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This paper presents the software Zermelo Game, a free online game designed to support educational activities related to sets and quantifiers. The presentation of the game is accompanied by pilot tests concerning its application in various contexts: from the beginning of primary school to the end of high school. We will describe the mathematical and educational framework behind the software, how the software works and how it was used during classroom activities. The trial runs suggest some findings which merit future research endeavours. The most important findings, in our view, concern the role of the game in promoting collaborative and reflective processes, i.e., the discussions among students themselves as well as between teachers and students regarding why a certain statement is or is not true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how gamification impacts retail customer experience, emphasizing the need for businesses to differentiate in competitive markets. Gamification involves using game design elements in non-game contexts. The research presents a unique gamified shopping system using location-based (Beacon) technologies with a mobile application. This system engages customers through interactive games and challenges in specific store locations. With a sample size of 25, this study aimed to address the following research questions: What gamifying methods could be applied in a real store? What impact does gamification have on customer experience in a real-store shopping context? What role could gamification play in motivating customers to have an eco-friendly purchasing experience? The application includes features like a suggestion page, puzzle, scoreboard, and a points-based reward system. Study findings showed a significant positive correlation between gamification strategies and customer experience, which aligns with the self-determination theory. The app also integrates eco-friendly features and social interaction elements for an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to enhancing the retail customer experience. This study presents a practical example of gamifying methods integrated into a real store environment, which has the potential to boost the shopping experience for customers and shoppers and protect the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the validity of ChatGPT as a tool to generate meaningful input for the serious game design process. Input is collected from game designers, students and teachers via surveys, individual interviews and group discussions inspired by a description of a simple educational drilling game and its context of use. In these mixed methods experiments ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 is prompted with the same description to validate findings with expert participants. In addition, the impact on the models' suggestions from integrating the expert's role (e.g., "Answer as if you were a teacher.", "game designer", or a "student") into the prompt is investigated. The findings show that ChatGPT can produce statistically similar input, depending on the group of experts. ChatGPT 3.5 outperforms 4.0 with the student input. The integration of expert's role in prompt is found to be unreliable, and necessary only with game designer input with the version 3.5 of ChatGPT. The practical implications are that multiple ChatGPT versions should be used when collecting input. In addition, it is shown that experts can provide unique insight to the development process. This research opens the discussion on the trustworthiness of ChatGPT generated input for serious game development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in using gamification to promote local intangible cultural heritage. Gamification can make cultural heritage more accessible and relatable by transforming traditional practices into interactive digital experiences. Traditional hand-woven fabrics of tribal communities of Northeast India represent their cultural expression and identity. However, industrialization and globalization have negatively affected the inheritance of the traditional weaving practices. Their traditional fabrics also carry a rich legacy of oral narratives, which are underappreciated and at risk of being lost due to lack of adequate documentation. This paper attempts to investigate the relevance of using gamification for the dissemination of oral narratives embedded within the traditional fabrics of tribal communities of Northeast India. It further proposes a gamified system model to disseminate the oral cultural expressions associated with tribal fabrics and their textile heritage. It also integrates instructional design approach for creating a gamified learning environment for fostering cultural awareness and education among young generation of the tribal communities. This model may also offer a new approach for digitally archiving indigenous intangible cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review delves into research on the gamification of cybersecurity awareness for non-IT professionals, aiming to provide an accurate report on known and unknown information regarding three key questions: the impact of gamification on cybersecurity awareness interest and engagement, measurable results related to game elements and their connection to specific learning goals, and the long-term effectiveness of gamified cybersecurity. Examining five relevant papers, the findings confirm short-term effectiveness and indicate that the incorporation of various game elements, such as storytelling, team leaderboards, and interactive scenarios, results in increased knowledge, improved engagement, and positive behavior changes aligned with specific cybersecurity awareness learning goals. However, the review also identifies recurring gaps in evaluating individual game elements and customizing gamification strategies for non-IT professionals. Highlighting a critical gap in understanding long-term effectiveness, we argue for further empirical studies to consider habituation effects, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of gamification's impact on cybersecurity awareness over an extended period. Thus, the review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the necessity for empirical studies focusing on sustained, long-term effectiveness and habituation effects in gamified cybersecurity initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in using gamification to promote local intangible cultural heritage. Gamification can make cultural heritage more accessible and relatable by transforming traditional practices into interactive digital experiences. Traditional hand-woven fabrics of tribal communities of Northeast India represent their cultural expression and identity. However, industrialization and globalization have negatively affected the inheritance of the traditional weaving practice. Their traditional fabrics also carry a rich legacy of oral narratives, which are underappreciated and at risk of being lost due to lack of adequate documentation. This paper proposes a gamified system model to disseminate the oral cultural expressions associated with tribal fabrics and their textile heritage. It also integrates instructional design approach for creating a gamified learning environment for fostering cultural awareness and education among young generation of the tribal communities. This model may also offer a new approach for digitally archiving indigenous intangible cultural heritage.

This study explores how gamification impacts customer experience in the retail sector emphasizing the need for businesses to differentiate in competitive markets. Gamification involves using game design elements in non-game contexts and is growing as a method to boost customer engagement and satisfaction. The research presents a unique gamified shopping system using location-based (Beacon technologies) with a custom mobile app. This system engages customers through interactive games and challenges in specific store locations. The app includes features like a suggestion page puzzle scoreboard and a points-based reward system. Study findings show a significant positive correlation between gamification strategies and improved customer experience (CX). Using game elements in non-game contexts enhances consumer behaviors and aligns with Self-Determination Theory principles. The app also integrates eco-friendly features and social interaction elements for an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to enhancing the retail customer experience.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, the current study examined the roles of psychological factors and serious games in the promotion of physical activity and wellbeing. The aim was to investigate the use and evaluation of a Web-based application named BehaviourCoach through the following research questions: How do users experience and evaluate this web-application for health promotion? How do elements of serious games and participants’ health status relate to intention to use this web-application? Participants (N = 55) engaged with BehaviourCoach for a duration of 45 minutes. Physical activity, psychological wellbeing, user experience, evaluation and intention to use a digital tool for health as well as demographic information were self-reported. On average, participants were sufficiently active as a group to meet the guidelines of 150 minutes per week of activity. They also reported moderate psychological wellbeing. The evaluation of the web application was positive, with participants expressing enjoyment, reporting that they found the game to support social interaction, and that the web application interface’s navigation was user-friendly. These factors were found to be positively related to intention to use the digital tool for health promotion in the future. In addition, participants’ levels of overall health and subjective wellbeing were predictive of intention to use the web-application for quick results. The study's implications for e-health interventions are discussed, as well as future directions.

This study examines how 12-15-year-old students use information while playing Geome, a mixed reality game intended for museum school visits. Geome presents environmental issues, prompting students and asking them to discern and dismiss misinformation and rumors. The study aims to analyze the students' playful learning experience and their perspective on the game. It focuses on the students' critical thinking, interactions and beliefs about knowledge and knowing, referred to as personal epistemology. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research was conducted across three classes in a museum. A combination of audio, video, and in-game interactions was collected from specific moments during gameplay and analyzed according to epistemological dimensions (Certainty, Simplicity, Source, Justification). Video analysis suggests that when faced with ill-structured problems within a playful scenario, some students are spurred to actively process information and develop critical thinking skills. Meanwhile others remain entrenched in their initial conceptions about the nature of knowledge and the act of knowing. The study discusses how the game's characteristics shape students' personal epistemology. Overall, this research demonstrates that games in museum contexts have the potential to promote active learning and critical thinking in some students, when confronted with complex or ill-structured problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional classroom setting presents challenges when it comes to strengthening adaptive expertise in mathematics education through deliberate practice. This study aimed to investigate whether the Number Navigation Game (NNG) could help promote deliberate practice and whether students’ performance in the game was related to their development of Adaptive Number Knowledge, perceived challenge, flow, and math interest. NNG is a gamebased learning environment that requires students to progress by solving increasingly complex arithmetic problems, which is crucial for promoting adaptive number knowledge. Game performances of 214 Finnish students were analyzed and compared to the best possible performance for each game level. A growth mixture model based on the students' relative performance levels was used to gain insight into how students' game performance changed throughout the game, and how this related to their knowledge gains, perceived challenge, math motivation, and flow. There were four different profiles of students' game performance. The largest profile consisted of students who steadily improved their performance in the game, despite initially having lower-than-average performance. This group experienced lower levels of flow but achieved larger learning gains than the other groups, suggesting that their engagement may be more aligned with deliberate practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence indicates that game-based learning is emotionally engaging. However, little is known about the nature of emotions in game-based learning. We extended previous game-based learning research by examining epistemic emotions and their relations to motivational constructs. Onehundred-thirty-one (n=131) 15–18-year-old students played the Antidote COVID-19 game for 25 minutes. Data were collected on their epistemic emotions, flow experience, situational interest, and satisfaction that were measured after the game-playing session. Learners reported significantly higher intensity levels of positive epistemic emotions (excitement, surprise, and curiosity) than negative ones (boredom, anxiety, frustration, and confusion). The co-occurrence network analyses provided new insights into the relationships between motivational and emotional states, where highintensity flow experience, situational interest, and satisfaction co-occurred the most often with positive epistemic emotions. Results also revealed that a highintensity flow can be experienced without high levels of situational interest in the topic. That is, gameplay can engage learners even though the learning topic does not interest them. This highlights the importance of intrinsically integrating the learning content with core game mechanics, ensuring the processing of the learning content. The study demonstrated that epistemic emotions, flow experience, satisfaction, and situational interest reveal different qualities of game-based learning. The results suggest that at least flow, situational interest, and epistemic emotions should be measured to understand different dimensions of engagement in game-based learning. Overall, the study advances prior research by clarifying relationships between epistemic emotions and motivational constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the application of Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in designing educational board games, and be deployed as objects-to-think-with It aims to guide educators through three pivotal design phases: ideation, where ChatGPT suggests themes and mechanisms aligned with learning goals; customization, providing templates for tailored games; and feedback on prototypes to enhance game components and mechanisms. We also compared the use of ChatGPT in a game ideation process, contrasting with a traditional game design approach. Although offering a dynamic platform blending computational prowess and creativity, ChatGPT and similar LLMs pose challenges. They can exhibit biases from training datasets, affecting game inclusivity. They may also generate inaccurate details, propose counter-intuitive rules, and misinterpret feedback, resulting in unintended dynamics. Addressing these challenges necessitates a designer critical evaluation of LLM suggestions and the infusion of human creativity and intuition. This research advances discussions on AI in education by highlighting both the potential and the challenges of employing such innovative tools in developing serious games, aiming to foster a balanced and informed approach to integrating LLMs in educational game design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the promotion of practical, engaging, and enjoyable learning experiences has led to a shift in educational practices in the context of Higher Education. Currently, active learning participative approaches are prioritized involving in these methods the use of technological tools. In response to this shift, simulators and serious games have emerged as effective strategies in education. Serious games offer numerous benefits, including the promotion of critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and better knowledge retention. However, it is crucial to ensure that serious games are well-designed to maintain their appeal and playful nature. The establishment of definitions, especially during the initial stages of development, can prevent rework issues and lead to faster project goal achievement. This article emphasizes the importance and proposes the establishment of a methodology for creating computer games used for purposes beyond entertainment, focusing on learning, training, behavior change, or skill development. This systematic approach increases the likelihood of generating engaging, effective, and learning-friendly games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review delves into research on the gamification of cybersecurity awareness for non-IT professionals, aiming to provide an accurate report on known and unknown information regarding three key questions: the impact of gamification on cybersecurity awareness interest and engagement, measurable results related to game elements and their connection to specific learning goals, and the long-term effectiveness of gamified cybersecurity. Examining five relevant papers, the findings confirm short-term effectiveness and indicate that the incorporation of various game elements, such as storytelling, team leaderboards, and interactive scenarios, results in increased knowledge, improved engagement, and positive behavior changes aligned with specific cybersecurity awareness learning goals. However, the review also identifies recurring gaps in evaluating individual game elements and customizing gamification strategies for non-IT professionals. Highlighting a critical gap in understanding long-term effectiveness, we argue for further empirical studies to consider habituation effects, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of gamification's impact on cybersecurity awareness over an extended period. Thus, the review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the necessity for empirical studies focusing on sustained, long-term effectiveness and habituation effects in gamified cybersecurity initiatives.

Prior work systematically investigating the factors contributing to flow experience and learning in educational games is scarce. The relationship between learners' acceptance of the game and individual difference variables relevant to game-based learning and learners' flow experience and learning still needs to be systematically explored. To address the gap in knowledge, the study aimed to systematically examine whether variables of technology acceptance and individual differences relevant to game-based learning may predict flow experience and knowledge acquisition in an educational game. A total of 69 undergraduate students participated in the current study. Results indicated students' flow experience was predicted by some constructs of technology acceptance, namely, perceived playfulness and perceived attractiveness of the game. Five constructs of technology acceptance of the game, however, did not significantly predict learners' knowledge acquisition, although the correlation between perceived playfulness and knowledge acquisition from the game approached significance. Prior knowledge was found to be a negative predictor of knowledge acquisition from the game, that is, those with insufficient prior knowledge achieved greater knowledge acquisition from the game. Findings were discussed, and suggestions for future research were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a concept for balancing extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation in gamified learning systems by applying the principles of equilibrium found in first-class levers. Despite the growing interest in gamification as a tool to enhance motivation and engagement, empirical findings are inconsistent, and there is no unified agreement among researchers on its effective implementation. Gamification employs game design elements and principles to enhance user experience in various contexts, including the field of education and learning. However, its application in Information Systems (IS) and beyond has revealed inconsistencies and challenges that this study aims to explore. Our review identifies an overreliance on narrow models and shallow design (focusing solely on badges, points, and leaderboards, known as "BPL gamification") as contributing factors to the failure of some gamified systems. These approaches can lead to an imbalance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, resulting in the "Overjustification effect," a phenomenon that undermines the effectiveness of gamification. By providing a more nuanced understanding of how to select and apply game elements, this study aims to mitigate these challenges and promote a more successful implementation of gamification, avoiding common pitfalls and clichés in design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the use of simulation games as a learning tool in logistics education, with a focus on the Logistics Simulator and Production Game Simulator. Through an analysis of these two cases, relevant findings were uncovered. Firstly, simulation games can recreate concrete experiences, allowing students to engage with challenging problems in a practical manner. In addition, simulation games offer a platform for experimentation with diverse scenarios, enabling students to hone their decision-making skills in a safe environment. Furthermore, the degree of motivation and engagement exhibited by students was found to be positively correlated with their experience gained through simulators. However, while the results obtained from the simulator were associated with student motivation and engagement, the study did not yield conclusive evidence in terms of student learning outcomes. The findings underscore the significance of employing strategies that enhance student motivation and support deep learning, thereby enabling students to apply and transfer knowledge to new situations. Notably, simulation games have great potential in logistics education as they facilitate faster and more enjoyable comprehension of key decision-making factors. Nevertheless, limitations of this study include the small sample size in both cases, which restricts generalizability, and the lack of consideration for sociodemographic factors in the baseline survey. Future research should address these limitations for more reliable findings on the specific needs of students in game-based and experiential learning contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of industrial-scale gamification interventions for improving software quality is a topic of interest for software engineering research; but it has not frequently been analysed from the perspective of the developer's experiences. The objective of this study is to qualitatively evaluate developers' experiences in a team-based, leaderboard-style gamification intervention in a large software house. To understand the dynamics of positive outcomes in improving code security and quality, semistructured interviews were conducted regarding both technical and psychosocial aspects. Eight members of three different leaderboard teams with different standings in the final leaderboard were interviewed, and the transcripts were examined using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The results showed that the gamification intervention did result in positive individual and team-based awareness and behaviour change in a range of technical practices such as unit testing, code reviewing, and design. Post intervention, the participants discussed how their motivation, sense of belonging, and communication improved, also expressing concerns over attainability and fairness of gamification goals and relevance to existing workload. The experiential perspective emerging from analysed themes gives broader insights in technical and socio-psychological dimensions than available in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we developed a concept for balancing extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation in gamified learning systems through the laws of levers. Although empirical findings around gamification studies remain largely inconclusive, it is still the go-to place for many who seek to improve motivation and engagement. The phenomenon uses game design elements and game principles to create better user experience on a system or activity. With the widespread of gamification across and beyond IS, the field of education and learning is one that has embraced it solemnly. Nevertheless, there is little to no consensus amongst researchers as to how to effectively apply it, and benefit from it. As such, the concept is yet entrenched; although popular. Hence, along the concept development, this study set out to review the setbacks of gamification in recent times, primarily focusing on the current inconsistencies of empirical outcomes and how these challenges can be mitigated. We discovered that the overreliance of developers on narrow models is a culprit for failed gamification. Shallow gamification design which centres around the so-called “BPL gamification” is a source of failure, as it has become a copy-and-paste cliché, rather than a deliberate contextual design. Inordinate selection, and application of game elements to a system/activity is toppling gamification too. This was found to also create imbalances in both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation thereby leading to what is known as “Overjustification effect”, which is a big killer of gamification today.

The value of industrial-scale gamification interventions for improving software quality is a topic of interest for software engineering research; but it has not frequently been analysed from the perspective of the developer’s experiences. The objective of this study is to qualitatively evaluate developers’ experiences in a team-based, leaderboard-style gamification intervention in a large software house. To understand the dynamics of positive outcomes in improving code security and quality, semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding both technical and psychosocial aspects. Eight members of three different leaderboard teams with different standings in the final leaderboard were interviewed, and the transcripts were examined using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The results showed that the gamification intervention did result in positive individual and team-based awareness and behaviour change in a range of technical practices such as unit testing, code reviewing, and design. Post intervention, the participants discussed how their motivation, sense of belonging, and communication improved, also expressing concerns over attainability and fairness of gamification goals and relevance to existing workload. The experiential perspective emerging from analysed themes gives broader insights in technical and socio-psychological dimensions than available in the current literature.

Enabling programmers to write correct and efficient parallel code remains an important challenge, and the prevalence of on-chip accelerators exacerbates this challenge. Novice programmers, especially those in disciplines outside of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, need to be able to write code that exploits parallelism and heterogeneity, but the frameworks for writing parallel and heterogeneous programs expect expert knowledge and experience. More effort must be put into understanding how novice programmers solve parallel problems. Unfortunately, novice programmers are difficult to study because they are, by definition, novices. We have designed a visual programming language and game-based framework for studying how novice programmers solve parallel problems. This tool was used to conduct an initial study on 95 undergraduate students with little to no prior programming experience. 71% of all volunteer participants completed the study in 48 minutes on average. This study demonstrated that novice programmers could solve parallel problems, and this framework can be used to conduct more thorough studies of how novice programmers approach parallel code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The training of Police Interview competencies relies on the hiring of actors to play the role of victims, witnesses and suspects. While role-play can be a particularly effective training technique, it requires a significant amount of resources. The Interview Simulation for Police Officers (ISPO) is a serious game developed as a collaboration of Gameware Europe with the Portuguese School of Police Officers. The objective of the game is to train police officers in communication competencies related to the interview of victims, witnesses, and suspects. Through ISPO, players can take the role of a police interviewer and practice the techniques and methodologies learned in theoretical classes. The serious game offers a safe, lightweight and easily repeatable experience. In order to evaluate the training effectiveness of the serious game, a study was conducted with 194 participants where general subjective learning effectiveness was measured. Overall, the ISPO game improved the self-perceived competence of its players. Additionally, participants changed their opinion regarding the most valuable attitudes necessary to conduct a successful interview. Finally, the interaction with the game had a stronger effect on inexperienced users. These results lead us to believe that ISPO can be an added value to police officer schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theory-based exergame was developed for tweens to promote their self)efficacy towards physical activity and increase their physical activity levels. We used protocols from both health science and gamification research in piloting the exergame. First, we assessed the usability and feasibility of the exergame and conducted a preliminary exploration of its effectiveness. After technical improvements were made based on our findings, we reiterated the pilot study and analysed the gamification elements of the exergame by using Octalysis analysis. The overall findings suggest that a theory-based exergame can positively influence the self-efficacy of tweens towards physical activity. The exergame showcased theoretical strength, achieved using diverse gamification elements but its overall game design and usability can be further improved. The study concludes that health-related components of the purpose of intervention must be incorporated in parallel with the engaging design of the game, taking into utmost consideration the theories, evidence as well as the needs and perceptions of its target users. This study provides valuable insights on future development and evaluation of gamified health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theory-based exergame was developed for tweens to promote their self-efficacy towards physical activity and increase their physical activity levels. We used protocols from both health science and gamification research in piloting the exergame. First, we assessed the usability and feasibility of the exergame and conducted a preliminary exploration of its effectiveness. After technical improvements were made based on our findings, we reiterated the pilot study and analysed the gamification elements of the exergame by using Octalysis analysis. The overall findings suggest that a theory-based exergame can positively influence the self-efficacy of tweens towards physical activity. The exergame showcased theoretical strength, achieved using diverse gamification elements but its overall game design and usability can be further improved. The study concludes that health-related components of the purpose of intervention must be incorporated in parallel with the engaging design of the game, taking into utmost consideration the theories, evidence as well as the needs and perceptions of its target users. This study provides valuable insights on future development and evaluation of gamified health interventions.

In this paper, we present TAECon, a web-based platform designed to support STEM promotion sessions carried out by the Polytechnic School of Girona’s University at higher schools. The platform combines gamification, serious games, content editors, and automatic correction strategies in a single framework. TAECon is used to prepare game sessions that turn around a central story with eight main characters from different ethnicities and genders that have to recover their identification cards. Players working in groups or individually and in face-to-face or virtual sessions have specific editors to design and enter solutions of challenges (or problems) and enigmas (or subproblems) created by STEM experts using the content editors of the platform. According to the type of enigma, correction techniques automatically evaluate responses and assign the corresponding reward. The platform has been used by more than a thousand students from fifty secondary schools. To collect the platform impressions, more than 250 students answered a questionnaire and 17 secondary school teachers were interviewed. As reported by the information collected, the platform was appreciated by both students and teachers. Users enjoyed the challenges and the game sessions. To conclude, TAECon can be considered a good strategy to promote STEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many people have preconceived notions about games and distrust the effects of game-based learning and show negative attitudes. In fact, there are limitations and disadvantages of game-based learning, and it is difficult to overcome them. More than half of the inconveniences or problems of teachers who want to try game-based learning revealed by the 2009 survey have not been solved yet. Due to the sudden spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Education has issued a policy to convert classes at schools and academies into non-face-to-face. Non-face-to-face classes have the characteristics that instructors and learners will be spatially separated, spatially simultaneous, interactive, and teaching and learning behavior will be mediated by the screen. And these features are common to live streaming. Taking advantage of this, this study aims to approach improving the perception of game-based learning as an advantage of "watching games" beyond "playing games" by using live streaming for game-based learning. This study conducted game-based learning and game streaming learning for 210 third-year middle school students, compared the effects of game-based learning on learning interest, immersion, and satisfaction with the results of previous studies to verify the design and prove the combined effect of live streaming and game-based learning. In addition, in-depth interviews with instructors who conducted game-based learning confirmed that awareness of the introduction, value, and finance of game-based learning improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to address the issue of low completion and high dropout rates in online and distance learning through play and gamification. The general aim of this study is to provide a set of gamification design principles for researchers and practitioners on how gamification can be used in online and distance learning programs in higher education. More specifically, the study intended to seek the answers whether student participation in the online and distance learning programs can be increased by the use of gamification, how the gamification influences the students’ academic performances in the online and distance learning programs and what learners think about integrating gamification into the open and distance learning programs in higher education. The study was designed as a sequential exploratory research, which is one of the mixed research methods. Findings indicate that integrating gamification into the online and distance learning programs has a significant impact on increasing students' visits to the learning environment. In addition, when the pre-gamification and post-gamification scenarios were compared in terms of students accessing to the content in the online and distance learning environment, it was discovered that there was a statistically significant increase. It can be also said that there is significant difference regarding to academic performances for gamified situations. Lastly, gamification is said to be fun by students and to contribute positively to their motivation. According to this, gamification has a positive effect on learners' e-learning behaviors and should be used more in online and distance learning programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present TAECon, a web-based platform designed to support STEM promotion sessions carried out by the Polytechnic School of Girona's University at higher schools. The platform combines gamification, serious games, content editors, and automatic correction strategies in a single framework. TAECon is used to prepare game sessions that turn around a central story with eight main characters from different ethnicities and genders that have to recover their identification cards. Players working in groups or individually and in face-to-face or virtual sessions have specific editors to design and enter solutions of challenges (or problems) and enigmas (or subproblems) created by STEM experts using the content editors of the platform. According to the type of enigma correction techniques automatically evaluate responses and assign the corresponding reward. The platform has been used by more than a thousand students from fifty secondary schools. To collect the platform impressions more than 250 students answered a questionnaire and 17 secondary school teachers were interviewed. As reported by the information collected, the platform was appreciated by both students and teachers. Users enjoyed the challenges and the game sessions. To conclude, TAECon can be considered a good strategy to promote STEM.

This study aims to address the issue of low completion and high dropout rates in online and distance learning through play and gamification. The general aim of this study is to provide a set of gamification design principles for researchers and practitioners on how gamification can be used in online and distance learning programs in higher education. More specifically, the study intended to seek the answers whether student participation in the online and distance learning programs can be increased by the use of gamification, how the gamification influences the students’ academic performances in the online and distance learning programs and what learners think about integrating gamification into the open and distance learning programs in higher education. The study was designed as a sequential exploratory research, which is one of the mixed research methods. Findings indicate that integrating gamification into the online and distance learning programs has a significant impact on increasing students' visits to the learning environment. In addition, when the pre-gamification and post-gamification scenarios were compared in terms of students accessing to the content in the online and distance learning environment, it was discovered that there was a statistically significant increase. It can be also said that there is significant difference regarding to academic performances for gamified situations. Lastly, gamification is said to be fun by students and to contribute positively to their motivation. According to this, gamification has a positive effect on learners' e-learning behaviors and should be used more in online and distance learning programs.

It is a current trend in English language teaching research, to study the use of mobile games and technology. However, there is lack of research about how to implement those strategies in settings such as the Colombian high Schools. This article reports a case study aimed at exploring students' perceptions towards the use of the Serious Game Bethe1Challenge supported with gamified classroom activities, used in a high school during pandemic times. To complement this study, interviews, a pre-test and post-test were implemented and analyzed. Although constraints related to the game were discovered, in the end the tests and interviews revealed that the students perceived Bethe1Challenge as an entertaining, fun, and enjoyable game that motivates and improves English learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research in English language teaching reports that there is a tendency towards the use of mobile games and technology. However, there is a lack of research conducted that informs on the implementation of those strategies in high school contexts in Colombia. This article reports a case study aimed at exploring students’ perceptions towards the use of the Serious Game Bethe1Challenge supported with gamified activities, in a high school context during pandemic times. Accordingly, interviews, a pre-test and post-test were implemented and analyzed. It is concluded that participants perceived that Bethe1Challenge is an entertaining, fun, and enjoyable game that increases motivation and improves English learning as reported in the tests. Nonetheless, constraints related to the game were also discovered.

This article is an introduction to a special issue of the International Journal of Serious Games, dedicated to the best papers from the 2022 GaLA conference. The special issue includes five extended papers that explore different aspects of game-based learning and serious games. The papers cover topics such as assessing the effectiveness of adaptive digital games, the relationship between motivation and emotions in game-based learning, the use of mathematical games for deliberate practice, the impact of museum games on critical thinking, and implementing deep reinforcement learning for non-player vehicles. These papers contribute to our understanding of game-based learning and offer valuable insights for game designers. [Extracted from the article]

While game-based learning seems to be an effective instructional approach, the underlying learning and engagement mechanisms of games are still poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated to what extent flow experience and situational interest are different indicators of engagement in game-based learning. Fifty-two Finnish 5th graders played a game on fractions at home during COVID-19 enforced distance learning. Flow and situational interest measures were embedded directly into the game environment. Results revealed that although flow experience and situational interest constructs share similar components, they also differ. In particular, regression analysis indicated that situational interest is mostly related to immersive aspects of flow. Moreover, learning gains achieved by playing the game and situational interest were positively related - a relation not found with flow. Although flow was not related to learning gains, it seems to be a more competence-oriented construct than situational interest as it was positively correlated with in-game performance. The design of the game successfully supported weaker students with adaptive scaffolds and in-game self-reporting measures worked well. Taken together, even though situational interest and flow share similar components, both constructs are important for multifaceted assessment of engagement in game-based learning. Theoretical and practical implications for engagement research and game design are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the relatively new concept of ludification with the attempt of laying the theoretical groundwork for further studies. Although ludification ties in with both gamification and the concept and practice of transmedia it possesses unique characteristics and qualities of its own, primarily evolving around games and playful ways of structuring stories. The focus point is how traditional media such as tv-series and movies incorporate gamelike traits and structures into their narrative structure. This concerns both the narrative structures that users can and cannot interact with. Among other things, we consider a deep understanding of ludification vital for the more practically oriented approach to learning through (serious) games. Thus, this paper serves as a prolegomenon to the interpretation of works of ludification, as well as to the diverse field of deploying gamified material in didactical and pedagogical context. In addition to the conceptual groundwork for understanding ludification and how it manifests itself we propose an analytical method for unearthing the traits and structures of ludification: we have coined this method the ludo-interpretation. Furthermore, this article discusses the merits and shortcomings of ludification and the ludo-interpretation in the final section where we deploy a Popperian inspired three-levelled falsification and refutation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper consists of implementing an educational board game to evaluate the information security awareness level of healthcare personnel. The National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Information Security Acceptable Use Policy was used as a basis to generate the educational content of the board game and Lev Vygotsky's social development theory was followed for the learning process of the participants. Two evaluations were carried out during this study. The results obtained during the first evaluation showed that it is fundamental to design the board game based on a set of rules in information security enacted by an organization to properly guide the participants with the knowledge they need to counter security incidents. The second evaluation showed that redesigning the content of the board game based on the information security policies of the NHSGGC, resulted in a more effective way of guiding participants on the procedures required for compliance with the policies of this health institution and offer them an understanding of the risks behind security incidents. This was demonstrated during this evaluation since the results obtained gave an approximation that it is possible to increase the level of awareness of information security in people regardless of their area of work or studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gamified Learning Theory implies that gamification does not affect learning directly but stimulates a learning-related behavior in a mediating or moderating process. A learner-related behavior can, to some extent, be predicted based on the way learners tend to perceive, understand and utilize information. These different ways of learning are known as learning tendencies. This study investigates the moderator role of learning tendencies on gamification success concerning learners' academic participation, engagement, and experience. For this, Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model is used for the identification of learners' tendencies. In our study, 69 Computer Science students were randomly assigned to one control and two treatment groups. Students in the treatment groups were assigned two different gamified courses, while the control group attended a non-gamified course. This allowed us to analyze the individual effect of each gamification design and compare and see which gamification design was more appropriate for a learner with particular tendencies. Our results indicate that gamification design positively contributes to academic participation, affects learners' engagement in gamified environments, and that students' learning tendencies moderated students' engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gamified Learning Theory implies that gamification does not affect learning directly but stimulates a learning-related behavior in a mediating or moderating process. A learner-related behavior can, to some extent, be predicted based on the way learners tend to perceive, understand and utilize information. These different ways of learning are known as learning tendencies. This study investigates the moderator role of learning tendencies on gamification success concerning learners' academic participation, engagement, and experience. For this, Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model is used for the identification of learners' tendencies. In our study, 69 Computer Science students were randomly assigned to one control and two treatment groups. Students in the treatment groups were assigned two different gamified courses, while the control group attended a non-gamified course. This allowed us to analyze the individual effect of each gamification design and compare and see which gamification design was more appropriate for a learner with particular tendencies. Our results indicate that gamification design positively contributes to academic participation, affects learners' engagement in gamified environments, and that students' learning tendencies moderated students' engagement.

Cognitive assessments can be expensive, lengthy and fatiguing for students and are often conducted in an artificial clinical context. In an effort to make the assessments more fun, researchers have started to introduce game elements to traditional cognitive tasks and training. This comes with a number of challenges. The main challenge is to develop an engaging tool that at the same time reliably assesses cognitive constructs in students. To address these challenges, this research aims to improve cognitive assessment with a new game-based assessment app that has been designed and developed in collaboration with researchers, teachers, students, and software engineers based on established cognitive theories, and subsequently validated through iterative testing in real world settings. The iterative development process is based on design-based research and includes cycles of design explorations, testing, analyses, redesign, and evaluation with students in authentic educational settings. The knowledge gained from the iterative process of designing a valid cognitive function app can inform other researchers who are aiming to develop cognitive assessment tools in an educational context.

Cognitive assessments can be expensive, lengthy and fatiguing for students and are often conducted in an artificial clinical context. In an effort to make the assessments more fun, researchers have started to introduce game elements to traditional cognitive tasks and training. This comes with a number of challenges. The main challenge is to develop an engaging tool that at the same time reliably assesses cognitive constructs in students. To address these challenges, this research aims to improve cognitive assessment with a new game-based assessment app that has been designed and developed in collaboration with researchers, teachers, students, and software engineers based on established cognitive theories, and subsequently validated through iterative testing in real world settings. The iterative development process is based on design-based research and includes cycles of design explorations, testing, analyses, redesign, and evaluation with students in authentic educational settings. The knowledge gained from the iterative process of designing a valid cognitive function app can inform other researchers who are aiming to develop cognitive assessment tools in an educational context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present the fundamental concepts, design, and preliminary findings of a personalized gamification project in the educational context. The project aims to create a balanced, gamified learning environment in which all learners are equally engaged and interested. However, finding the balance between heterogenic learners’ traits and the variety of gamification design elements is a challenging, multistep process. Therefore, this paper presents the first steps towards the design of a balanced gamified environment, in which we a) proposed the Personalized Gamification Design Model (PeGaM) to assist gamification designers in applying a learner-center approach to gamification; b) explored learners’ learning tendencies as personalization criteria and applied PeGaM in the e-learning course, and c) conducted the exploratory study with 124 students to investigate behavioral differences in and between students in the control and treatment group. The study revealed a positive influence of badges, leaderboards, and experience points on learners with reflective, global, visual, and intuitive learning tendencies, and negative on students with sensing learning tendencies. Hence, this study supported the idea of introducing learning tendencies in the gamification design process and indicates the need for further research in this direction.

Game design is a complex process based on balance between educational and gameplay experience in a coherent way. In the context of instructional design, Constructive Alignment aims to develop an outcome-based approach for designing learning activities during which learner engagement, through the activity, is aligned with learning objectives and outcomes. Hence, Constructive Alignment focuses on the proposal of constructively aligned learning experiences, where assessment is the result of specially selected training activities, which are proposed based on intended learning outcomes. In this study, the impact of an online MSc course on game design from a Constructive Alignment approach is assessed. Constructive Alignment in game design is approached as the coherence between Learning Objectives, Game Mechanics, Learning Mechanics and the Assessment in the educational Digital Game Based Learning. The results analysis shows that the Game Based Learning course had a positive impact on students regarding the proposal of game design documents with coherence between Game Mechanics and Learning Mechanics as well as Learning Mechanics and Learning Objectives, while little focus on integrating Assessment mechanisms was observed. Based on the results of this study an increase in focus on assessment in the process of game design is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present the fundamental concepts, design, and preliminary findings of a personalized gamification project in the educational context. The project aims to create a balanced, gamified learning environment in which all learners are equally engaged and interested. However, finding the balance between heterogenic learners' traits and the variety of gamification design elements is a challenging, multistep process. Therefore, this paper presents the first steps towards the design of a balanced gamified environment, in which we a) proposed the Personalized Gamification Design Model (PeGaM) to assist gamification designers in applying a learner-center approach to gamification; b) explored learners' learning tendencies as personalization criteria and applied PeGaM in the e-learning course, and c) conducted the exploratory study with 124 students to investigate behavioral differences in and between students in the control and treatment group. The study revealed a positive influence of badges, leaderboards, and experience points on learners with reflective, global, visual, and intuitive learning tendencies, and negative on students with sensing learning tendencies. Hence, this study supported the idea of introducing learning tendencies in the gamification design process and indicates the need for further research in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamification aims at addressing problems in various fields such as the high dropout rates, the lack of engagement, isolation, or the lack of personalisation faced by Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). Even though gamification is widely applied, not only in MOOCs, only few cases are meaningfully designed and empirically tested. The Gamification Design Process (GaDeP) aims to cover this gap. This article first briefly introduces GaDeP, presents the concept of meaningful gamification, and derives how it motivates the need for the Gamifire platform (as a scalable and platform-independent reference infrastructure for MOOC). Secondly, it defines the requirements for platformindependent gamification and describes the development of the Gamifire infrastructure. Thirdly we describe how Gamifire was successfully applied in four different cases. Finally, the applicability of GaDeP beyond MOOC is presented by reporting on a case study where GaDeP has been successfully applied by four student research and development projects. From both, the Gamifire cases and the GaDeP cases we derive the key contribution of this article: insights in the strengths and weaknesses of the Gamifire infrastructure as well as lessons learned about the applicability and limitations of the GaDeP framework. The paper ends detailing our future works and planned development activities.

It is a great pleasure for us to introduce this issue of the IJSG, which is dedicated to the Games and Learning Alliance Conference (GaLA Conf) that was held in Athens, November 27-29, 2019. Almost 70 participants converged in this beautiful, historic city in order to share knowledge and experiences related to serious games and gamification, their techniques and their application. A number of the best conference papers were selected, and the authors were invited to extend their paper with at least one-third new content, and to submit their paper to IJSG for a regular peer-review process. This issue contains three of the resulting articles, which gives an overview of the rich field of serious games.

This paper presents a study on data retrieved from a gamified team building application, which promotes employees' joint sport activities. The aim of this work is to identify and evaluate behavior usage patterns, and user engagement indicators based on interaction data gained from the application and to determine key factors affecting engagement levels. In order to determine behavioral patterns, users have been tested for system use, for participation at events and competitions, and for having tendency in social interactions. The study classified three typologies of engaged users: the Achievers who are motivated by the reward of achieving long-term goals, the Socializers who enjoy interacting with others and the Conquerors who like struggling until they eventually achieve victory by defeating others. We were also able to reveal additional influencing factors beyond personal behavior patterns like the corporate culture and the importance of the 'organizers'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamification aims at addressing problems in various fields such as the high dropout rates, the lack of engagement, isolation, or the lack of personalisation faced by Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). Even though gamification is widely applied, not only in MOOCs, only few cases are meaningfully designed and empirically tested. The Gamification Design Process (GaDeP) aims to cover this gap. This article first briefly introduces GaDeP, presents the concept of meaningful gamification, and derives how it motivates the need for the Gamifire platform (as a scalable and platform-independent reference infrastructure for MOOC). Secondly, it defines the requirements for platformindependent gamification and describes the development of the Gamifire infrastructure. Thirdly we describe how Gamifire was successfully applied in four different cases. Finally, the applicability of GaDeP beyond MOOC is presented by reporting on a case study where GaDeP has been successfully applied by four student research and development projects. From both, the Gamifire cases and the GaDeP cases we derive the key contribution of this article: insights in the strengths and weaknesses of the Gamifire infrastructure as well as lessons learned about the applicability and limitations of the GaDeP framework. The paper ends detailing our future works and planned development activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile Math Trails for Europe (MoMaTrE) is an ongoing project to conceptualize and develop a fully gamified platform for creating, organizing and executing mathematics trails. We present some early experimental results of an empirical study from Frankfurt am Main with 218 pupils concerning the introduction of shallow gamification techniques in the platform. The study was based on the self-determination theory and therefore the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory was used. First results are mostly in line with other findings of the previous research literature, but also some interesting effects could be shown. The article concludes with a discussion of our plans for adding other (deeper) gamification elements.

This paper presents the results of a study, comparing a game versus a dashboard with respect to energy conservation in the household. In a pretest-posttest design, an empirical study tested whether change in attitude, knowledge, engagement and behaviour with respect to energy conservation in the household was different for participants playing Powersaver Game compared to a control condition where participants used an energy dashboard with the same content, but excluding game features. The aim of this game (developed using an iterative user-centered game design methodology) is to influence household energy consumption by means of electricity and gas usage in the long-term. The intervention time was at least 5 weeks and pre and post measures were based on 21 days intervals. All energy conservation activities that the application provides (e.g. washing clothes on low temperatures) take place in the real world and feedback is based on real time energy consumption. This real data into the game approach aims to optimize the transfer between the game world and the real world. Energy consumption significantly changed in the game condition compared to the control condition, and the difference between both conditions is more than 33% after the intervention. In the game condition, knowledge about energy conservation was significantly increased, although no significant differences in increase of attitude and engagement were found. We conclude that Powersaver Game is effective in transfer of energy conservation knowledge, which leads to energy saving behaviour on the long term. However, it cannot be concluded that playing the game leads to a greater change in attitude, probably because attitude scores of the participants were high from the start.

This paper conducts a contemporary and inclusive review of initial applications of gamification to various management fields, such as finance, corporate governance, risk management, human resource management, etc. It defines and contextualizes gamification within the field of management. This allows to understand the main elements of a general gamified system and its main applications. Via a systematic review of 203 studies addressing management contexts and gamification, it develops a holistic framework for the analysis of gamification in management areas. The study concludes by setting out a list of questions to direct future research in order to increase the impacts of this innovative and strategic research area within businesses and organizations.