Urban explorations in digital serious games: educational paths for learning from the city

Abstract

Learning can be fostered by technologies through devices aimed at embedded exploration of physical and digital spaces, which provide for the immersion and involvement of users in transformative experiences also based on play. The paper reflects on the relations between learning and game and the potential of digital serious games for knowledge acquisition and skill development. With the purpose of exploring the educational potential and limitations of digital serious games, the contribution analyses an app aimed at learning in an immersive environment: the Explorial app. In the context of urban exploration, the app offers informative content with the aim of fostering knowledge of the city through an outdoor experience. Explorial learning paths and game challenges are intended for adult groups, require collaboration and team-building skills, and foster awareness of spatial meanings and values.