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Speech is a commonly used interaction-recognition technique in edutainment-based systems and is a key technology for smooth educational learning and user–system interaction. However, its application to real environments is limited owing to the various noise disruptions in real environments. In this study, an audio and visual information-based multimode interaction system is proposed that enables virtual aquarium systems that use speech to interact to be robust to ambient noise. For audio-based speech recognition, a list of words recognized by a speech API is expressed as word vectors using a pretrained model. Meanwhile, vision-based speech recognition uses a composite end-to-end deep neural network. Subsequently, the vectors derived from the API and vision are classified after concatenation. The signal-to-noise ratio of the proposed system was determined based on data from four types of noise environments. Furthermore, it was tested for accuracy and efficiency against existing single-mode strategies for extracting visual features and audio speech recognition. Its average recognition rate was 91.42% when only speech was used, and improved by 6.7% to 98.12% when audio and visual information were combined. This method can be helpful in various real-world settings where speech recognition is regularly utilized, such as cafés, museums, music halls, and kiosks.

The research finds justification given the incidence and magnitude they currently have in the human social sphere in the framework of the so-called Society 2.0. Derived from this framework, this approach must specially consider education as a vital social process. The same happens with information and communication technologies since they are frequently and increasingly used as mediation in educational contexts and because of their undeniable mediation in human interactions. Consequently, one of the most relevant questions tackled in this research refers to the disciplines required to provide a sufficiently broad theoretical and conceptual background for the scientific basis of the convergence between communication, edutainment, coexistence and otherness to effectively transform the last two concepts into measurable variables. The paper results from the content and a systemic analysis using ATLAS.ti software of published scientific documents for the last two decades about the phenomena of coexistence and otherness. As a main result, the researchers present a taxonomy that includes dimensions and indicators that enable the conversion of both constructs into measurable variables. Thus, a convergence to address the scientific study of coexistence and otherness from communication and edutainment emerged. The review also provides a theoretical basis for designing intervention models aimed at promoting coexistence. Edutainment is also incorporated as a novel tool to promote pro-social attitudes.

This article reflects experiences and results from an environmental education and communication strategy (EECS) as part of a Lao-German development project of Gesellschaft für Inter-nationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2021. The article is divided into four parts. First, an overview of the project context and the media landscape in Laos is provided. Next, the conceptual framework of the communication strategy at the GIZ policy and project management level is presented. Subsequently, major features of the wide variety of environmental education and communication media productions and educational materials are highlighted. Another chapter summarizes the results of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys related to environmental awareness. Finally, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and impact assessment results conclude lessons that can be learned from the project’s communication strategy.

Proteins mediate and perform various fundamental functions of life. This versatility of protein function is an attribute of its 3D structure. In recent years, our understanding of protein 3D structure has been complemented with advances in computational and mathematical tools for protein modelling and protein design. 3D molecular visualisation is an essential part in every protein design and protein modelling workflow. Over the years, stand-alone and web-based molecular visualisation tools have been used to emulate three-dimensional view on computers. The advent of virtual reality provided the scope for immersive control of molecular visualisation. While these technologies have significantly improved our insights into protein modelling, designing new proteins with a defined function remains a complicated process. Current tools to design proteins lack user-interactivity and demand high computational skills. In this work, we present the Pepblock Builder VR, a gaming-based molecular visualisation tool for bio-edutainment and understanding protein design. Simulating the concepts of protein design and incorporating gaming principles into molecular visualisation promotes effective game-based learning. Unlike traditional sequence-based protein design and fragment-based stitching, the Pepblock Builder VR provides a building block style environment for complex structure building. This provides users a unique visual structure building experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of virtual reality to the Pepblock Builder VR brings immersive learning and provides users with “being there” experience in protein visualisation. The Pepblock Builder VR works both as a stand-alone and VR-based application, and with a gamified user interface, the Pepblock Builder VR aims to expand the horizons of scientific data generation to the masses.

The COVID-19 pandemic inspired reflections on the importance and challenges of teaching exponential growth, such as doubling, to varied audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has thrown light on benefits and features related to edutainment software which it is gradually becoming the part of a learning process. It has been demonstrated in past research studies that outcomes of learning, obtained because of using edutainment software looks promising. It has been suggested in the article that new generation is moving towards the use of educational games that are highly inclusive in nature. Edutainment software is an effective tool that can be used by teachers and students to develop increased collaboration with each other and it is becoming the prime source of facilitating the process of learning to considerable level. The aim the paper is to investigate "how effective are edutainment software as eLearning mechanism for adults". To support the argument, the historical values, advantages, and disadvantages has been be discussed. In the second half of the paper, there is a description on how the digital games are helping us in learning, the comprehensive analysis describe who are the users of Edutainment software, why they use the edutainment software, and by using which tools the software is utilized. To conclude, the edutainment software is an effective alternative of the traditional way of learning. Adult learners find their learning to be interesting and affective with the help of edutainment software. It can further be improved with the help of necessary amendments and cost effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silence in the English language classroom is a common problem faced by language instructors, especially for students in the lower proficiency classes and instructors see language anxiety as one of the main reasons this is so. The intervention of educational entertainment or Edutainment in the English Language classroom is important to improve the language learning experience of this generation of millennial students. This paper looks at Films to provide not only language learning enjoyment but useful input to students of the lowest level English course at UUM. In this research, intervention in the form of film viewing and activities related to the films was carried out. A class of twenty students from a first level English class were given six movies of their choice to watch and conduct activities with in addition to the normal course scheme of work. Through film viewing and activities, students were exposed to language use in context which is supported by visual and linguistic support and storyline. Before and after the intervention, The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA- 24) instrument which measures levels of Communication Apprehension was administered. The results of the study shows that students indicated lower communication apprehension levels overall and within the subcategories of group discussion, meetings, interpersonal communication and public speaking. Students’ reflections were also positive in nature. The findings of this study concur that language acquisition takes place meaningfully through films by providing comprehensible input and that films are an important medium that facilitate communication and language learning for this generationof students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tasarim+Kuram is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Technological advancement progressively affects games quality and availability, provides opportunity for new types and genres of games. In this regard – while there is strive to harness games effectiveness for educational purposes through those use and gamification process – those might not appeal, reach expectations and meet needs of modern gamers. With increasing role of networking in daily life – it is possible that use of the massive multiplayer online (MMO) games approach could further enhance educational experience in comparison to non-massive games. Through critical analysis subjective game usage traits have been sought that would falsify such generalizations. It has been reasoned that game use and gamification in education is highly subjective and its effectiveness cannot be generalized for specific group. Use of the MMO approach has been concluded to indeed provide further possible enhancements, however presence of any social aspect in an intended educational use – either competition or collaboration – is required. It is suggested that turning education system into massive game could be most promising research direction, due to it already sharing massivness trait with the MMO.

Abstract Background Standard precautions are essential to prevent pathogen transmission and nosocomial infections. We assessed learning effect (primary outcome) and satisfaction (secondary outcome) of watching a 5-min humorous “edutainment (=education and entertainment) video” on Standard Precautions compared to reading a written standard operating procedure (SOP) or receiving no intervention. Methods This randomized controlled trial was executed at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, a tertiary care centre with a state-of-the-art infection prevention programme. Healthcare providers (HCPs) of different medical departments were 1:1:1 randomized to watching the edutainment video (video group), reading the SOP (SOP group), or no study-specific intervention (no-intervention group). Online questionnaires included a knowledge assessment about Standard Precautions at time point (TP) 1 immediately after intervention, TP2 after 1 month, and TP3 after 3 months. Information about HCPs’ satisfaction with the learning method was collected. Variables were assessed within and between groups using the appropriate non-parametric tests. Predictors for knowledge of Standard Precautions were assessed by uni- and multivariable linear regression. Results Overall, 363 predominantly female (78.2%) HCPs were included. At TP 1 and TP3, the video group scored better on the knowledge assessment against both the SOP and the no-intervention group (TP1 p

This article critically examines the role of edutainment – the combination of educational and entertainment activities – in intangible heritage preservation. Drawing upon fieldwork in southwest China's Guizhou province, the article focuses on a cultural park that packages traditional ethnic practices into cultural products and leisure experiences for public participation and display. I consider this site as an example of a new form of hybrid cultural venue that shares similarities with earlier models of theme parks and museums, but also differs from them in important ways. This article discusses the potentials and the limitations of using interactive and experiential elements for facilitating the dynamic safeguarding of intangible heritage in creative urban environments. I argue that edutainment offers new learning opportunities to a public audience and to younger generations, but it inevitably entails transformations of traditional cultural forms and practices. Edutainment, in this context, becomes a strategic tool to preserve traditional skills and knowledge while promoting local cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Edutainment has long been used as a strategy in health promotion and public health wellness interventions. In March 2019, a large US southeastern university hosted a multimodal theatrical production entitled From Colored to Black (FCTB). The play used a historical lens to broadly address social determinants of health such as disparities in education, access to health services, fair housing and health outcomes. This creative intervention was intended to encourage progressive, justice-oriented attitudes about historically disenfranchised Black communities in North Central Florida. Methods: Driven by an arts-based education approach and constructs from narrative transportation theory, the study employed directed qualitative content analysis to evaluate audience commentary and examine how a play on historic health inequities in Black communities could activate cognition, emotion and imagination for critical thinking about present-day wellbeing. Results: Qualitative survey data in response to the artistic presentation revealed the following subthemes: fascination, assumed truthfulness, satisfaction, feelings of inspiration, enthusiasm, negative attitudes, hopelessness and emotional disconnect. Conclusions: Edutainment continues to be a strong intervention tool. Feedback indicates audience members experienced both highly immersive moments and low transportation-inducing points that ultimately influenced critical reflection on some of the themes addressed in the play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that music can be used to educate or disseminate information about public health crises. Grounded in the edutainment approach, we explored how songs are being used to create awareness about COVID-19 in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. YouTube was searched, and 28 songs met the study inclusion criteria. We conducted a thematic analysis of the song lyrics. Most lyrics were in English, Ghanaian Pidgin English, Akan, Ga, or Dagbani. Reflecting the multilingual population of Ghana, half of the songs contained three languages to convey their message, and only five songs were in one language. Eight themes emerged from the analysis: public health guidelines, COVID-19 is real and not a hoax, COVID-19 is infectious, prayer as method to stop the virus, emotional reaction and disruption of “everyday” activities; verbally expelling the virus, call for unity and collective efforts, and inspiring hope. We show that songs have the potential as a method for rapidly sharing information about emerging public health crises. Even though, it is beyond the scope of this study to draw conclusions about the reception and impact of songs on awareness and knowledge, the study shows that examining song lyrics can still be useful in understanding local attitudes toward COVID-19, as well as strategies for promoting preventive behaviors. We note that additional multidimensional efforts are needed to increase awareness among the general public about the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research aimed at knowing the effectiveness of teaching science using edutainment in developing deep understanding and self-efficacy of hearing-impaired eighth grade pupils. The unit "levers" was taught in the science subject for the academic year 2019/2020 using edutainment to achieve that goal, depending on the quasi-experimental approach, designing the control and experimental group. The research sample consisted of (15) pupil, and it was divided into two groups, one of whom was a control (6) pupils which studied In the traditional method, the other is experimental (9) pupils studied using edutainment education, and two measurement tools, namely: the deep understanding test and the self-efficacy scale, were applied (pre and post) to the members of the two research groups, and the results were statistically treated using the tests of Man -Watney and Wilkson, and the double correlation coefficient for the ranks of related couples. And the coefficient of double correlation for ranks, the research found the effectiveness of using edutainment in developing both: deep understanding and self-efficacy, and the research presented a set of recommendations and suggested researches in light of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, theme parks have emphasized the learning and edutainment aspects of their business. This has created new opportunities for theme parks and schools to cooperate. Research has shown that learning at science centers, a similar form of learning arena, tends to be out of context and that the learning outcomes are meager. High Chaparral, in southern Sweden, is a theme park primarily focusing on the American 1870s. With 160,000–170,000 visitors each year, the theme park is one of the largest arenas for history communication in Sweden, alongside traditional cultural heritage institutions. This paper presents an analysis of students, mainly aged 10–12 years, visiting the park. In the park, the children are presented with various fact- and skills-oriented activities. While the children enjoy the activities, they do not align the presentations with their school history education. Rather, the children relate them to their own everyday life experiences, and the idea of 1870s America they take from the park is, to a high degree, informed by popular TV and movie Westerns. While the theme park seems fun for the children, the findings of this analysis show that the park's theme is not easily connected to the Swedish history curriculum for the studied group of students. In particular, the park does not align with the constructivist ideals of the Swedish curriculum. This does not mean that learning possibilities are absent. The park contains multifaceted leaning opportunities, but given the park's present focus, these are not fully developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to reveal the social and cultural construction of space and the political identities of social classes in the Romanian socialist society (1948-1989), using the educational narratives of the comics in a pioneers' magazine - Cutezătorii [The Daring Ones], published between 1967 and 1989. Using visual and discourse analysis, I show how propaganda functioned in comics about work and socialist progress. Results show that text and drawings in comics are forms of spatial and identity representation, contributing to the creation of the new or socialist space narrative, forging identities and imagined communities. I conclude that the discourse of the comics produces ideological spatial representations, it assesses characters, it establishes their morality or lack of it, it points out which is the normal or abnormal stance in a certain situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culturas: Revista de Gestion Cultural is the property of Universidad Politecnica de Valencia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: MTV Shuga is an edutainment campaign designed to equip young people with knowledge, motivation, and informed choices to protect themselves from HIV infection. From 2019 to 2020, a total of 10 episodes of a new dramatic series, MTV Shuga "Down South 2" (DS2), were broadcast via television and the internet, alongside complementary media activities., Objective: This study aims to investigate whether the intensity of DS2 exposure was linked with positive HIV prevention outcomes in a setting with high HIV prevalence and relatively low levels of HIV testing., Methods: We analyzed data from a web-based survey of participants aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa in 2020. The survey was promoted via social media platforms of schools, universities, and communities in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The primary exposure of interest was the intensity of exposure to DS2, measured by the number of episodes of DS2 watched on the television or the internet or listened to on the radio (out of 10 episodes). Individuals who had not watched or listened to any DS2 episode were classified according to other MTV Shuga content that they had accessed. We estimated associations between the intensity of DS2 exposure and HIV-related outcomes, including knowledge of HIV status, awareness of HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), uptake of HIVST, and demand for HIVST and PrEP, adjusting for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression., Results: Among the 3431 survey participants, 827 (24.1%) were exposed to DS2. Specifically, 18.1% (622/3431) watched or listened to only 1 DS2 episode, and 2.4% (82/3431), 1.7% (58/3431), and 1.8% (62/3431) watched or listened to 2 to 4, 5 to 7, and 8 to 10 DS2 episodes, respectively. Increasing the exposure to DS2 was associated with improvements in most outcomes. Exposure to multiple episodes (eg, 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10) was associated with successively higher odds of knowing one's HIV status, awareness of PrEP and HIVST, and uptake of HIVST compared with no MTV Shuga exposure, albeit with statistical uncertainty around some estimates. The interest in using HIVST or PrEP was high overall (>80%), with no measurable differences by DS2 intensity., Conclusions: We found evidence consistent with a dose-response relationship between MTV Shuga DS2 exposure and outcomes, including knowledge of HIV status, awareness and uptake of HIVST, and awareness of PrEP among young people in Eastern Cape. This indicates that greater engagement with a youth-focused edutainment campaign can improve HIV testing and prevention options in a setting and population with high need. However, only a few participants accessed multiple DS2 episodes despite its availability on multiple media platforms. We conclude that there is potential to benefit more young people by increasing access to and interest in the show., (©Sarah Mulwa, Venetia Baker, Cherie Cawood, David Khanyile, Dominique O'Donnell, Sophie Sarrassat, Simon Cousens, Isolde Birdthistle. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 13.02.2024.)

This experimental study investigated the effect of the use of video games based on the curriculum on students' performance levels in Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grade Mathematics compared to traditional learning methods. The participants were seven hundred and eighty-nine female students from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grades, and nineteen teachers, from different six schools in Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. Three research null hypotheses were tested to explore students' performance when they received two different instructional treatments: traditional learning methods (textbooks or worksheets) and a video game based on the Mathematics curriculum. The results indicate that video games based on Mathematics curriculum had a positively effect on students' performance based on their score average in standard tests, when compared to traditional learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An RCT assessed a body image-based micro-intervention among children & adolescents. • Micro-interventions improve young people's state body image. • Micro-interventions improve aspects of trait media literacy and self-efficacy. • Appearance-diverse and inclusive animations promote positive body image. • Media is an effective medium for developing micro-interventions. Creating media to counteract the plethora of media and advertising that perpetuates negative body image is a scalable public health strategy that can be achieved through innovative micro-interventions. This study examined the immediate and short-term (one-week follow-up) impact of viewing brief, evidence-informed animated films on young people's body image, media literacy, and self-efficacy in addressing appearance teasing. The animations were co-created through a partnership among academics, a personal care brand's social mission, and a children's television channel. Participants aged 7–14 (N = 1329, 49 % girls) were randomised into one of three viewing conditions: Appearance Teasing & Bullying , Media & Celebrities , or a non-appearance-related animation. Contrary to predictions, all three animations were comparably effective at eliciting intervention effects. For girls and boys aged 7−10, all three animations immediately improved state body satisfaction (+boys aged 11−14; Cohen's d s =.60–.71) and led to sustained improvements in trait media literacy (+girls aged 11−14; d s =.38–.61), sensitivity to appearance teasing (+boys aged 11−14; ds =.35–.48), and willingness to ignore appearance teasing (7−10 years only; ds =.34–.74) at one-week follow-up. Findings indicate that children's media is an effective medium for developing micro-interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malay proverb is a treasure that must be preserved. However, the proficiency of the Malay proverb amongst students is still weak and needs attention. Since proverbs is a figurative language used to convey advices in a subtle way, students often fail to understand the implied meaning of the proverb. Hence, many students learn the Malay proverbs by memorizing and this makes them think that learning the proverbs is tedious. Edutainment techniques have been applied in Upholding Bahasa Melayu and Strengthening English Language (MBMMBI) as an alternative method in teaching English Language. The goal is to make the teaching and learning of the Malay language fun for the students. This study has identified teaching method as well as elements which are able to improve students' understanding and make learning proverbs entertaining. These include teaching proverbs in a structural way via storytelling, focusing on specific proverbs via theme and subtheme, appreciating proverb and edutainment through the elements of edutainment. The design of the app incorporates elements of literature by adapting a Malay literature novel to become a new digital storytelling, selecting environmental proverbs themes with flora and fauna subthemes, as well as variousedutainment learning elements such as music, animations, videos, quiz games, and using Kinect sensor device which is typically used to control game consoles. Kinect sensors can stimulate students' psychomotor activity through the movement of their limbs so that they are not bored and constantly alert when using them. All of these elements are in keeping with the theory and method of teaching that facilitates understanding and makes learning a fun and joyful experience. The app was developed in C# using Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 IDE, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5, and Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) v1.8. The application is a prototype output of a Final Year Project which has been tested by students and lecturers from the Faculty of Information Science and Technology at the 2019 Digital Innovation Carnival and received excellent grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]