Digital Gamification to Foster Attitudes Toward Science in Early Childhood Teacher Education

Integrating technology-enhanced gamification into teacher education can significantly foster motivation and reshape perceptions toward science learning. This mixed-methods case study explores how a 14-week course for preservice early childhood teachers, supported by the digital gamification platform...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Fabré Mitjans, Noëlle, Jiménez Valverde, Gregorio, Guimerà Ballesta, Gerard, Calafell, Genina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/221238
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221238
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Motivació en l'educació
Tecnologia educativa
Ludificació
Formació del professorat
Educació infantil
Motivation in education
Educational technology
Gamification
Teacher training
Preschool education
Descripción
Sumario:Integrating technology-enhanced gamification into teacher education can significantly foster motivation and reshape perceptions toward science learning. This mixed-methods case study explores how a 14-week course for preservice early childhood teachers, supported by the digital gamification platform FantasyClass and enriched with a cohesive narrative structure, impacted students’ motivation and attitudes towards science. The course featured structural gamification elements—such as experience points, digital collectibles, and team-based challenges—combined with immersive storytelling that contextualized scientific tasks within a fantasy adventure. Quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention surveys revealed statistically significant improvements in attitudes toward science and perceived teaching competence. Thematic analysis of qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced engagement, enjoyment, and relevance of science learning. These findings suggest that intelligent integration of gamified technologies and narrative design in science teacher initial training can address motivational barriers and foster positive emotional engagement. While context-specific, this study offers insights into how digital gamified learning environments can support the development of positive attitudes towards science among future early childhood educators.