Using games in geographical and planning-related teaching : serious games, edutainment, board games and role-play

Robinson, GM; Hardman, M; Matley, RJ

Abstract

This paper reviews the use of games in geographical teaching, including prior to the
emergence of computer-based (digital) games. The growing popularity of ‘serious games’
and ‘edutainment’ is addressed, focusing on their perceived advantages in classroom-based
teaching. The blurring between digital games for educational purposes and games primarily
for entertainment is discussed, reflecting on the popularity of SimCity and the potential of
these games for learning about urban planning. This analysis champions games enabling
students to play different roles and produce realistic ‘real life’ outcomes. Two examples of
non-digital board games, Participology and Geogopoly, illustrate how role play broadens
students’ understanding of planning and human geography.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 12, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Sep 22, 2021
• Publication Date: Sep 22, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 16, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 22, 2021
• Journal: Social Sciences & Humanities Open
• Print ISSN: 2590-2911
• Electronic ISSN: 2590-2911
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 100208
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100208
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100208
• Related Public URLs: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/social-sciences-and-humanities-open
• Additional Information: Funders : Birmingham City University; Grant Number: ES/M006522/1