Digital Geogames to foster local biodiversity

Abstract

Abstract:The valuing of biodiversity is considered to be a first step towards its conservation. Therefore, the aim of the BioDiv2Go project is to combine sensuous experiences discovering biodiversity with mobile technology and a game-based learning approach. Following the competence model for environmental education (Roczen et al, 2014), Geogames (location based games on smartphones) for experiential outdoor learning activities are developed. The Finde Vielfalt Simulation (FVS) Geogame focuses on adolescent visitors of German youth hostels. The FVS-players are involved in a narrative keeping the traditions of their ancestors' heritage as decisions are needed to balance biodiversity and economic success. They discover the natural environment and they solve location-based tasks at several places. If the players manipulate a simulation successfully they stand the test of the ancestors. The initial theoretical framework consists of the components biodiversity-related attitudes, behaviour and knowledge, general environmental behaviour and attitude towards nature. According to the Uses and Gratification Theory, the game-related enjoyment is added. For the assessment different scales were developed or adapted and tested for secondary-school children. The framework evolved stepwise through systematic expert hearings, interviews with the target group, participant observation as well as through an online survey. In a first step the situational interest was considered to be important for the valuing of biodiversity. The final version of the framework was used and validated within a pilot study with 180 secondary school students. The framework development was a highly transformative process engaging different actors, using complementary methodological approaches and integrating different disciplinary perspectives.

Nature relatedness as a potential factor to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in Ecuadorian children

“…Although the use of electronic screen technology has been associated with lower perceived importance of connections to nature and nature-related apps have been related to damage to ecosystems or loss of biodiversity [ 42 ], new smartphone apps have been developed to enhance nature relatedness in children [ 55 ]. This strategy focusing on the context of environmental education and education for sustainable development has produced a change in students who reported feeling separated from nature [ 56 ]. Also, mobile-based interventions have proven to be effective in promoting PA [ 57 ].…”

Effect of Web-Based Collaborative Learning Method with Scratch on Critical Thinking Skills of 5th Grade Students

“…There are studies in which learning modules aiming to increase the willingness to protect honeybees, a lesson plan on biodiversity based on 5E, an achievement test on the ecosystem, biodiversity, and environmental problems were developed and a biodiversity literacy assessment tool was adapted (Aydın & Selvi, 2020;Efe & Efe, 2022;Keleş & Özenoğlu, 2017;Schönfelder & Bogner, 2018). Studies examining the value of local biodiversity (Harvey, Montgomery, Harvey, Hall, Gange, & Watling, 2020;Schaal, Schaal, & Lude, 2015) or the benefits of a biodiversity-based outdoor learning program on students' psychology have been found. However, only one of these studies conducted on secondary school students on biodiversity is related to technology use (Schaal, et al, 2015).…”

“…Studies examining the value of local biodiversity (Harvey, Montgomery, Harvey, Hall, Gange, & Watling, 2020;Schaal, Schaal, & Lude, 2015) or the benefits of a biodiversity-based outdoor learning program on students' psychology have been found. However, only one of these studies conducted on secondary school students on biodiversity is related to technology use (Schaal, et al, 2015).…”

Students as Game Creators. Easing the game construction process by using a toolkit to game design

“…The potential of digital games in enhancing motivation for learning, as well as its relevance in the educational field, has been recognized a few years to this part [12][13][14]. Nevertheless, the discussion on the negative and positive impacts of computer games persists [2,15], games are for long seen as a way to present learning activities in significant contexts controlled by the learner, thus having the potential to trigger curiosity and interest towards the educational subject [16,17].…”