Integrating culture into digital learning environments: studies using cultural educational games

Abstract

The research presented in this paper focuses on the importance of culture as a design feature in educational learning environments. The significance, benefits and barriers of adopting culturally-oriented approaches are discussed together with recommendations from the literature for overcoming challenges. In this paper, we describe the details of an exploratory study and an experimental study undertaken using culturally-oriented educational games built in accordance with the recommendations for enculturated learning systems. The results and findings of both studies are outlined, and evidence is presented in support of the viability and utility of cultural inclusivity in educational game-based learning environments.