Learning and playing in Web 3.0: Evidence from Serious Games in Higher Education

Educational institutions are rapidly rethinking their pedagogical models and approaches to teaching and learning, increasingly adapting to traits and characteristics of learners. Personalization of learning, participative activities, and online interaction are changing learning models and approaches. In this chapter we will look at the phenomenon of learning through the lens of the participatory paradigm through which we interpret new paths of learning. Evidences from two Serious Games will be presented, arguing that the playful aspect embodied in these games is key to learners’ engagement. Implications for teaching and learning practices will be discussed in relation to potential directions that participatory approaches might take.