Playing with Complex Systems? The Potential to Gain Geographical System Competence through Digital Gaming

Bibliographic Data

ID22044844
AuthorsJoelle-Denise Lux (0000-0002-0496-673X, University of Cologne, corresponding author), Alexandra Budke (0000-0003-1063-8991, University of Cologne)
Year2020
Volume10
Issue5
Pages130
Publication date2020-05-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducation Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-7102 • E-ISSN: 2227-7102
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/educsci10050130
OpenAlexW3022835828
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited15

The current socio-ecological challenges and phenomena that are major topics of geography education, like climate change and migration, are highly complex. Maturity in these contexts requires a networked way of thinking, and a systemic competence that is difficult to develop in geography classes alone. Digital games that simulate complex systems which include the pressing issues of today’s challenges may be a useful supplement to foster systems thinking. In this study, we develop a framework to assess the complexity of in-game systems. A subsequent analysis of a selection of current commercial strategy and simulation games shows how system complexity is designed differently in the various games. Based on these results, we make recommendations for the selection and use of different games in formal and informal learning contexts

Complex system · Data science · Knowledge management · Multimedia · Systems thinking · Computer Science · Digital Games and Media · Educational Games and Gamification · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Psychology · Social Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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