Use Of Digital Games Research Articles

Discussing the Protagonist Role of Students in Game-Based Learning

In the ongoing process of the digital transformation of society, corresponding competencies are required from children more than ever. The concept of computational empowerment (CE) promotes confident and reflective engagement with digital technology, which often falls short in formal education. This work outlines how both entertainment and serious games can be used to support the cause of CE and what opportunities they offer for more empowering learning in school settings. The use of digital games appears to be a promising way to connect with the lifeworld of young people and thus offering a low-threshold and differentiated starting point. In this context, the focus should be placed on a stronger establishment of the protagonist role to empower students to engage with digital technologies in depth. In the Serious Game Changers project, students created their own educational modules on specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using digital games and creating new artifacts as learning objects through remixing game elements. In this project, students should be empowered to become active participants by designing with the help of commercial and serious games. Thus giving them their own voice in future (formal) educational settings and promoting future skills in order to make them self-confident 'protagonists' of their surroundings.

The Expert, The Novice, and The Skeptic: Game Literacy and Pedagogical Practice

This qualitative case study explores how teachers' video game literacy impacts their pedagogical use of the digital game The Walking Dead in an ethics education course at a Norwegian high school. The research question addressed is: how is teachers' pedagogical use of a digital game impacted by their levels of video game literacy? The study followed seven teachers, varying in teaching and gaming experience, over two semesters. Observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data on the teachers' experience and pedagogical practice using The Walking Dead in their classes. Three teachers were selected for deeper analysis based them showing differences in attitudes and practices, while having similar teaching experience. These teachers were labeled "the expert," "the novice," and "the skeptic" based on their gaming literacy and attitudes. The analysis was based on a two-dimensional approach to video game literacy, emphasizing operational and cultural literacy. The results show that operational literacy impacted how teachers perceived and used various game elements, especially how they identified and framed the game’s dilemmas. The expert and novice saw the game's narrative as an important contextual resource for engaging with the dilemmas, while the skeptic saw it as merely a backdrop. The skeptic also had difficulties distinguishing between relevant and less relevant aspects of the game relative to the learning goal. Cultural literacy mainly impacted the teachers' ability to differentiate between students' perceptions and experiences of the game and different modes of playing. The expert had a more nuanced approach to how students perceived the game's motivational power, emphasizing the story's importance. The novice and expert explicitly instructed students to distinguish between playing for fun and playing to learn, while the skeptic made less of a distinction and saw playing the game more as a standalone learning activity. The findings suggest that teachers' video game literacy can significantly influence pedagogical use of digital games. Higher levels of operational and cultural literacy enable teachers to better navigate the game's elements, guide students' engagement, and facilitate connections between gameplay and learning objectives.

Comparison of the experience of using digital games in mathematics education in Ukraine and Israel

Abstract The study examined the opinion of school students regarding the expediency and possibilities of using digital mathematical games in the process of teaching mathematics, and also carried out a comparative analysis of the results of the research conducted in Ukraine and Israel. The issue of the distribution of digital mathematical games in Ukraine and Israel was studied, and it was found out which digital mathematical games are the most popular in the process of teaching mathematics to students in schools in these countries. It was found that the vast majority of students from these countries played digital mathematical games. In the study of students’ interest in playing digital mathematical games, the questions were whether students played digital mathematical games, whether their mathematics teachers used digital mathematical games in mathematics lessons, whether students would like to use digital mathematical games when learning mathematics at school. Also, most students responded that their teachers used digital math games in math lessons and would like their teachers to continue using them. However, despite a relatively high percentage of students who are interested in using digital math games in math lessons, there are students who consider traditional math lessons to be more appropriate. It was established that there is a statistically significant difference between the results of a survey of schoolchildren in Ukraine and Israel regarding the expediency of using mathematical digital games in teaching mathematics: with a probability of 95% more surveyed schoolchildren in Ukraine (9.6%) are supporters of traditional teaching of mathematics (without the use of digital games), compared to 2.4% of surveyed schoolchildren in Israel. The statistical significance of the differences in the answers of students of the schools of these countries was checked using the ϕ*-Fisher criterion. As a result of the research, it was found that the interest of schoolchildren of both countries in the use of digital mathematical games in the learning process is growing. Almost half of the respondents in these countries expressed the opinion that they would be interested in learning more about digital math games and trying to play them. However, there remain a number of unresolved important issues related to the methodology of this process, including didactic ones.

The use of educational digital games in the education of students with Down syndrome

In the case of special education and specifically the education of people with mental disabilities and down syndrome, the presence of attractive tools and methodologies in the learning process is a basic request. Educational goals for students with intellectual disabilities and down syndrome may differ from educational goals and methods in formal education settings. At the same time, for each person with intellectual disability and down syndrome, a personalized training method is required according to their needs and capabilities. Despite the differences, the main goal remains the improvement of adaptability and autonomy, through the cultivation of the maximum potential of the individual. Digital gaming is a key and important means of achieving these goals.

The use of serious digital games to talk about grief and finitude with children: reports on the design and evaluation process of two games

The discussion of grief and loss is often avoided, particularly when it comes to conversations involving children. The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically resulted in the loss of relatives and friends for thousands of children, bringing this topic to the forefront. Parents and caregivers have found themselves compelled to broach the subjects of death and grief with children, aiming to provide them with an understanding of the global events unfolding around them. Yet, such discussions remain steeped in taboo. Literature underscores the significance of addressing children's emotions during times of loss, offering guidance on how to navigate such experiences to mitigate the risk of long-term trauma in adulthood. This project introduces the development of two serious games tailored to assist health professionals in (1) guiding children through grief therapies and (2) initiating discussions about finitude with this specific audience. Using the SemTh methodology, which guides the design and evaluation of therapeutic digital games, a multidisciplinary team comprising Health professionals (psychologists and occupational therapists), as well as Computing professionals collaborated on the creation of these games. Implemented on the RUFUS platform, developed by these authors' research group, this platform utilizes predefined templates to guide the game instantiation. Notably, the project contributed two new templates to the platform: narrative and inverse narrative, enabling the construction of games through storytelling. The new templates on the RUFUS platform were assessed through empirical and analytical studies to allow usability and effectiveness of them.

Cultura digital na Educação Infantil: Ferramentas, desafios e perspectivas para uma prática pedagógica inclusiva

This article addresses the growing integration of digital culture in early childhood education, exploring digital tools, impacts on child development, advantages and challenges associated with the use of technology in this context. The literature review reveals a growing trend in the use of educational applications, digital games and other relevant digital resources in early childhood education classrooms. While technology offers opportunities for personalization of learning and development of skills such as language and problem-solving, it also presents challenges, including inequalities in access, concerns about inappropriate content, and the need for proper supervision. This study contributes to the field of early childhood education by providing a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and challenges of digital culture, highlighting implications for educational practice, and suggesting future directions for research.

The evaluation of digital educational game use in pharmacology teaching process.

The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of educational video games as a variety applied to the traditional teaching of pharmacology in topics of antifungal and hypolipidemic drugs. Sixty-six volunteers were divided into control group (n = 33) and experimental group (n = 33). The first group received traditional seminar only, and the second played video game designed with the use of Kahoot! platform after the seminar. The assessment of knowledge was conducted with the use of three tests: pre-test was presented before seminar, post-test after seminar (for control group) or after playing the video game (for experimental group), and test no. 3 took place 4 weeks later. Analysis of tests' scores with respect to both topics resulted in the observation that the control and experimental groups show statistically significant improvement in knowledge, whether it was measured after the seminar or 4 weeks later. However, the results of experimental group were statistically better in comparison to the control group. It proves that electronic GBL (game-based learning) applied to standard educational processes increases short- and long-term knowledge retention compared to traditional seminars.

The Effect of Digital Educational Game "Qreatif Edukatif" on the Development of Numeracy Skills in 4-5 Years Old Children

Children's numerical skills sometimes face challenges, therefore ways are needed to maximize early childhood numeracy learning outcomes. This study aims to determine the effect of the use of digital educational games on numeracy development in children aged 4-5 years conducted in one of the Global Kindergartens (pseudonyms) in Semarang City. The method used is pre-experimental research with a One Group Pretest-Posttest design. This participant consisted of 31 children in the Kindergarten A class. Data collection was carried out through pretest and posttest of numeracy skills developed based on the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 137 of 2014 (National Standard for Early Childhood Education). The results showed that the average pretest score was 28.00 and the posttest increased to 46.16 after the use of digital educational games. The normality test shows normal distributed data, while the N-Gain Score test produces an average score of 0.91 which is classified as a high category. The hypothesis test using the Paired Sample T-Test showed a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000, which means that there is a significant influence of the use of digital educational games on children's numeracy skills. This increase shows that the proper use of digital games in learning can significantly improve early childhood numeracy skills. This study suggests the integration of digital educational games in the early childhood education curriculum as an effective alternative to improve numeracy skills.

Digital Game-Based Learning in Higher Education: ESL Teachers and Students Perceptions

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is a new approach in educational settings that aims to engage students, encourage curiosity, and provide a versatile learning experience. It has been integrated into educational settings due to the widespread use of digital games by students. This study examines the perceptions of integrating digital games into English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom among 89 second-year engineering students and 11 teachers at a private university in Chennai, India. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on the positive aspects of DGBL, this research highlights both the benefits and potential drawbacks of integrating digital games into English language education. By comparing teachers’ and students’ perspectives, the findings emphasize the importance of careful selection and integration of digital games and reveal significant insights into the cognitive, affective, and social aspects of digital game-based language learning. These insights are crucial for guiding policy decisions, instructional practices, and resource development in language education. The study underscores the value of digital games as innovative educational tools and advocates for their thoughtful adoption of digital and technology-based teaching and learning in 21st-century in ELT practices can enhance multidisciplinary skill development.

Association Between Self-Esteem and Cyber Victimization: The Mediating Roles of Digital Game Playing and Cyberbullying

ABSTRACT Background Today, the intensive use of technology necessitates more research on cyberbullying and victimization among adolescents. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a proposed model of the associations between self-esteem, digital game playing, cyberbullying, and victimization in early adolescents. Methods A total of 312 early adolescents participated based on the criterion sampling method. The age range of the adolescents was 10–14 years (Mean = 12.63; SD = 0.60). Two-stage structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Bootstrapping analysis was used to test mediation effects. Results The findings revealed the serial mediating relations of digital game playing and cyberbullying in the association between early adolescents’ self-esteem and cyber victimization. Discussion The results emphasize the role of individual differences in adolescents’ self-esteem as a significant factor in cyber victimization. This relationship operates through the behavioral pathways of digital game use and cyberbullying. Translation to Health Education Practice Based on the research findings, health educators can encourage students in this developmental period to establish healthier relationships in the digital world and develop strategies to protect mental health. In this direction, health educators should aim to develop healthy digital gaming habits in students by considering the negative effects of digital game addiction on cyber victimization. For this purpose, educators can organize awareness-raising educational programs against digital game addiction and guide students in determining balanced play times

Environmental Risk Factors Associated with Behavioral Problems among Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Maternal Perceptions

OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify environmental risk factors associated with behavioral problems in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS A case-control study was conducted in children aged 4-15 years comprising 92 children diagnosed with ADHD and 92 controls without ADHD. Stratified sampling was used to select 184 participants residing in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces, Thailand. Data were collected from the mothers of the participants using a self-report questionnaire between May and August 2022. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: child characteristics (gender, age, underlying diseases, past illness history), mother’s characteristics (age, income, occupational status, history of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking), and maternal perceptions about caring for the child and the child’s behavioral problems (exposure to chemicals/toxicants, frequent punishment, excessive use of digital media and games). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, odds ratio (OR) and logistic regression using SPSS version 21. RESULTS Most of participants were males (86.96%) while 13.04% were females. The results showed that the ADHD cases were significantly more likely than the controls to have underlying diseases such as G6PD, allergy, and asthma (p = 0.006). There was also a statistically significant correlation with smoking history in the mothers of ADHD cases (OR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.36-5.13 p = 0.004). In terms of maternal perceptions, the mothers of ADHD children were significantly more likely than the controls to have frequently punished the child (OR = 6.26; 95% CI: 3.24-12.07; p < 0.001), to have children who were exposed to chemicals (pesticides and fertilizer) or toxicants (passive smoking) (OR = 4.14; 95%CI: 1.76-9.73; p = 0.001), and to have allowed their child to use digital media and play video games excessively (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.55-5.16; p = 0.001). After adjustment for other environmental risk factors, frequent child punishment (ORadj = 4.32; 95% CI: 2.13-8.78; p < 0.001) and exposure of the child to chemicals/toxicants (ORadj = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.00-7.02; p = 0.049) were found to be significantly related with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Frequent child punishment was the most significant environmental risk factor related to behavioral problems among children with ADHD. This indicates the importance of healthcare providers developing strategies and/or interventions to enhance knowledge and awareness in mothers of ADHD which can improve treatment outcomes. KEYWORDS ADHD, risk factors, behavioral problems, maternal percep- tions

Utilising Wordwall-Based Digital Learning Games to Enhance Student Learning Results

The lack of improvement in student learning outcomes is still a problem, so this research was carried out. For this reason, a solution is needed in the form of a learning strategy to help solve this problem, namely implementing a wordwall-based digital learning model. The aim of this research is to describe teacher and student activities using wordwall-based digital learning games and to describe how student learning outcomes in social studies lessons can be improved through the use of wordwall-based digital learning games. This research uses the stages of classroom action research, namely research consisting of two cycles, where one cycle consists of four implementation stages, namely planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The focus of the research is the use of wordwall-based digital learning games and social studies learning outcomes. The subjects in this research were 25 class VI students (two recovered), consisting of 13 male students and 12 female students. Data is obtained through observation, tests, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include the selection stage, the presentation stage, and the conclusion stage. The results of the research showed that there was a significant increase in teacher activity and student activity in cycle I (60.42%) with medium criteria and in cycle II (93.75%) with high criteria, as well as social studies learning outcomes in cycle I (70,00) with medium criteria and in cycle II (81.34) with high criteria. Thus, using wordwall-based digital learning games can improve social studies learning outcomes.

A Digital Math Game and Multiple-Try Use with Primary Students: A Sex Analysis on Motivation and Learning.

Sex differences have been a rarely addressed aspect in digital game-based learning (DGBL). Likewise, mixed results have been presented regarding the effects according to sex and the conditions that generate these effects. The present work studied the effects of a drill-and-practice mathematical game on primary students. The study focused on an analysis by sex, measuring motivation and learning in the practice activity. Also, two instructional mechanics were considered regarding the question answering to search for possible differences: a multiple-try feedback (MTF) condition and a single-try feedback (STF) condition. A total of 81 students from four courses and two schools participated in the intervention. The study's main findings were as follows: (a) the girls outperformed the boys in terms of the students' learning gains; (b) the girls presented lower levels of competence and autonomy than the boys; (c) under MTF, the girls presented lower levels of autonomy but no differences in competence contrasted with the boys; (d) under STF, the girls presented lower levels of competence but no differences in autonomy contrasted with the boys; (e) no sex differences existed in interest, effort, and value, in general, as per the instructional condition. This study enhances the knowledge of sex differences under diverse instructional settings, in particular providing insights into the possible differences by sex when varying the number of attempts provided to students.

Faculty and students perspectives towards game-based learning in health sciences higher education

BackgroundGame-Based Learning (GBL) is an innovative pedagogical approach that utilizes digital applications to enhance health sciences higher education. Therefore, analyzing faculty and students' perspectives on GBL can help educational administrators, educators, and researchers tailor GBL to students' needs. PurposeThis study aimed to explore faculty (teachers) and students’ perspectives towards GBL in health sciences higher education. Further to identify barriers affecting the use of GBL as well as recommendations for its use from their perspectives. MethodsA descriptive-qualitative approach was conducted at a Saudi university. A total of 42 semi-structured interviews were completed with a purposive sampling of 22 faculty members and 20 students until data saturation. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. ResultsFaculty members and students reflected on their personal experiences using GBL, and the data presented seven themes and 30 categories emerged from the content analysis: common digital apps, purpose and uses, effect or benefits of GBL, personal experience with GBL, challenges and barriers affecting the use of digital games, and recommendations for educators on using GBL apps. ConclusionThe experiences of both students and faculty demonstrated that GBL can enhance classroom learning and complement traditional teaching approaches in health sciences higher education. GBL's safe, immersive environment lets students practice many generic skills, boosting interest, motivation, and peer-mediated learning. Faculty and students shared their GBL experiences, responsibilities, and enthusiasm. Health sciences higher education institutions should consider ways to increase flexibility in providing resources and training to educators who want to build and use the GBL approach in their classroom.

Challenges and possibilities of digital games in mathematics teaching: a situational overview of recent years in Brazil

This paper is an extended version of the literature review already presented by the authors in SBGAMES 2023 and had as objective to investigate the possibilities and challenges that researchers face during the use of digital games in mathematics teaching in Brazilian basic education. The digital games, whether in Smartphone or Personal Computer, are example of activates that are part of the students’ life, and for being immersed in this universe they can have difficulties in the classroom, that’s why some teachers and researchers have tried to use the digital games in the classroom to make the classroom more comfortable for the students who are already immersed in the world of Information and Communication Technologies. The research object, the research string, the time, and the platforms on which the research would be conducted were defined. 129 studies were found, and after three steps of reading, six of them were selected for the data analysis. It was noticed that the students liked the activities conducted, because the game brought context to the concepts and turned possible that they could have a more open dialogue between them and with the teacher to take questions or explain the logics used to reach a certain result. It was also noted that they had challenges, but these were overcome with adaptations in the activities.

Effect of digital game intervention on cognitive functions in older adults: a multiple baseline single case experimental design study

BackgroundResidents in nursing homes are prone to cognitive decline affecting memory, visuospatial cognition, and executive functions. Cognitive decline can lead to dementia, necessitating prioritized intervention.MethodsThe current study aimed to investigate whether an intervention using a digital game was effective for preserving and improving the cognitive function of residents in nursing homes. An intervention study was conducted using a single-case AB design with multiple baselines. The participants in the study were five older adults aged 65 and over who do not play digital games regularly. The study ran for 15 weeks, including a baseline (phase A) and an intervention phase (phase B). Phase A had five baselines (5 to 9 weeks) with random participant assignment. In phase B, participants engaged in a digital game (Space Invaders) individually. Cognitive function was assessed as the outcome, measured using the Brain Assessment (performed on a tablet through the Internet) at 16 measurement points. Four of five participants (two female and two male) were included in the analysis, using visual inspection and Bayesian statistics with multi-level modeling.ResultsVisual inspection of the graphs revealed cognitive function score improvements after the intervention for most layers in terms of memory of numbers, memory of words, mental rotation test (visuospatial ability), and total scores in the Brain Assessment. These effects were also significant in the analysis by multi-level modeling.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the use of digital games may be effective for preserving and improving cognitive function among residents of nursing home.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000048677; public title: Effect of a Digital Game Intervention for Cognitive Functions in Older People; registration date: August 30, 2022).

Использование настольных и цифровых игр дошкольниками: результаты опроса российских родителей

<p>The article presents the results of an empirical study conducted within “The Influence of Digital Activity on the Development of Cognitive Functions in Preschool Age” project. In order to compare the data on the use of board games and digital games, a special “Contemporary Children: Digital Games vs. Board Games” questionnaire was developed (O.V. Salomatova, Yu.A. Tokarchuk, 2023), intended for the parents of preschoolers. The survey was conducted from March to September 2023 and involved parents of children aged 3 to 7 years old (N=556). It was shown that parents consider board games to be a more preferable pastime for children than digital games. According to the survey, board games in most cases involve the presence of a gaming partner, while digital games are more often an individual activity. In comparison with board games, parents more frequently use digital applications as a means of monitoring their child's behavior or as a method of reward. At the same time, according to the survey, parents less often actively participate in the process of digital gaming, allowing children to play independently or under their supervision. Board games more frequently involve parents in the gaming process.</p>

The Effects of Digital Educational Games on Secondary School Students’ Attitudes Towards Elective English Class and on Increasing Their English Listening Skills and Vocabulary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of digital educational games on secondary school students' attitudes towards elective English lessons, as well as the influence of digital educational games on the development of EFL listening skills and vocabulary learning. The study group included 40 students in two classes of 6th grade elective English course from a secondary school in Samsun province of Türkiye during the academic year 2022-2023. A quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group was used in the study. A total of six weeks, namely two hours of instruction each week, made up the trial period. Digital instructional games meeting certain criteria set by the study were used to teach the experimental group. In the control group, no digital educational games were employed, and the same teaching strategies as before the experiment were used. An academic achievement exam covering vocabulary and listening and the "Middle School English Course attitude scale" were utilized as data gathering tools. The study revealed that digital educational games had a favourable impact on secondary school students' views about the elective English class. Additionally, it was noted that the pupils in the experimental group improved their vocabulary and listening skills more than those in the control group. In conclusion, considering the positive outcomes of using digital educational games in both foreign languages and other disciplines, we can say that their integration into education will have positive effects on academic achievement and may positively affect students' attitudes towards that course by providing them with a fun learning environment. This makes the case for the potential use of digital educational games as a tool for learning-reinforcing activities in elective English and other elective classes.

Digital Games in Language Learning: Case Studies and Applications (Book review)

Language teachers have long used games to provide opportunities to practice using language and receive immediate feedback in an engaging, interactive setting. With more and more learners having access to computers, mobile devices, and the internet, teachers may also leverage digital games to expand learners’ opportunities for virtual exchanges beyond the classroom (Clark et al., 2016). However, existing research on using digital games for foreign language learning is somewhat limited, which highlights the necessity for a more comprehensive and detailed investigation in this field. To address such limitations in scope, Digital Games in Language Learning: Case Studies and Applications, edited by Mark Peterson and Nasser Jabbari, provides an extensive overview of the use of digital games for second language development. This book takes a fresh approach to digital game-based language learning by moving beyond the traditional concentration on pedagogy (e.g., Becker, 2017) to illustrate how digital games can significantly boost learning outcomes. It presents a collection of engaging case studies that explore critical issues in the field, such as the need for a learning theory specifically for game design and the challenge of measuring language development beyond vocabulary. [First paragraph of review]

NON-ENGLISH MAJOR TEACHERS' EXPERIENCES OF TEACHING ENGLISH FOR YOUNG LEARNERS (TEYL): A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Non-English major teachers’ experiences of teaching English for young learners in Indonesia have not been widely studied until recent times. To fill the lacuna, this phenomenological study looks at the lived experiences of four teachers with non-English major backgrounds who teach English for young learners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and teaching observations were also additionally carried out to triangulate the data. The data were then analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Findings suggest that the participating teachers encountered multi-level complexities in teaching English such as wording arrangement, sentence construction, spelling, mother tongue fossilization, and misbelief of English as a foreign language. The study also revealed the use of digital tools, songs, and games, as mostly utilized by the teachers. Interestingly, despite the non-English major backgrounds attached to the teachers, their teachings led to sustained and engaging English language learning among young learners. This study implies that pedagogical decisions have been of value to effective pedagogy and classroom activities in teaching English for young learners.