utilize the potential that lies in immersive gaming. One of the aims of this project is to investigate if and how the DER approach will suit the step-by-step approach that is often used in qualitative research methods courses. Will this approach of solving puzzle-by-puzzle, and then combining answers in order to unlock the next level enable an emergence of more understandings of what the qualitative research is about? In this theoretical paper (work-in-progress), we will look at the DER literature and describe how the different components of the DER will contribute to pedagogical support regarding learning outcomes. In this next phase of this project, we are planning to develop our DER based on the current literature and previous evaluations of DERs, we will also conduct more semi-structure interviews, and further investigation is underway.

Enhancing mathematics learning with 3D augmented reality escape room

Learning mathematics is a challenge for many students, especially because of the traditionalist method with which its contents are taught. To a large extent, mathematics classes generate little motivation in students, so in this research, a novel technological method based on augmented reality is applied to improve the mathematics learning process, particularly the techniques of solving systems of linear equations. The research design used was a two-phase mixed sequential confirmatory type. The research worked with a sample of 65 students (Mage=17.72, SD=0.65; 58.5% female and 41.5% male). In the first phase, a quasi-experimental study was designed with an experimental group (M=32) and a control group (M=33). The experimental group received a mathematics teaching and learning intervention based on augmented reality vs. the control group, which received a traditional educational process. The experimental group showed improvements in acquired knowledge and motivation compared to the control group students. In the qualitative phase, two focus groups were conducted with students from their respective groups. In the experimental group, the following categories were identified: interesting, fun, innovative, and entertaining. The control group identified the following categories: little attention, low interest in learning, tired knowledge, and lack of motivation. The results are discussed in relation to the need to generate educational processes that benefit mathematics learning.

Innovative Methodologies in University Teaching: Pilot Experience of an Escape Room in Nursing Students

The presence of playful elements in learning environments is increasingly frequent in university settings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gaming experience of the participants of an escape room activity developed in the second year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. An escape room activity was carried out, based on 10 tasks, on the thematic content of the subject ‘History, Theory and Methods of Nursing II’, with students in the second year. After the game experience, the Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX) questionnaire of 27 items in the validated version in Spanish and for nursing students was applied. An open-ended question was also included to allow the students to give their opinion on aspects of improvement, or their feelings during their performance, and a thematic analysis was utilized for this qualitative approach. A total of 107 students participated in the escape room activity, and 75 individuals acceded to the request to be surveyed. The results in the Enjoyment dimension showed that five of the six questions were assessed with the maximum score by the majority of respondents. In the Absorption dimension, between 15% and 25% of the sample did not manage to abstract themselves from the real world. In the dimensions of Creative Thinking and Activation, up to 70% managed to feel imaginative, creative, or exploratory, feeling active and excited. Nearly 85% of the sample reported the Absence of Negative Affect (hostility, annoyance, or frustration) during the game. In the Dominance dimension, up to 70% of the sample considered feeling influential during the game. Two categories were identified after analyzing the participants’ responses: room for improvement in the activity and feelings during the activity. In conclusion, the escape room is positioned as a useful tool for university teaching in nursing. This didactic game allows students to have fun while learning, and to value the knowledge and techniques provided by the subject while being able to work as a team.

A virtual 3D Chemistry Escape Room for Exam Preparations

Chemistry can be incredibly captivating. However, learning the theory can often be challenging and less appealing for students. Providing them with hands-on methods in their learning process is beneficial and also helps to lower the barrier for understanding theory. In a gamified approach, the "ChemScape" virtual 3D chemistry escape room, designed as a realistic laboratory with various equipment and hidden chemical tasks, can help solidify chemical knowledge and prepare students for chemistry exams. In 2023, as part of an e-learning project, the foundation of such a chemistry escape room was established, and several chemical questions were incorporated as escape room tasks. The objective is to discover hidden questions within the laboratory, utilize different instruments (such as scales), conduct virtual chemistry experiments, and solve various chemistry questions using theoretical knowledge (such as nomenclature and understanding of pH) in a game-based setting (utilizing multiple-choice, drag and drop, connecting cables, solving color codes, etc.). Typically, a code (comprising numbers, letters, signs, etc.) needs to be obtained for progression. To solve the chemistry tasks, approximately 10 different door-openers have been developed. Initial user tests have been conducted, and adjustments were made based on the feedback received, which was satisfactory and positive. In 2024, the "ChemScape" escape room will evolve from a game with a fixed set of tasks to a dynamic escape room game with a dynamic database that allows for the creation of new questions at the same stations, significantly expanding learning opportunities. A virtual chemistry laboratory rat provides hints if a participant gets stuck and requires assistance. Furthermore, "ChemScape" will be trialed in chemistry lectures and potentially utilized as an additional attraction at events held at the University of Applied Sciences.

Cybersecurity on the Move: Investigating the Efficacy of a Movable Escape Room as an Educational Tool for Healthcare Employees

This research investigates the effectiveness of a cybersecurity escape room as an educational intervention to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks towards a safer work environment. The escape room aims to educate participants and cybersecurity and to make them more resilient against various cyberthreats. Method: To validate the effectiveness, a pre-test-post-test design with 96 participants was conducted, 42 also completing a delayed post-test and 29 participants served as a control group. All participants were healthcare professionals. Using the HAIS-Q, six themes were investigated (namely email usage, passwords, ransomware, social engineering, incident reporting, and software updates) using the three constructs from the Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour model. Results: The escape room had an overall immediate positive effect on participants (t(95) = -6.259, p < 0.001), and this effect persisted after 1 month (t(25) = -2.946, p = .006). Zooming in on individual themes, the immediate scores improved for email usage, passwords, social engineering and software updates, whereas the delayed scores improved specifically for email usage and passwords. Conclusion: The results show that the cybersecurity escape room may be a promising way to enable employees to resist cybersecurity threats. Nonetheless, the results need to be interpreted with caution. The research design experienced some dropout, meaning that results could differ with increased participation. Furthermore, it is not entirely evident which aspects of the escape room caused the observed effect; this is subject to future research.

What Educational Escape Rooms can Learn from the World's Best Rooms

In the context of playful learning, escape games have the potential to enrich learning experiences through interactive problem-solving and narrative engagement. However, educational escape games differ significantly from the commercial offerings they reference in name and game mechanics. They often draw on the concepts of escape rooms that were popular a decade ago, relying primarily on traditional puzzle types such as code deciphering and number locks. Meanwhile, commercial escape rooms have evolved significantly over the past ten years, now offering highly immersive experiences based on captivating stories, convincing scenographic presentations, and well-thought-out tension arcs. Each year, enthusiasts vote for the top 100 escape rooms in the world. To investigate which best practices from these rooms can be applied to educational games, my master's thesis, which forms the basis of this paper (Neubig 2024) analyzed 38 of these award-winning games in detail. This analysis covered the gameplay, puzzle typology, room design and player guidance, as well as interactions with the game masters. Significant patterns were identified in all these areas that can be utilized in the design of educational games. Simultaneously, it reveals the types of challenges that the world's best games almost entirely avoid, despite their popularity in educational games. The study provides detailed insights into the diversity of puzzle types used, their variations throughout the game, and identifies particularly effective puzzle combinations. Escape games as a method of knowledge transfer have been adopted worldwide in schools, universities, museums, and libraries. They are used in various ways, such as recruitment tools, as orientation aids for institutional services, or to promote specific or generic knowledge and skills (Veldekamp et al. 2020). This work emphasizes the necessity to adapt educational games to the latest developments in the escape game industry if they are to be classified within this genre. In doing so, they can fully leverage the potential of escape games to create an engaging and motivating gaming experience.

Embedding Psychology Themes in University Induction Using a Digital Escape Game

An “escape room” style game was developed as an induction activity for first year psychology students, encouraged by the need for icebreakers that meet specific, relevant and transparent learning outcomes. The game concept was designed using the escapeED framework for game-based-learning (Clarke et al., 2017), including consideration of narrative, participants, theme, objectives and evaluation. Groups of up to six students worked on an iPad “board” that had clickable objects on a representation of a lecturer’s desk. Students had 20 minutes to solve four puzzles that identified objects to click on and reveal digits for a padlocked bag. However, clicking the wrong objects would cause loud music that would “disrupt the staff office”. The four puzzles symbolised learning outcomes that students will develop throughout their course, such as seeking and evaluating evidence, using maths, and referencing. The puzzles also used staff profiles to promote discussion about psychology research, prompt the development of supportive networks and relationships with staff. A realistic calendar puzzle highlighted the social and academic opportunities that students should engage in as part of the psychology community, which they could also identify as by wearing the pin badge they unlocked on completion of the game. Psychology staff facilitated reflection on icebreaker activities, including themes of teamwork and leadership roles, asking for help, and learning and adapting from mistakes. A thematic analysis of three focus groups later highlighted that students resist looking at assignment feedback and are concerned about wasting staff time in office hours. This led to recruitment of senior students to facilitate the escape room, and changes in our reflective practice tutoring to address issues raised during the game. Overall, students reported a sense of fun and competition from the activities and felt better prepared for learning after the introduction to psychology skills during induction.

The use of Educational Escape Rooms in the Lifelong Training of Mathematics Teachers

Educational escape rooms represent an innovative and engaging educational approach, with a high potential for the development of problem-solving and collaboration skills. That is why it is important to familiarize teachers with them and support them for their use in the teaching practice. Our paper presents a case study investigating the utilization of two versions of digital educational escape rooms (DEERs) within the lifelong training of mathematics teachers. Thirty-two mathematics educators of pupils aged 10 to 19 participated in the research. DEERs were developed in two digital platforms: Room Escape Maker and Google Forms, offering an interactive adventure game and a story-based text game, respectively. The study aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of these DEER versions and their potential applications in teaching. Data collection employed observation and a questionnaire survey, followed by qualitative evaluation through thematic analysis. The research's limitations include the sample size and the specifications of the utilized DEERs.

Impact of Digital Game-based Learning Experiences on Reasoning Skills and Science Engagement

This research seeks to use games to promote scientific reasoning and inquiry skills among middle-school children. Particularly, it focuses on the Control of Variables Strategy (CVS), a fundamental component of scientific thinking which enables individuals to test hypotheses and make valid causal inferences based on evidence. The present study draws on and combines existing streams of research in the fields of science education, embodied cognition, and game-based learning to investigate the efficacy of an intervention using the Preparation for Future Learning paradigm in which students play an online text-based adventure simulation game about solving escape rooms in order to prime them for later formal instruction in CVS via a randomized-controlled trial, as well as whether structured or unstructured access to the game has a differential impact on immediate learning vs. retention after a delay. Students were given tests of scientific reasoning at baseline, immediately following the training phase, and a week thereafter. The impact of playing this game on motivation and engagement with science is also analyzed in this trial through the use of survey data. The study found significant effects of study condition on all measures, with students assigned to the game groups outperforming control students, and the unstructured play group showing the strongest performance in the post-study test while the structured play group performed the most poorly in the retention test. The unstructured play group also showed the highest level of intrinsic motivation, as well as higher self-determination and self-efficacy than the structured playing group in the science engagement survey.

Digital Educational Escape Rooms as E-courses Using D-EER4SmL: Investigation of Motivational Affordances

Research has shown that educational escape rooms (EERs) motivate and engage learners in the learning process, mainly due to the incorporation of game elements into their educational context. As a result, various frameworks have been proposed to design and develop EERs over the past few years. However, these frameworks fail to highlight the important "D"-digital factor of technology which transforms EERs into Digital Educational Escape Rooms (DEERs), as well as the smart pedagogy (SmP), which in turn goes beyond game-based approaches and is currently essential for the design and the development of well-orchestrated and reusable smart learning solutions. Due to the fact that technology increases motivation, this study introduces the work-in-progress framework D-EER4SmL, primarily based on John Keller's theory of ARCS and the 10-step systematic design process for the development of motivational e-courses, tailored to learners' preferences. The framework was aligned with various EER design principles, along with Smart Pedagogical (SmP) approaches, which could be facilitated by web technologies in order to design and develop DEERs as e-courses. To confirm the motivational aspect of smart learning and the assumption that digital technology provides additional motivation, a DEER e-course was developed, based on this framework. The DEER e-course was delivered to ICT students - future ICT teachers/e-learning educators - who would be trained in instructional/e-learning design utilizing web technologies. A total of 108 higher education students of digital systems voluntarily participated in the workflows of the DEER e-course, played the game, and evaluated motivational affordances (MAs), after completing it. Quantitative data analysis was conducted, based on an improvised questionnaire for DEERs, aligned with Keller’s Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). As far as motivation is concerned, the framework was proven effective in the initial research findings; however, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness within the wider context of smart learning.

Escaping the Bondage of Bullying: A Game-based Learning Approach

School bullying is a phenomenon of great concern worldwide, with profound implications for the emotional development of those involved. Leveraging the interactive nature of game-based learning provides a unique opportunity for active student engagement that goes beyond traditional pedagogical methods. This article aims to explore students' perceptions of bullying and present a digital game as an alternative educational approach to raising students' awareness, empathy, and empowerment. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated how an art-based virtual museum game engages students in exploring and understanding the phenomenon. A needs assessment on bullying was conducted on a student population sample during the school year 2023 - 2024. Subsequently, a digital 3D escape room type game (named "e-BOB") was used, which was redesigned and reconstructed by the students from an initial project within the Panhellenic Students Competition of Onassis Foundation "Hack the Art: Yiannoulis Halepas". The game was developed using Unity, Blender, and Krita platforms and is set in an art museum. Players interact with the sculptor's exhibits through micro-scenarios and quizzes drawn from the sculptor's life and artwork that tackle the issue of bullying. Key game features include goal achievement within a time limit and discovery of hidden elements. The analysis of the needs assessment data found that all students had been involved in bullying behaviors either as victims, perpetrators or observers. The majority of students focused mainly on direct forms of bullying and less on indirect forms, and most were unable to distinguish bullying from 'simple teasing', demeaning bullying behavior. Those at greater risk are the ones who show some element of differentiation in relation to the stereotypes of the social context in which they live. Several students indicated that the school environment needs to address the issue sufficiently. Finally, the game contributed to students' empathy about bullying, enhancing their self-reflection and managing strategies. Raising awareness, mental empowerment, and empathy for bullying requires dynamic and innovative approaches. With its potential for self-awareness and student activation, game-based learning should be incorporated into educational programs for bullying prevention and management within schools.

Let's play and learn: Educational escape room to improve mental health knowledge in undergraduate nursing students

IntroductionInnovative teaching methods have become increasingly important in higher education. Through these methods, gamification in general and educational escape rooms in particular are becoming more important. AimThe dual aim of this study was first, to describe an on-site educational escape room, assessing students' motivation and satisfaction, and second, to compare the declarative knowledge obtained and anxiety levels by applying two teaching-learning strategies. MethodThe study sample consisted of 108 nursing students from northern Spain. Participants were divided in two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group took part in an educational escape room activity while a case-based learning method was used with the control group. After the activities, both groups were asked about their anxiety levels (STAI) and the declarative knowledge they had obtained (ad hoc questionnaire). In addition, satisfaction (ad hoc questionnaire) and motivation (GAMEX) were measured in the experimental group. Gender differences and group differences were explored applying the Mann Whitney U test. ResultsStudents from the escape room obtained higher declarative knowledge on average compared to participants from the control group. Regarding escape room methodology, participants demonstrated high motivation and satisfaction rates on average, although this was negatively related to declarative knowledge. DiscussionThese results showed that educational escape room can increase the participants' knowledge level although it was negatively correlated with motivation (GAMEX). These findings corroborate previous researchers´ conclusions which highlighted the importance of transcending simple student perception when assessing the effectiveness of educational practices. ConclusionThe on-site educational escape room is therefore innovative when teaching the course subject of mental health. Further studies are required, comparing the effectiveness of on-site and virtual escape rooms and these methods should be contrasted against other teaching practices, thus promoting research in nursing education.

Escape Rooms for Education: A Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aims to investigate the effectiveness of educational escape rooms in improving learning outcomes and fostering positive attitudes. Specifically, it seeks to examine their impact on the acquisition of content knowledge and the development of attitudes. Additionally, the study conduct a moderator analysis to explore how variables such as subject matter, types of escape rooms, and participants' age may influence these effects. After systematically screening the literature, 22 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The findings demonstrated a high effect size in knowledge gains and moderate effect size in attitude change, with 0.86 and 0.63, respectively. Interestingly, the moderator analysis did not uncover any statistically significant distinctions in effect sizes based on the three aforementioned moderators. In conclusion, this study affirms the effectiveness of educational escape rooms across a variety of academic disciplines and offers valuable insights for educators and practitioners interested in employing escape rooms as a means of educational innovation.

Application of clinical case-guided, task-driven escape room teaching in nursing education: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundIn the new era, the professional ability requirements for nursing personnel are no longer limited to traditional nursing knowledge and skills, but pay more attention to the cultivation and enhancement of their diversified abilities, such as humanistic caring ability, creative thinking, and so on. As a new type of education model that integrates gamification, flipped learning, and problem-based learning, escape room teaching plays an important role in effectively developing and stimulating students' humanistic care ability and creative thinking. PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness of an Escape Room teaching approach, clinical cases (C) as guide (G) and task (T) as driver (D) , within the CGTD model in the undergraduate Adult Nursing course. MethodUsing purposive sampling, 108 undergraduate nursing students in the class of 2020 were selected as the study subjects, and 11 innovative escape room teaching activities were conducted. Real clinical cases were selected, so that the student teams were immersed in clinical scenarios to complete the escape room game focusing on circulatory care, and the humanistic caring and creative thinking of the students in the two groups were compared before and after the intervention. ResultsNursing students' humanistic care and creative thinking scores at the end of the instruction were significantly better than those before the escape room instruction (P<0.05). ConclusionThe use of the CGTD-based escape room teaching method applied to adult nursing practice courses is an innovative teaching strategy that integrates theoretical knowledge into the game, which can significantly improve undergraduate nursing students' humanistic caring ability and creative thinking.

ESCAPE! A Nephrology Themed Escape Room Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

ESCAPE! A Nephrology Themed Escape Room Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Are Educational Escape Rooms More Effective Than Traditional Lectures for Teaching Software Engineering? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Are Educational Escape Rooms More Effective Than Traditional Lectures for Teaching Software Engineering? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Digital Escape Rooms: A Resource for Environmental Education

Today’s adolescents represent an elective target in addressing environmental challenges. Education is a key factor in achieving a sustainable future for them. However, formal education can represent a challenge when youths are its target, as they are considered the “interactive generation”. Game-based learning, and, in particular, Digital Educational Escape Rooms (DERs), have emerged as innovative methods in education, with promising applications in environmental sustainability studies. In this study, we developed 14 Digital Escape Rooms using the Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura as a theoretical framework. These were focused on environmental education and we tested them on a sample of 411 students (aged 12–18 years; 158 female, 38.4%). A one-group quasi-experimental research design was adopted, carrying out a pre-test post-test analysis. Each participant completed assessments at two time points: before engaging in the escape rooms (T0) and after (T1). The assessment tools included the Goal Assessment Scale (GAS) and the Perceived Climate Self-Efficacy Scale. Our findings revealed no significant gender differences in goal achievement. However, at T0, females exhibited higher levels of perceived climate self-efficacy in both individual and collective dimensions. Instead, the Digital Escape Rooms appeared particularly effective in increasing self-efficacy among male participants. These results suggest that Digital Escape Rooms hold potential for enhancing environmental self-efficacy, although gender differences in baseline efficacy levels warrant further exploration.

Financial Literacy: Identification of the Challenges, Needs, and Difficulties among Adults Living in Rural Areas

Financial literacy plays a crucial role in individuals’ decision-making processes. The paper aims to thoroughly identify the financial literacy needs and challenges of adults with low financial literacy living in rural areas. The paper presents the results of a focus group study conducted among a target group (35 people) and interviews with financial experts (14 people) in the first quarter of 2023. The study allows us to identify common areas of financial knowledge crucial for adults with low financial literacy living in rural areas. The study was conducted in seven European countries as part of the Erasmus+ project “Learning by Experiencing Escape Rooms: Financial Literacy for Adults (FLER)”. Key findings from the study revealed that participants exhibited low awareness of financial fraud and expressed a need to protect personal information when using digital platforms. There was a clear demand for improved knowledge in certain areas, such as budgeting, emergency funds, balancing risk and reward, and planning for retirement or long-term savings. Participants consistently viewed gamification as a valuable tool for enhancing their understanding of financial topics. The contribution of our study is that we narrow the research gap on the needs and challenges related to financial literacy among rural residents. The results will help pinpoint specific areas of financial knowledge and competencies that are particularly important for adults with low financial literacy. Moreover, these insights are crucial for developing educational content integrated into a virtual escape room to improve financial literacy through engaging, scenario-based learning.

Out-BREAK!: An IDWeek 2023 Escape Room to Break Out of the Educational Mold.

An escape room is a cooperative game that has been adapted into medical education and major academic conferences. We describe the design, development, and implementation of an educational ID-themed escape room activity entitled "Out-BREAK!" at an international conference, IDWeek 2023. An anonymous survey was conducted to collect demographic data, assess participant satisfaction with the escape room puzzles, and gauge participant interest in game-based learning. Thirty escape room sessions were held over 3 days and included 201 participants. Escape room survey respondents (n = 132) were younger and more likely to be trainees compared with in-person IDWeek attendants. Among 131 responses, all respondents enjoyed the experience and would recommend the escape room activity to friends. Survey respondents enjoyed the puzzle solving (93%), medical content (92%), and team building (79%) components. Only 35% of the respondents had ever previously participated in game-based learning; 95% thought the escape room was a valuable teaching method. Among the 72 survey respondents involved in medical education, almost all (90%) said they were interested in incorporating escape rooms into medical education. The Out-BREAK! escape room at IDWeek 2023 was successfully implemented and well received. Despite only a third of participants having prior experience with game-based learning, almost all respondents perceived the escape room to be an effective teaching method.