Many studies have incorporated concept maps into digital games to enable learners to make connections between subject concepts in the game. However, most learners do not associate spontaneously with the thematic concepts in the game but need to be facilitated by effective scaffolding mechanisms to reconceptualize the learning process and content.…

The effectiveness of digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) has been recognized by scholars. With the development of computer technology and multimedia learning environments, computer agents have been widely used in game systems to provide learning guidance or assistance. A computer agent is a virtual character created in a digital learning…

This study aimed to gather middle school students' opinions on the utilization of cryptologic methods in education. Using a case study approach, data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed with expert input. The focus was on the effects of integrating cryptologic methods within the Information Technologies and Software…

The conceptual change approach has been a prevalent theoretical foundation for comprehending students' acquisition of scientific knowledge. Despite its extensive use, only a limited number of studies have employed this framework to examine the effectiveness of game-based learning (GBL). The GBL was utilized to teach 101 middle school students…

Designing a science activity for middle school children is a challenging task, especially if it aims to be interdisciplinary. One may ask if it is possible to craft a positive learning experience from different areas such as history of science, chemistry, or ethics. In this paper, we argue it can be achieved if we use the right tools to engage a…

New educational technologies that utilize students' interaction data and visualizations provide a means to expand our understanding of learning processes. In this study, we apply two advanced and novel data visualization techniques, called the "Indivisualizer" and a "Sankey diagram," to explore how middle school students (N =…

New educational technologies that utilize students' interaction data and visualizations provide a means to expand our understanding of learning processes. In this study, we apply two advanced and novel data visualization techniques, called the "Indivisualizer" and a "Sankey diagram," to explore how middle school students (N =…

There is a consensus that the content of education for sustainability should be integrated into the curriculum, engaging students in activities that promote awareness and practice of sustainability. To achieve this goal, it is essential to adopt a student-centered approach that involves creative, stimulating, and challenging activities. This…

The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore at-risk students' experiences and engagement with game-based learning in a Northwest Florida middle school through their shared experiences of the phenomenon. At-risk students are in danger of grade-level retention if they do not close their achievement gaps on standardized…

The transition between arithmetic and algebraic thinking is challenging for students. One notable difficulty for students is understanding algebraic symbols--pronumerals. Researchers are exploring pedagogical approaches in seeking to address this issue. The current paper is contributing to this body of literature by illustrating how an online card…

In this study, different degrees of synchronous and asynchronous online social interactions are investigated in the context of an online educational roleplaying simulation game that is played across multiple classrooms simultaneously to teach argumentation skills and social studies. Results from 45 K-12 middle school social studies teachers and…

This research investigates students' learning about the electron transport chain (ETC) process in photosynthesis by watching a video followed by playing a serious board game--"Electron Chute"--that models ETC. The learning objectives targeted enriching a mental model that students could use to explain the causal relationship of the ETC…

Given the rapid pace of science today, we can feel the influence of it in all aspects of our lives. Therefore, it is aimed to raise individuals with advanced thinking skills who learn and use knowledge in science class and can combine science and technology. In line with such purposes, it is believed that different methods and techniques are…

Game-based learning environments are designed to provide effective and engaging learning experiences for students. Predictive student models use trace data extracted from students' in-game learning behaviors to unobtrusively generate early assessments of student knowledge and skills, equipping game-based learning environments with the capacity to…

Games have been regarded as a potential vehicle for enhancing student learning. Previous studies mainly focused on learning outcomes; however, the learning processes and dynamic in-game behaviours of students who are immersed in a game context are relatively undiscovered. The purposes of this study were to develop an educational game, "Bio…