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Gamification, the integration of game design elements into various processes, has found application in promoting sustainability. The field of simulation and gaming has a history of using games to teach and raise awareness about sustainability issues, covering all areas addressed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Gamification has emerged as a solution to bridge the gap between knowledge and action in sustainable development. It can motivate individuals to improve sustainability, create networks to solve complex problems, and has been successful in interventions such as reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable food choices. There are different design approaches to gamification, including instrumental design that nudges behavior and humanistic design that involves users in co-defining problems and solutions. This issue of the Simulation & Gaming journal explores the success factors of gamified interventions in sustainable development, including business models, contextual factors, and skill-building interventions. The issue includes articles on gamified sustainable consumption apps, promoting virtuous water usage practices, and teaching road safety to school children using virtual reality. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital and gamified WellWe intervention on parental self-efficacy for healthy behaviours and mindfulness in parenting at the comprehensive health checks of 4-year-old children. Methods: Two-arm cluster, randomised, controlled trial with a 4-month follow-up.The data were collected from parents of 4-year-old children. Cluster randomisation was done at the municipality level. Fifteen child health clinics within 4 municipalities located in Southwest Finland were randomly allocated to either an intervention (WellWe intervention) or a control group (usual care). The outcome measures included the Parental Self-Efficacy for Healthy Behaviours (PDAP) and Mindfulness in Parenting (MIPQ) questionnaires. Data were collected at baseline, after the intervention and at the 4-month follow-up. Results: Initially a total of 110 parents (50 in the intervention and 60 in the control group) participated in the study. At the end of the study, there were 33 parents involved, with 12 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group. Parental self-efficacy and mindfulness in parenting showed no statistically significant difference between the groups or within the groups at the different time points. Conclusions: The results of the study showed no difference between the intervention and the usual care. The commitment of the subjects was lower than expected. The intervention could be improved by placing a greater focus on engaging and motivating both families and public health nurses (PHNs). Therefore, when refining the intervention further, it's important to involve the target group more actively in the design of both content and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although gamified sustainable consumption apps (SCAs) have been on the rise, only a few have survived longer than two years. While most existing research focuses on how gamification contributes to engagement and the formation of more sustainable consumption habits, there is little about how their survival is secured. Intervention's Purpose: Twenty-one SCA creators shared their considerations and experiences managing SCAs, providing valuable insights into the field of gamified sustainable consumption and practical insights for their stakeholders. Methods: Ideal-type and narrative analyses of the interviews unraveled some relevant survival strategies and lessons learned. Results: The creators' motivation and background play a role in the app's survival. Their experiences exposed several aspects affecting their gamification strategies and their relevance for the apps, highlighting traps to avoid and opportunities to improve their standing in an increasingly competitive market. Discussion: Most creators shared stories of "learn as you go," presenting how the flexibility to adjust the apps' business models rather than the creators' professional background is a critical success factor. Since their apps represent their understanding of sustainability, SCA creators should find practical and emotional ways to engage their users while considering the objectives of their apps. Conclusion: Awareness of the risks and pitfalls when creating an SCA may not be enough for successfully undertaking this enterprise. The creators should be capable of strategically plan for all the activities that creating and managing an SCA convey even before the app is conceptualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a world increasingly stressed by climate change and scarcity of natural resources, the prosocial behaviors of new generations become increasingly essential, especially when aimed at sustainability. This study aims to investigate the gamified system applied to the game-based educational program BLUTUBE, designed to promote better practices regarding virtuous water usage in the primary schools of the Municipality of Lucca. Methods: We analyze the self-reported sustainable behaviors of almost 800 students of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades, using a survey about water consumption and awareness of related topics. We examine the association between the increase in the self-reported prosocial behaviors, which occurs after the end of the educational program, and participation in different activities - measured by the number of accumulated points - stimulated through gamification. Results: We find that higher participation in gamified activities corresponds more likely to a higher increase in reported sustainable behaviors. Moreover, we observe that this result is led by specific activities - playing the board game Blutube at school, playing the urban game, and taking pictures of virtuous actions - rather than others - playing the board game at home. Lastly, given the difference between genders in the perceived benefits from gamification, we find that males increase more their awareness about sustainable behaviors by playing more the board game than females. In contrast, females raise their awareness when playing the urban game more. Discussion: We suggest that playing the board game in a broader social context, such as school, can enhance the perception of children's behaviors' impacts on the external environment. Also, to effectively promote sustainable behaviors, educators should consider using game-based learning materials that incorporate rewards mechanisms into the activities. Conclusions: This work sheds light on the relationship between gamification and pro-environmental behaviors, laying the ground for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, cryptocurrency has increasingly sparked interest among investors. Many people have invested in this field without adequate knowledge. Existing research has shown that using game design elements can be an effective method of education. Such learning interventions can potentially be a good match for educating market investors, as they provide risk-free simulations for novice investors to gain practical experience without having to be concerned about real financial losses. However, it is unclear how market investors perceive gamified and game-based learning interventions and whether they would adopt them for cryptocurrency education. Research Objectives: Our study investigated market investors' perceptions, needs and expectations regarding the integration of gamification and game-based learning interventions in cryptocurrency education. Methodology: We conducted an online survey with n=413 participants, including experienced market investors and people who are interested in cryptocurrency. Within the survey, we presented the mock-ups of two cryptocurrency learning interventions: a gamified cryptocurrency learning application, and a cryptocurrency learning video game. Results: From market investors' perspectives, our study revealed the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating gamification and game design principles to facilitate learning cryptocurrency. We identified the need to develop dynamic, accessible, reliable, and community-building gamified and game-based cryptocurrency learning interventions. Conclusion: From our findings, we propose guidance for the integration of gamification and games in cryptocurrency education, and we provide design recommendations for investor-specific cryptocurrency learning interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serious games (SGs) have emerged as promising tools for life science education, providing interactive learning experiences that bolster accessibility and engagement. In the context of genetics education, which emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, SGs offer a potential platform to augment learning. Aim: This article presents the detailed design of a new educational SG, titled Punnett Farms, along with a pilot evaluation of the game. Designed to help students learn the fundamentals of Mendelian/molecular genetics, the game offers a colorful virtual world with embedded educational content aimed at cultivating interactive learning and engagement. Methods: Development of Punnett Farms was guided by principles of educational game design models. The game was implemented in Unity and C#. A pilot study was conducted with community college students (n = 22) to assess the game's strengths and areas for improvement. Pre-/post-intervention knowledge assessments, along with questionnaires inspired by the GEM and MEEGA+ frameworks, were used to obtain insights into participants' interest, enjoyment, and short-term learning outcomes. Results: Participants exhibited possible short-term knowledge gains after playing Punnett Farms, as reflected by improved quiz scores. In questionnaire responses, participants also reported improved content understanding, interest towards the subject, and overall enjoyment in learning genetics. Additionally, players rated the game highly for presentation and educational utility. Conclusion: By integrating educational game design principles, Punnett Farms aims to provide an immersive environment that supports learning of essential Mendelian genetics topics. Results from the pilot study were positive, suggesting the game has potential to be a helpful resource for genetics learners. Future efforts will focus on continuing to improve and evaluate the game across different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "Making a Better Future Using Simulation and Gaming," discusses the potential benefits of using gamification and simulation in various fields. The authors highlight the positive impact that games and gaming technology can have on skills, cognition, and well-being. They also emphasize the importance of reliable simulations and gaming scenarios in preparing for and dealing with crises such as natural disasters and global conflicts. The authors express optimism and encourage readers to embrace insights and tools derived from gaming and simulation to address the challenges of today and the future. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Gamification is the use of game principles in non-game settings such as medical education. Effective evidence for using gamification in medical education needs well-designed studies that describe outcomes related to interventions. The study objective was to systematically review the study designs describing gamification interventions in medical education focusing on their characteristics and medical students' learning. Methods: We systematically searched the databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until 2021. Articles were appraised using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results: The search result included 423 articles, of which 53 articles had inclusion criteria. Of these, 23 articles were classified in the non-electronic games group and 30 studies in the electronic games group. The quality of evidence in both groups was assessed using the MERSQI average checklist. In total, 90% of studies reported the effectiveness of game intervention in one of the 4 levels of the Kirkpatrick pyramid. The predominant pedagogical approach in both groups was the cognitive approach. The psychomotor approach and the affective approach were more prominent in the electronic and non-electronic games groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that gamification training techniques improve the performance of medical students in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research into transgressive play experiences in games has grown in recent years. In this article, we explore the potential for transgressive play to be constructive in multiplayer settings—something we conceptualize as "benevolent transgression." Aim: This article describes the presence and appeal of benevolent transgressive play experiences in the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons [D&D]. Research Methods: In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted focus group discussions (3 groups, 14 participants, aged 24–55) and an online survey (354 participants, aged 18–63) with current D&D players to better understand what play experiences were meaningful and appealing for them—in consideration of the game's contemporary resurgence. Key Finding and Discussion: Our qualitative analysis focuses on participant responses that described the presence and appeal of transgressive play that knowingly challenges player boundaries or game boundaries, what we term benevolent transgression. We propose two key factors that we believe enable it—1) player agency and 2) collaborative negotiation —and briefly discuss benevolent transgression in consideration of game-based learning [GBL]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The smartphone market is saturated with apps and games purporting to promote mental wellness. There has been a significant number of studies assessing the impact of these digital interventions. Motivation: The majority of review papers solely focussed on the impact of strict rules and award systems of the apps. There is comparatively little attention paid to other game techniques designed to encourage creativity, a lusory attitude, and playful experiences. Results: This gap is addressed in this paper in a consideration and analysis of a purposive selection of six mobile games marketed for wellbeing, our focus is on both external and internal motivations that these games offer. Our specific interest is how these games balance rule-based play with creativity. We find that ludic play is a highly-structured, rule-bound, goal-oriented play, in contrast to paedic play which a freeform, imaginative, and expressive. We argue that while ludic play is purposed towards the promotion of habit formation and generates feelings of accomplishment, it nonetheless relies heavily on extrinsic motivation to incentivise engagement. By contrast, paidic play, specifically role-playing, improvisation, and the imaginative co-creation of fictional game worlds, can be used effectively in these games to facilitate self-regulation, self-distancing, and therefore provides intrinsically-motivated engagement. In the context of games for mental wellbeing, ludic play challenges players to complete therapeutic exercises, while paidic play offers a welcoming refuge from real world pressures and the opportunity to try on alternate selves. Conclusion: Our intention is not to value paidic play over ludic play, but to consider how these two play modalities can complement and counterbalance each other to generate more effective engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gamification is a promising field of research that can benefit education. In particular, it can benefit teaching programming to children. Emotional Learning Companions (ELCs) are interactive systems that dialogue with the students as well as provide them with emotional support. Intervention: The design of ELCs was extended with gamification to teach programming to Primary Education children. Riddles, levels, badges, and a leader board with trophies among other traditional gamification elements were incorporated into the learning companion, as well as game mechanics, aesthetics and connection with the players (students) to increase their learning, motivation and satisfaction levels. Methods: A pre-post test single group experimental research design was followed to test the proposal. In total, 137 students aged between 10 and 12 years used the gamified learning companion during an academic year in Ecuador. Results: The results showed a significant increase in students' learning scores as well as satisfaction and motivation levels above 90%. Conclusion: Therefore, the conclusion is that gamifying ELCs to teach programming in Primary Education can improve students' learning scores, satisfaction, and motivation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To overcome the high failure rate of gameful interventions, we need to better understand their design and evaluation strategies to build an evidence-base for best-practice approaches that bring about meaningful change. This systematic review asks: 'What behavioural and technological design and evaluation theories and approaches are applied in games developed to bring about positive environmental outcomes?'. Method: We reviewed 52 papers published between 2015 and 2020 that used gameful interventions to improve behaviour related to environmental outcomes. These papers were analysed to review the behavioural and technical design, and the assessment and evaluation approaches, employed by the intervention designers. Results: We found that these publications report on simple aspects of the behavioural and technical design behind the intervention but fail to justify their design choices in terms of theory and evidence. Furthermore, variability across their evaluation approaches and outcomes exists. Discussion: This review highlights several systemic flaws in the literature that limit our understanding of gameful interventions in the pro-environmental context. First, based on this review, we cannot be convinced that these interventions were designed according to best practice for intervention design or for technology development. Second, the justification for proposing a gameful intervention is not always clear. Finally, it is unclear whether these interventions are being evaluated based on best practice. Thus, it is not clear that we can draw confident conclusions about evidence-based outcomes of short-term engagement (in structural gamification interventions) or long-term behaviour change (in content gamification and serious game interventions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Aging people can suffer from cognitive impairments with a range of symptoms, including memory, perception, and difficulty in solving problems called Alzheimer's disease (AD). The early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which can develop AD, plays a major role in the management of patients to slow the decline in cognitive function, as treatments are effective at an early stage of the disease course. For this purpose, advanced computer technologies can provide a tool for the early detection of AD and prediction of disease progression. This article presents a serious game, including 16 mini-games that aimed at detecting AD or MCI in the mild stage. Based on gamification techniques and machine learning (ML), by overcoming the limitations of traditional tests. This gamified cognitive tool, entitled AlzCoGame, evaluates the main cognitive domains considered to be the most pertinent indicators in diagnosing cognitive impairments: working memory, episodic memory, executive functions, Visio-spatial orientation, concentration, and attention. Results and Conclusion: Six predictive ML models have been implemented using the AlzCoGame dataset. We used the K-fold cross-validation and classification metrics to validate the model's performance. Based on the results of the pilot study, the best overall performance was obtained by the RF classifier with average Sensitivity = 0.89, Specificity = 0.93, Accuracy = 0.92, F1-Score = 0.91, and ROC = 0.91. We can deduce that including machine learning techniques and serious games could help improve certain aspects of the clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Moreover, clinical trials are required to prove the impact of this gamified program on cognitive skills and evaluate usability measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aims to consider the prospect possibilities of gamification in historical education and its influence on the development of key professional competencies of workers necessary in current condition of humanitarian sphere development. Methods: An experimental study theoretically substantiates the prospects for the gamification of education on the example of history education, in which 40 students from the Рeoples' Friendship University of Russia and Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University took part. A pedagogical model of gamified history study has been developed and implemented into a 3-month online learning course "Technology for constructing historical interpretations." The following technological tools were used to support the implementation of gamified learning: the Academy Learning Management System (LMS), the Facebook social network, social media information resources, augmented and virtual reality technologies. A survey was conducted on the Academy LMS platform, in which students were asked to assess the promising opportunities for the impact of gamified learning on the development of key professional competencies in terms of the degree of influence. Results: The research results confirmed that the creation of a joint creative and expanded gaming experience leads to the acquisition of practical knowledge and allows learners to acquire skills that are highly relevant for professionals of the 21st century. The students confirmed that educational progress was achieved due to the effective organization of their learning activities, group changeover at the stages of developing historical interpretations, and gamification, which caused a feeling of excitement and qualitatively influenced the desire to achieve the best educational results. Gamified learning allowed educators to keep students' interest in the subject of study. Conclusions: According to the results of a survey of students at the end of the course, it was concluded that gamification in history education has a positive effect on the evolutionary development of a personality adaptive to the socio-economic conditions of the 21st century. A model of the evolutionary vertical and horizontal development of the personality has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive reading (ER) classes have become a popular way to promote reading in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms because ER supports the idea of reading for pleasure. However, reading in the classroom can still become stale if students have little chance to reflect on what they have read or if they become burdened by the reading requirements. Aim: In an attempt to create a more energetic ER classroom, we converted the classroom into a game-based environment with the aim of promoting L2 reading enjoyment and motivating students to read in a more focused manner. Method: As for specifics, 55 female Japanese university students—divided into two groups based upon English proficiency—participated in a social book reading game called Bibliobattle whereby students discussed their favorite books in small groups. Three iterations of the game were incorporated into the ER classroom as a way to enliven reading activities. Results: The game proved largely successful. From the data obtained in the debriefing questionnaires, students mentioned that they were motivated by the activities through reflection on their book's content and through the sharing of specific details about what they had read with their peers. Although both groups of students indicated their motivation to play the game, this was especially true for the lower level readers—a group that had demonstrated more apathy towards ER in the past. Based upon our experiences while running the game, we recommend that Bibliobattles be implemented as specialized events in the ER classroom as a means to help stimulate a love for reading in a second language; however, it should also be noted that student preparation for such battles is time-consuming, so the number of battles per semester should be limited to a maximum of two per semester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamification research and practice have gained popularity, but there is a lack of experimental and field evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific design elements and their use contexts especially in developing countries.This research aimed to measure the effect of gamifying digital learning environments and compare the effects of badges and leaderboards on the development of cognitive and achievement motivation of elementary school students.A gamified environment focused on the circulatory system and employing interactive storytelling was developed. It was tested through an in-field experiment at an elementary school in Egypt. The research sample was of 30 students in the 5th grade, divided into two equal experimental groups (badges - leaderboard).The results indicated an increase in cognitive and achievement motivation among students in both experimental groups. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of badges and leaderboards on the cognitive and achievement motivations of the participants in the two experimental groups.These findings suggest that the effects of gamification are more likely due to the holistic design and novelty, rather than the specific use of a specific game element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate undergraduate medical students’ knowledge and self-confidence to perform abscess incision after virtual reality-simulation or video lecture. Pre and post-knowledge assessment was conducted.This was a multicentre randomised controlled trial from October 2021 to January 2022. The study was carried out at two universities providing medical education. Undergraduate medical students were randomized into either fully immersive head mounted display virtual reality-simulation (VR) or video lecture. Pre- and post-learning surveys probed self-confidence and student’s own assessment of competence. Participants were third-, fourth- and fifth-year medical students from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki. All students were sent an email informing them of the opportunity to participate in this voluntary study. All willing students were included in the study.42 medical students participated in the study. Most were fourth year medical students, 52% of the participants had previously used VR in some context and the mean age of participants was around 25 years. Both methods increased knowledge and self-confidence equally. In VR subgroup, those with technical support available experienced greater learning than those without.Interestingly, in the present study, both VR and video lecture increased knowledge and professional self-confidence equally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Against the backdrop of the cognitive-motivational process model proposed by Vollmeyer and Rheinberg (1998) , this study investigates how the personality trait need for cognition in combination with a specific situation (short and long version of a live-action simulation game), current motivation, and immersion and flow (mediators) predict the learning outcome in the simulation game EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE CLASSROOM (Starker & Imhof, 2014). Methods: N = 138 teacher students played the short 2-hour version of the simulation game, and N = 77 played the long 2-day version. Need for cognition, current motivation, immersion, flow, and learning outcome were measured by self-report questionnaires. Results: A hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the impact of the predictor variables (need for cognition, current motivation, immersion, and flow) on the self-evaluated learning outcome. For the 2-hour group, the predictor variables interest, challenge, and immersion (subscale: engagement) impacted self-reported learning outcome significantly positive. For the 2-day group, significant predictors were need for cognition, interest, and immersion (subscale: engrossment). In comparison of the two game versions, students playing the 2-day version reported significantly higher levels of engagement, engrossment, and learning outcome. Conclusion: The cognitive-motivational process model of learning was partly supported: interest and immersion predict learning outcome in the live-action simulation game. The extended 2-day version of the game leads to higher levels of immersion and higher learning outcome, indicating that a longer timeframe secures the desired effects on learning outcome from simulation games. Further research needs to shed light on the interaction of personality traits and immersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Play is an important part of the childhood. The learning potential of playing and creating non-digital games, like tabletop games, however, has not been fully explored. Aim: The study discussed in this paper identified a range of activities through which learners redesigned a mathematics-oriented tabletop game to develop their ideas and competencies in an integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) class. Method: Third and fourth graders worked as teams to make changes on Triominos over a period of six weeks. Considering what could be changed from the original game, each group provided a different design for Triominos to accommodate the changes introduced. We gathered data through weekly observations of two classes (about 45 learners, ranging from age eight to ten) in a west-Canada school. In this paper, we present the works of three groups of three teammates. Results: We found that any change made by learners not only influenced mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics of the game but also helped engage learners, encourage unconventional ideas, promote learning, and solve problems. Based on our findings, we suggest redesigning games facilitated learners deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts as part of a designed game system in STEM classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background.: Landers (2014) proposed the theory of gamified learning to provide a theoretical framework for gamification research. Unfortunately, little empirical work has tested this theory. Thus, the current study aimed to close this gap by examining the theory's mediational pathway as well as exploring the moderating role of goal orientation on the pathway from Assessment game attributes (i.e., assessment and progress) to self-efficacy to learning outcomes. Method.: A gamified resume course was developed on a gamification software platform. Participants (N = 185) were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk and randomly assigned to one of four conditions (i.e., badges, progress bar, badges and progress bar, and control). Participants responded to a pre-course questionnaire containing demographics and the goal orientation measure, were directed to the course website to complete the gamified resume course and knowledge measure, and were finally re-directed to a post-course questionnaire collecting job search self-efficacy. Results.: There was little support for the hypothesized moderated mediation model. However, an interesting outcome of this study was the significant conditional indirect effect of the badge condition for average learning and high avoid performance goal orientations, suggesting badges can improve self-efficacy in gamified learning. Discussion and Conclusion.: A key takeaway of this study was preliminary evidence suggesting badges may help mitigate the negative effects of avoid performance goal orientation on self-efficacy. This finding demonstrates how individual differences play a role in learners' responses to game attributes in a gamified learning experience. Practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. An increasing number of studies support a mediating influence of personality on video-game preferences and player experiences, and in particular, traits associated with playfulness, such as extraversion. Educational institutions, however, tend to reward serious personality traits, such as conscientiousness. Aim. To discern how students respond to Game-Based Learning (GBL) in the classroom, and to understand if and how conscientiousness mediates GBL, we performed a field study at a leading university of technology in northeast China. Method. In May 2019, 60 bachelor and executive students in public-administration studies consecutively played two digital serious games, TEAMUP (multiplayer) and DEMOCRACY3 (single player). Data accrued through surveys with pregame measurements of personality (conscientiousness), mediating factors (motivation, player experience), learning effectiveness (cognitive and non-cognitive learning), and GBL acceptance. Results. Analysis showed a strong overall learning effect for both games. Conscientiousness significantly related to cognitive learning in both games and noncognitive learning in the multiplayer game only. Conscientiousness also significantly related to player experiences in the multiplayer game. Furthermore, the conscientiousness facet of perfectionism was a dominant factor in player experience and learning. We discuss the findings in light of several aspects around GBL that require more attention and research, especially that, alongside other factors, conscientiousness may be an important dimension to consider in the design and implementation of GBL in education, and GBL can have a positive role in the modernization of education in non-Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. For uncommon events in medicine, such as pediatric CPR, more frequent training is associated with improved performance among healthcare providers and physicians in training. Gamified learning may facilitate motivation to practice CPR, though studies to support this are lacking. Intervention. Residents were interviewed to understand motivating factors for CPR practice outside of a traditional classroom certification setting. Methods. We used a qualitative study design within a larger multinational study. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were completed with pediatric residents using a constructivist approach. Transcripts were reviewed independently by two authors (IHG, JLS). Results. The inductive framework gradually moved away from gamification and towards that of self-determination. Participating residents reported several types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drivers towards practicing CPR, such as practicing CPR to prepare, or as a connection to clinical practice. Some themes were amotivational, such as performance anxiety, and detracted from their drive to practice. Despite a gamification design to this curriculum, these components were rarely mentioned. These themes related to achieving Maslow's three psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence. Conclusion. The motivation to practice CPR among residents aligns with the self-determination theory. By stimulating intrinsic motivating factors, future curriculum design may better motivate residents to practice CPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Videogames are emerging as increasingly popular tools for training complex skills, in part due to their potential for improving the transfer of learning to changing demands. One caveat is that training outcomes are primarily influenced by a learner's capability and willingness to engage in adaptive learning processes. The present study examined the role of epistemic curiosity as a predisposition for seeking information and resolving gaps in knowledge. Method: Using a game-based learning environment with strong cognitive and perceptual-motor demands, we tested the effects of interest- and deprivation-type epistemic curiosity on performance during skill acquisition and adaptation to unforeseen change. A task-change paradigm and piecewise latent trajectory model disentangled the effects on performance trajectories corresponding to skill acquisition and adaptation. Results: Interest-type epistemic curiosity, but not deprivation-type, was positively related to baseline performance, even after controlling for cognitive ability and videogame experience. Moreover, the positive effect of interest-type epistemic curiosity on post-change performance (i.e., adaptation) was fully mediated by pre-change performance. Discussion: These findings indicate that interest-type epistemic curiosity is particularly important in the earlier phases of learning, but explains little variability in adaptive performance beyond its direct influence on performance acquired prior to change. This research speaks to the roles of individual differences in cognition and motivation during game-based learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Programming is a challenging and highly important topic for introducing learners to our digital world. Research has shown that motivation plays a key role in programming performance. Gamification using digital badges has the potential to influence motivation, provide social recognition and encourage learner participation. More research is recommended to evaluate its motivational impact in different contexts. Intervention. This research explores the effects of badges on the intrinsic motivation levels of introductory programming students within a higher education institution. The course is offered during the first year of the programme. We report the results of a baseline study without badges and four subsequent badge experiments of different designs over a four-year period. Methods. This quasi-experimental study followed a pre-test/post-test design to measure the effects of badges on the intrinsic motivation levels of university-level introductory programming students. Badges were designed and implemented. Feedback via focus groups and a post-badge survey was collected. Results. Findings are inconclusive as the quantitative results suggest that badges did not increase intrinsic motivation scores. Contrastingly, badge survey and qualitative data indicate that badges were received more positively on average. Discussion. We analyse and discuss the results within the context of motivation and the programming discipline, and discuss external factors that may impact the relationship between gamification and motivation. Conclusion. Further research is necessary to investigate whether gamification, through the use of digital badges, can foster positive intrinsic motivational results, particularly in the well-known challenging domain of introductory programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Keeping high school students engaged and motivated to learn complex scientific concepts can be difficult and challenging; this is especially true if the task feels daunting and unfamiliar to the students. Incorporating educational technology, such as KAHOOT, into the classroom can help students learn scientific material even when it is difficult. Aim. Our objective is to determine the effectiveness of gamification in an Advanced Placement Biology (AP biology) classroom by using the online game 'KAHOOT!' as a supplement to traditional teacher-centered learning. In addition, we determine the use of 'KAHOOT!' in enhancing student engagement and the learning experience for biology. Methods. A presentation on Transcription and Translation was given to a small group of high school AP Biology students (n = 18, 18 women). After the presentation, the students were given 15 questions and twenty seconds to answer each question in the 'KAHOOT!' game. Both the students and the teacher were given a post-activity survey to assess their interest in the activity. Results. Based on the responses in the Students' Survey, 'KAHOOT!' can be used as a gamified assessment tool to help students learn the topic of 'Transcription and Translation' by actively engaging them in a fun and exciting manner. Conclusion. The overall activity had a positive impact on the students and teacher as the students enjoyed learning Transcription and Translation through the use of 'KAHOOT!'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. With the use of computer-based simulations and games becoming increasingly common in education and organizational contexts for delivering training and instruction, learners are being granted unprecedented control over their learning. This increase in learner control leaves large differences in how learners challenge themselves and explore their learning environments. Learners can benefit from task difficulty, an aspect of challenge, when they are neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed. The purpose of the present lab study was to test a model of how encouraging learners to challenge themselves with greater task difficulty when practicing a video game could be a "double-edged sword" in terms of their skill-based learning. Method. Using a first-person shooter computer game as the criterion task, 120 undergraduate males were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Half of the participants were encouraged to practice at a difficulty level that matched their skill level, while the other half were encouraged to practice at a difficulty that greatly exceeded their skill. Exploratory behavior was reflected in the variety of weapons used. Results. Findings supported a model of inconsistent mediation predicting that difficulty encouragement instructions would lead to higher selected practice difficulty, which in turn would have positive direct effects on skill transfer yet negative indirect effects through exploratory behavior. Discussion. The present study demonstrated that encouraging learners to practice at high levels of task difficulty is a "double-edged sword." Although high levels of task difficulty can help in the preparation for future difficulties, it can also undermine exploratory behavior which is an important aspect of the learning process. This research speaks to the potential of encouraging learners to practice under difficult conditions without undermining their learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Learning programming is a cognitively demanding field of study accompanied with various difficulties. Although there is a high demand in the market for programmers, software analysts and engineers, a high dropout rate is recorded in relevant fields of study. Serious games are a promising means of engaging students in learning programming by giving them more incentives and making the process of learning programming concepts and languages more entertaining. Aim. This article introduces a new serious game called PY-RATE ADVENTURES, which aims to assist young students in their introduction to the basic programming concepts using Python. The game does not have any prerequisites and is suitable for players with no previous knowledge of programming. This article aims to present important information regarding the analysis, design and pilot evaluation of PY-RATE ADVENTURES. Method. The game was evaluated by 31 people that had recently graduated or were students of an Interdepartmental Programme of Postgraduate Studies in Information Systems. The participants voluntarily played the game and answered a questionnaire based on the MEEGA+ model, after their hands on experience with the game. This questionnaire's purpose was to evaluate PY-RATE ADVENTURES in terms of perceived player experience and short-term learning. Results. The participants positively evaluated the game almost in all the elements of player experience. Furthermore, the majority of the users consider that the game helped them to learn basic programming concepts in Python and stated that they would prefer to learn programming with this game rather than other teaching methods. Conclusion. The positive results of the pilot evaluation give us the motivation to proceed and evaluate the game with students in secondary education, in order to extract stronger and generalisable conclusions regarding the impact of the game as an educational tool for learning programming concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Knowledge sharing among the members of an organization is crucial for enhancing the organization's performance. However, knowing how to motivate and direct members to effectively and efficiently share their relevant private knowledge concerning the organization's activities is not entirely a straightforward matter. Aim. This study aims to propose a gamified approach not only for motivating truthful sharing and collective evaluation of knowledge among the members of an organization but also for properly directing those actions so as to maximize the usefulness of the shared knowledge. A case study is also conducted to understand how the proposed approach works in a live business scenario. Method. A prediction market game on a binary event on whether the specified activity will be completed successfully is devised. The game utilizes an original comment aggregation and evaluation system through which relevant knowledge can be shared verbally and evaluated collectively by the players themselves. Players' behavior is driven toward a desirable direction with the associated incentive framework realized by three game scores. Results. The proposed gamified approach was implemented as a web application and verified with a laboratory experiment. The game was also played by four participants who deliberated on an actual sales proposal in a real company. It was observed that the various valuable knowledge elements that were successfully collected from the participants could be utilized for refining the sales proposal. Conclusions. The game induced motivation through gamification, and some of the designed game scores worked in directing the players' behavior as desired. The players learned from others' comments, which brought about a snowball effect and enriched collective knowledge. Future research directions include how to transform this knowledge into an easy-to-comprehend representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Roughly 35% of college students report depression as a significant concern, which unaddressed, can lead to an increased likelihood to quit school and develop comorbid conditions. Traditional depression interventions are useful; however, they are often expensive, stigmatizing, tedious, and time-intensive. We examined a prescribed mindfulness meditation regimen, which incorporates gamification principles, in reducing symptoms of depression compared to a control group. Materials and methods. We recruited and randomly assigned 72 college students to an experimental group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 39). The prescription for experimfiental group participants was ten 10-minute mobile mindfulness meditation sessions over a 14-day period; control group participants continued with business as usual. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to test our hypothesis. Results. Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant interaction of group by time for depression scores, supporting the hypothesis that experimental group participants would significantly decrease their depression symptom severity compared to control group participants post-intervention. Within-subjects contrasts and between-group analyses showed a significant decrease in depression symptom severity scores. Conclusion. Prescribed use of a gamified mindfulness meditation application significantly decreased depression symptom severity as measured by the PHQ-9. College students and mental health providers should consider these fun, inexpensive, and non-stigmatizing applications as a feasible intervention for college students to improve symptoms associated with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim. Serious games are generally considered to have positive effects on many aspects of learner engagement as well as on cognitive learning gains and subject-related interest. Yet few studies have examined which combination of game elements influence engagement and learning, and how these factors are related. For this reason, an experimental study was conducted to explore these aspects with regard to digital serious games. Method. Twelve primary school classes with 153 students from 9 to 12 years of age participated in this experimental field study using group comparisons. The students were randomly assigned to interact either with an educational simulation or a digital serious game. The results were analyzed using t-tests and hierarchical linear regressions. Results and Conclusion. Results show that there are no group differences in tested learning gains nor in self-reported cognitive learning gains or increase in interest. Although there are also no differences regarding enjoyment, self-reported levels of deep thinking are higher when learning with a serious game. While post-test knowledge is only influenced by prior knowledge, self-reported cognitive learning gains and increases in interest are both positively correlated with deep thinking and enjoyment. These results lead to the conclusion that learning with serious games does not always lead to the expected increases in all aspects of engagement and learning outcomes. Thus, research needs to address the interplay of game elements and their impact on engagement and learning in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gaming can augment case-based learning (CBL) when students play the role of characters in the accompanying narrative and apply their knowledge. Aim. This article describes how an educational game was integrated into a CBL activity aimed to teach students the immunological basis behind how the Ebola virus evades the immune response. Method. The CBL activity and game were co-developed to align with learning objectives relative to basic immunology. The exercise was implemented during a rigorous summer enrichment program with US domestic and international high school students. Quasi-experimental and exploratory correlational research designs were employed to assess student engagement and learning gains, and relationships to various factors including game playing attributes and goal orientations. Results. Students found the CBL activity to be engaging and improve their understanding of the material. Comparison of pre-/post-test knowledge scores corroborated such findings. Increased student frequency of playing the game was associated with higher post-knowledge scores. Various student attributes were associated with increased learning and game play. Conclusions. Gaming integrated within case studies has the potential to enhance students' engagement and learning by allowing learners to explore challenging biological processes in a digital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Game studies offer cross-disciplinary perspectives, but the body of knowledge is not yet in the form of a cohesive game science paradigm. Klabbers (2018a) argues that a comprehensive and coherent view on game science is needed that connects three levels of inquiry: the philosophy of science level, the science level, and the application level.Aim. This single-theme symposium issue On the Architecture of Game Science is especially devoted to the reflection and discussion on the foundations and principles of gaming and simulation.Method. Raising a debate among scholars and professionals, addressing the questions and frame-of-reference presented in the introductory article of Klabbers (2018a) and completed by his rebuttal.Results. The contributions range from the linkages between game science and complex social systems design through gaming simulation, to gamification science, and game studies, focusing on the ludosphere and the growing field of digital games.Conclusion. The articles present an overview of the current state of the art, craft, and science of gaming simulation, gamification and game studies. They present a stimulating and challenging debate, and a good basis for advancing the principles and foundations of game science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Game studies offer a cross-disciplinary image that includes a range of professions. Game science is responsive to the needs of government institutions, to industry, and to individuals vis-à-vis institutions. That pragmatism makes the field issue-oriented, representing a post-normal science approach in a context of political pressure, values in dispute, high decision stakes and high epistemological and ethical systems uncertainties. The body of knowledge is not yet in the form of a cohesive structure: a game science paradigm. Thematic diversity, theoretical and methodological pluralism, and a strong focus on the instrumentality of games are weak credentials within academia, arranged according to analytical science (normal science) principles. Moreover, within the conventional academic settings, game science faces serious limitations, due to the fragmented positioning in different departments and faculties.Aim. A comprehensive and coherent view on game science is needed that connects three levels of inquiry: the philosophy of science level, the science level, and the application level. Based on radical developments during the early 20th century, physicists are introducing doubt, uncertainty, undecidability and imprecision into the world of physics. These advances have impacted on the philosophy of science, on modernism and postmodernism, and as a consequence, on game science. Being able to understand the current position of game science requires that we are aware of its scientific roots, and future options for research and professional practice.Method. Raising a debate among peers, addressing the questions and frame-of-reference presented in the introductory paper “On the architecture of game science”.Results. Referring to the frame of reference, offered by the introductory paper (Klabbers, 2018), the authors have presented five very interesting articles addressing their varying views on, and approaches to game science. Their contributions range from the linkages between game science and complex social systems, to gamification science, and game studies, focusing on the ludosphere, the realm of digital games. Combined, all papers present a comprehensive overview of the field, covering game science and its application levels, with special attention to the varying design and research methodologies and practices. They mention linkages with the philosophy of science level, however refrain to work out their implications for designing, facilitating, and debriefing games. This shortcoming leaves little room for reflecting on the unique role of the players, their explicit knowledge and tacit knowing included, and omits important epistemological questions, raised in Table 1 (Klabbers, 2018), which relate to the triple hermeneutic: the players’ reality created during game play.Conclusion. The collected papers offer a challenging overview of the current state of the art, craft, and science, and a good understanding of important questions that are on the minds of the authors. Together, they present a stimulating platform for a lively debate, and a good basis for advancing game science, more particularly, the connected philosophy of science, science, and practical levels. For the following reason, further research is needed and highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Definitions of gamification tend to vary by person, both in industry and within academia. One particularly popular lay interpretation, introduced and popularized by Ian Bogost, and reiterated by Jan Klabbers, is that gamification is “bullshit” and “exploitationware.” They describe gamification as a marketing term or business practice invented to sell products rather than to represent a real and unique phenomenon relevant to a nascent game science. However, this view is an oversimplification, one which ignores a growing body of theory development and empirical research on gamification within a post-positivist epistemology. In fact, because gamification is so much more outcome-focused than general game design, current gamification research in many ways has a stronger footing in modern social science than much games research does.Aim. In this article, to address common misunderstandings like these, we describe the philosophical underpinnings of modern gamification research, define the relationship between games and gamification, define and situate gamification science as a subdiscipline of game science, and explicate a six-element framework of major concerns within gamification science: predictor constructs, criterion constructs, mediator constructs, moderator constructs, design processes, and research methods. This framework is also presented diagrammatically as a causal path model.Conclusion. Gamification science refers to the development of theories of gamification design and their empirical evaluation within a post-positivist epistemology. The goal of gamification scientist-practitioners should be to understand how to best meet organizational goals through the design of gamification interventions, drawing upon insights derived from both gamification science and games research more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The theory of gamified learning (Landers, 2014) posits that gamified approaches positively impact students’ attitudes, and in turn this change in attitudes impacts learning; however, research is needed to examine the role of attitude change in gamified approaches (Seaborn & Fels, 2014). A strong negative relationship between students’ attitudes towards statistics and their performance in statistics has been well documented. The need to help students have positive attitudes towards statistics, and therefore be more likely to achieve in the course, makes using gamified learning, which targets attitudes, an ideal domain to test the effects of gamification on attitudes.Methods. The aim in this quasi-experimental study was to examine the ability of gamified modules in a statistics course to have positive impacts on learning and attitudes towards statistics. Students in the experimental group were compared to previous cohorts completing the same course, but without the gamified exercises as well as published results from a large cohort of comparable students.Results. The attitudes of cognitive competence, affect, value and perceived difficulty were all positively impacted after completing the gamified exercises. The experimental group also had large effects of test performance one semester after completing the course.Conclusion. In line with the theory of gamified learning, these findings suggested that the gamified modules were successful in shifting students’ attitudes in a positive direction and subsequently increasing performance. Future studies should introduce randomization between students and examine the specific pathways between attitudes and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Many learning environments are quickly deserted by learners, even if they are efficient. Gamification of learning environments is a recent approach used to enhance learners’ motivation and participation.Aim. People have various expectations and react differently faced with specific game mechanics. An important goal lies in automatically adapting game mechanics according to player types. In this article, we study the gaming features that can be adapted in learning environments and the player model that can be used for the adaptation process. We propose an approach that aims to predict to which game mechanics a user is responsive, and to adapt the gaming features of the system according to this information.Methodology. An implementation was released, and evaluated through an quasi-experimental study with 59 middle school students, each one using the learning environment during three 45-minutes sessions.Results. The results validate the implementation of the system and show that the users’ activity can help to predict their profile. The adaptation process did not improve learners’ engagement as expected, but it shows a path for future research toward an adaptive approach for learning environment gamification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although the effectiveness of game-based learning (GBL) is well-supported, much less is known about the process underlying it. Nevertheless, developing a mental model that matches the game system, which in turn models a real-world system, is a promising proposed process.Aim. This article explores the first steps in model matching: identifying the entities and (complex) relations in a game system.Method. Participants (N = 30) played the analog game DOMINION and completed a multi-step mental model mapping exercise. Categories of entities in mental model maps were inductively identified with grounded theory coding, while complex relations in mental model maps were identified via content analysis.Results. Participants described formal game entities, player actions, sociality, learning processes, and subjective experience in their mental model maps. Participants identified very few complex relations—and no feedback loops—in their mental model maps.Conclusions. Games—and analog games specifically—provide a breadth of resources for model matching and GBL. Through gameplay, learners come to affix conceptual meanings to material objects, a process dubbed lamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim.Gamification is growing in popularity in education and workplace training, but it is unclear which game elements are conducive to learning. The theory of gamified learning suggests that one type of gamification, the addition of game fiction/narrative, can be used to improve learning outcomes, and the Technology-Enhanced Training Effectiveness Model (TETEM) suggests individual differences impact the strength of this effect. From this theoretical basis, this study gamified a training module with game fiction in order to improve outcomes over the original training.Results and Conclusion. In a study of 273 learners, trainees were significantly more satisfied with training enhanced with game fiction over the control text (d = 0.65) but did not differ in declarative knowledge scores by condition. Further, trainees in the control condition scored higher on procedural knowledge than trainees in the game fiction condition, although the effect was smaller (d = −0.40). Thus, the use of narrative improved reactions to training but at some cost to training effectiveness. Attitudes toward game-based learning were also tested as a moderator of the condition-outcome relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Understanding how sound functions on informational and emotional levels within video games is critical to understanding player experience of games. User interface sounds, such as player-character health, are a pivotal component of gameplay across many video game genres, yet have not been studied in detail. Method. To address this research gap in user interface sounds, we present two studies: The first study examines the impact of the presence or absence of player-health sounds on player experience. The second study explores the impact of the types of sound used to indicate player health. We use mixed methods with qualitative and physiological measures. Results. Our results reveal that despite the presence of visual cues, sound is still important to game design for conveying health-related information and that the type of sound affects player experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gamification commonly uses a limited set of design elements to enhance applications and services in a variety of contexts, such as learning, health and work. However, gamification techniques are based on well-established design practices and rarely new game elements are added to the catalogue available to gamification designers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explored the use of a tabletop role-playing game in middle school ELA classrooms to examine students’ (n=36) abilities to interact with and make meaning from a traditional classroom text (Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game”).Background.Gaming continues to soar in popularity, both inside and outside of schools. As such, it is important to continue looking for pedagogically beneficial ways to incorporate gaming into classroom spaces, specifically English Language Arts and Literacy classrooms.Aim. In this article, we describe the game used for this study was modified from the Pathfinder system and designed to pair with Connell’s short story. We also discuss our qualitative approach to data analysis, and the three themes that emerged. First, students made gaming decisions based on their knowledge of the story. Second, students experienced the narrative through the lens of their characters. And third, students engaged in meaningful collaboration throughout gameplay.Conclusion. The findings support ongoing calls to look for pedagogically beneficial ways to incorporate gaming into ELA and Literacy classroom spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background.Gamification is concerned with the utilization of motivational affordances that create value-adding experience in the design of services. It has many applications in different fields and has been shown to be a good design methodology to influence motivation and behavioral change. Civic engagement and its online platforms could benefit from gamification, as these areas suffer from low engagement levels, thus defeating the purpose for which they are created.Purpose. There is a lack of understanding of how civic engagement platforms should be gamified to sustain active engagement and assist in community building, while also fulfilling their operational objectives. This article aims to provide a theoretical framework and guidelines for the gamification of civic engagement platforms.Contribution. A theoretical framework for the gamification of civic engagement platforms is presented, drawing upon self-determination theory and democratic deliberation theory. Through this work, we also identify future research directions and highlight the need for research on related subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem. Teams or groups of individuals working together to achieve a shared goal, make up today’s world of work. Although the literature is rife with issues concerning teams, there is no coherent structure to guide researchers wishing to gain a deeper understanding into those factors leading to positive team outcomes.Question. This is due in part to two factors; one being the methods (e.g., observation; self report) typically employed to study teams often do not apply rigorous standards for reliability and validity. The second is it is difficult to construct data gathering situations that realistically approach the context in which teams operate.Approach. Addressing the first issue, we present a framework for the type of data that should be gathered to reliably and validly evaluate team performance. We believe the second issue is best addressed through the application of serious games, where realistic scenarios are delivered representing problems similar to those faced by teams in the real world. Finally, we describe a study whereby we demonstrate the approach utilizing a serious game to gather the data, which is then analyzed to assess the reliability and validity of the measures.Conclusion. With reliability and validity being established, a latent change score model is presented to illustrate how rich models of team interaction can be stated, investigated, and statistically assessed; since the serious game ensures the quality of the team interaction and the superior quality of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Game designers have long been developing strategies to foster engagement, pleasure and a variety of sensations in game experiences, increasingly applying their research to areas beyond games. This has led to a growing recognition of the use of game elements in non-game settings. In parallel, service designers have been seeking to improve user experience and engagement in services.Method. Drawing on relevant literature about game design, the authors develop a framework that gathers a variety of game design research endeavors to form a practical tool to support service development from a user experience perspective. Its application is exemplified and simulated in a methodological approach to Action Design Research on a selected service.Results. The service is then analyzed and compared ‘before and after’ the utilization of the framework, with no measurement of results. At last, a simplified method to gamify services, the GSF Application Model, is presented,Conclusions. This article presents and describes the development of the Gamification Service Framework, an IT artifact designed to solve a class of problems related to the service field: the gamification of services. The central aim is to provide a new tool for service designers to use game design concepts in their practices, by structuring services in an analogous way to games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fields of simulation and gaming are expanding into innovative and increasingly popular areas, including simulation in healthcare, recreational games for educational purposes, urban planning, military simulation and modeling, and more. This editorial serves as a farewell to a distinguished editor of Simulation & Gaming (S&G) and an introduction of the new editors who will maintain the highest standards for the journal and guide it to newer domains, while unveiling best-practices in underreported areas of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although instructor participation is generally thought to improve the effectiveness of simulation-based training, trainees may have time and opportunity to practice skills in simulation when an instructor is not available.Aim. The question of whether complex psychomotor skills, such as air combat maneuvering, can be acquired and improved entirely without instructor assistance through self-study and simulation-based practice is investigated.Method. The results of an extended sequence of simulated air combat missions flown by a single experimental subject are reported and analyzed. Over a period of eight calendar years the subject flew 2,950 simulated air combat missions organized into 138 campaigns using seven different aircraft types. Throughout the period the subject studied air combat maneuvering in a self-guided, self-study mode and consciously used maneuvers and tactics learned during that study with the intent of improving his performance. However, determining whether the subject’s skills were actually improving over time was confounded by the fact that between some campaigns the subject changed the aircraft type he was flying as well as the aircraft types flown by the opposition, making direct campaign-to-campaign performance comparisons problematic. Consequently, a type-independent measure of performance was developed to normalize for the different aircraft types and allow direct comparison of performance across different aircraft types flown and opposed.Results. Two different nonparametric statistical tests were applied to the normalized performance measure across all campaigns. A third nonparametric statistical method was applied to victories within each aircraft type. All three showed statistically significant improvement in the subject’s skills over time despite the complete absence of instructor assistance.Conclusions. Although this case study must be considered anecdotal because it involves only a single experimental subject, it does provide an existence proof that self-guided self-study and simulation-based practice without an instructor can produce improvement in complex psychomotor skills in some learners. In addition, the analytical methods used to normalize for different aircraft types and test for improvement may be useful in similar situations where performance must be compared across time-varying circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Digital badges are used in games and simulations for purposes such as incentivizing learning, identifying progress, increasing time on task, and credentialing. Designing effective badges is complicated by psychological factors mediating the processes of recognizing, orienting toward, and acquiring badges.Aim. This article analyzes digital badges through mechanics and psychology. This approach involves understanding the underlying logics of badges as well as the experiential nature of badges-in-use. The proposed model provides additional insight about badges and recommends design strategies to complement existing scholarship.Procedure. This article examines an existing model of completion logic for digital badges. This model is expanded upon by pairing these formal mechanics with relevant psychological theory, summarizing key principles that pertain to how people interact with badges. It then considers three dimensions of badges-in-use—social, cognitive, and affective—reviewing examples and analyzing the relationship of badging to debriefing.Outcome. Understanding the relationships between formal completion logics and the psychological experience of badging allows designers to better design, deploy, and critique badging systems, leading to more effective implementations within simulation and gaming contexts. A design matrix and a series of design recommendations for badging are derived from the presented perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Despite the continuous and abundant growth of the game market the uptake of serious games in education has been limited. Games require complex technologies and are difficult to organise and to embed in the curriculum.Aim. This article explores to what extent game templates and game authoring processes can be designed so that they can easily be adopted and adapted by teachers while only using openly available tools.Method. It discusses the design and first evaluation of two game platforms: ARGUMENT, based on a wiki, and ARLEARN, a toolkit based on openly available Google technologies. ARGUMENT is a text-based game challenging students to take a position on a given topic. ARLEARN offers an explicit mobile and virtual gameplay environment and a defined authoring process to create game scripts.Results. ARGUMENT and ARLEARN have been evaluated in four small-scale studies, where educators designed game scenarios and students played the resulting games.Conclusions. The results indicate that both tools are useful instruments that can be operated by teachers to build games and game-alike educational activities and, additionally, are a valuable step to gain experience with serious games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to demonstrate that leaderboards can be used in increasing student achievement by encouraging them to spend more time on the project than they would have without leaderboards. Topics covered include linking specific game elements common to leaderboards with a focal learner behavior to learning outcomes through educational research on competition and psychological research on goal-setting theory.

The article defines gamification in relation to serious games through the identification of the theoretical commonalities between them using the game attribute taxonomy presented by W. L. Bedwell and colleagues. Topics covered include the definition of gamification in the theory of gamified learning, games with the purpose of affecting learning-related behaviors or attitudes and the development of a psychological theory of gamified learning.