Page 331 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Serious Digital Game-Based Learning in Nursing Education

professional attitudes because it establishes connections between knowl-
edge and practices (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 1).
In addition to classical and traditional teaching methods, active learning
methods such as in-class games, methods, laboratory applications, simula-
tions, role-play are used to continue competency-based education in nurs-
ing. It is aimed that all health professions students receive education in a way
that will enable them to develop their knowledge and skills optimally and to
perform error-free applications before they come into contact with patients
in real practice environments (Dieckmann et al., 9).
Digital game-based learning methods, especially mobile-based serious
games, have been increasingly used in clinical competence development
in recent years. It is a fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the
transition to educational methods that require technology installation and
knowledge, such as mobile applications, serious games, and distance learn-
ing. The technologies adapted in nursing education during this process can
be considered an indicator of how the future impact of digital technologies
in education may take shape (Baker et al., ).

The Effect of Digital Serious Games on the Development of Nursing
Competencies

− Engagement and Learning Outcomes: Digital game-based learning
can facilitate students' learning motivation and achievement of course
learning objectives.
− Simulation and Skill Development: It has been determined that seri-
ous games, especially those using technologies such as virtual reality
(VR) and augmented reality (AR), have a significant effect on the skill
development of nursing students. Güngör et al. (4) reported that
VR-based serious games play an important role in the development of
specific nursing skills such as surgical gloving practices.
− Critical Thinking Skill Improvement: Perhaps the most important effect
of digital serious games is the development of students' critical thin-
king skills. The development of critical thinking skills plays an impor-
tant role in using quality and scientific evidence-based practices in
nursing practices. A meta-analysis study published on this subject has
shown that digital games are effective in developing critical thinking
skills of nursing students (Chen et al., 1). This result can be consi-
dered as an indication that serious games can encourage critical and
analytical thinking skills.

331