Serious games in science education:a systematic literature review

Teaching science through computer games,simulations,and artificial intelligence(AI)is an increasingly active research field.To this end,we conducted a systematic literature review on serious games for science education to reveal research trends and patterns.We discussed the role of virtual reality(VR),AI,and augmented reality(AR)games in teaching science subjects like physics.Specifically,we covered the research spanning between 2011 and 2021,investigated country-wise concentration and most common evaluation methods,and discussed the positive and negative aspects of serious games in science education in particular and attitudes towards the use of serious games in education in general.

Impact of an active educational video game on children's motivation,science knowledge, and physical activity

Background： Active educational video games （AVGs） appear to have a positive effect on elementary school students＇ motivation leading to enhanced learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of an AVG on elementary school students＇ science knowledge learning, physical activity （PA） level, and interest-based motivation. Methods： In this randomized controlled study, 53 elementary school students were assigned to an experimental condition or a comparison condition. The experimental condition provided an AVG learning environment, whereas the comparison condition was based on sedentary educational video games. Results： The results of repeated measures analysis of variance （ANOVA） on the knowledge test showed that students in both groups performed better on the post-test than they did on the pre-test （p 〈 0.001, η2 = 0.486）, and their post-test scores did not differ significantly. The experimental condition provided a more active environment since the students＇ average heart rates （HRs） were in the Target-Heart-Rate-Zone （HR = 134 bpm）, which was significantly higher than the average HR （103 bpm） from the comparison condition （t = 7.212, p 〈 0.001）. Students in the experimental condition perceived a higher level of situational interest than their counterparts in the comparison group （p 〈 0.01, and η2 = 0.301）. Conclusion： These results suggest that AVGs benefit children more in terms of PA and motivation than traditional video games by providing an enjoyable learning experience and sufficient PA.

Balance between education and game-play— A case study of design and optimization of the mini-game book classification

Purpose： Based on our experience of designing and testing a computer-based game for teaching undergraduate students information literacy （IL） concepts and skills, this paper summarizes the basic strategies for striking a balance between education and entertainment for the designers of quality IL games. Design/methodology/approach： The project team recruited 10 college students to play the game and post-game group interviews revealed problems and optimization priorities. The optimized game was tested among 50 college students. Based on a comparison of testing results of the two versions of the game, basic strategies for designing quality 1L games were summarized. Findings： The following 5 basic strategies can effectively promote combination of education and entertainment： l） using adventure games to enhance gaming experience, 2） plotting an intriguing story to attract players, 3） motivating players to engage in game play with game components such as challenge, curiosity, fantasy and control, 4） presenting learning materials through game props, and 5） assigning players tasks to be completed with subject knowledge. Research limitations： The 5 basic strategies have been tested only in the development process of one game, and the book classification knowledge in the mini-game is limited to the 22 major categories of the Chinese Library Classification. Practical implications： University libraries may refer to our experience to design and utilize educational games to promote the IL education for college students. Originality value： Few empirical studies tested and summarized strategies for combining learning and fun in the design of IL games for university students. The 5 strategies, which are summarized in the process of design and optimization of the mini-game book classification, are valuable for other designers of IL games.

GeoQuest Project Computer Class Role Playing Game as Innovative Teaching Methodology to Foster STEAM Education

GeoQuest Project is the design of a new teaching and learning technology based on Computer Class Role Playing Games （RPG） to teach Earth Science in a STEAM educational approach. It ensures interdisciplinarity, multilinguai approach （CLIL compliance） and interactive activities in classrooms. This educational game uses students＇ personal tablets and smartphones to interact with the game, with a system more comprehensible and funny for young people compared to traditional methodologies. Students are bringing ＂in situation＂ by the adventure, so teachers can get a rigorous assessment of their skills. The Game includes several adventure paths, suitable for different age students. They are focused on scientific topics, humanities, hands-on activities in interdisciplinary way. If used conditions do not allow practical or laboratorial activities provided by the game, players can see some videos to understand the activities. Experimental results were outstanding： the RPG appreciation is in agreement with the experiments outcome. This work experience gets excellent feedbacks by teachers, in terms of efficacy of this new teaching methodology and of results achieving.

The Entrepreneurial Perspective:Financing of the Production of Digital Games

The article describes funding models in Germany,France,UK and in Poland.The second part of the article concentrates on entrepreneurial implications and the context.At the end of the article of financing path is described including public funding opportunities in Europe from a game developers’perspective.

Online Education Game Changer

XuetangX, the leading Chinese Massive Open Online Courses （MOOCs） platform created by Beijing-based Tsinghua University, has broken new ground yet again. After having reached more than 7 million users worldwide in May, XuetangX has now become the first Chinese MOOC platform to offer its online education services in Africa.

＂Learning on Gaming＂ Improves Science Learning in a STEAM Interdisciplinary Approach

The ＂Gaming to Learn＂ consists in playing a game and consequently getting a learning goal： play a game, even not specifically didactic to derive a learning outcome. The ＂Game-Based Learning＂ consists of tips, techniques and tools that apply the principles of game design to the learning process-a dynamic way to engage learners and help educators assess learning. The authors＇ approach ＂Learning on Gaming＂ is different： you learn ＂while＂ you play. To apply this concept, the authors realize GeoQuest, a Computer Class Role Playing Game to teach Earth Science in an STEAM （Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math） educational approach. The authors have realised a role playing computer game called GeoQuest creating at the same time a Role Playing Engine which involves all students to the game through their personal mobiles or tablets, giving a total interaction of the whole class to the game. Players can also discover where they are from the story of some historical and mythological figures they meet on their path. They can interact to solve several quests appearing during the game related to mineralogy, volcanology, geodynamics, history, myths.