Urbania - An Educational Game to Think About Cities, Ecology, and Politics

Abstract

Objective - The study discusses the production of an digital educational game (DEG) that stimulates social engagement in the formulation of urban planning strategies in the context of climate change. The research aims to develop cognitive skills in elementary school students, enabling them to think about sustainable solutions for Brazilian cities in the 21st century.

Methodology - The research is based on the design, validation and evaluation of a prototype digital educational game (DEG) called Urbania. The game was designed to offer an interactive environment in which participants explore urban environmental challenges, propose strategies to improve quality of life and interact with other players. The prototype was evaluated by university students, who recognized the potential of using JDEs as a tool for civic participation in urban planning.

Originality/relevance - The study fills a gap by exploring DEG as a didactic-pedagogical resource aimed at teaching urban planning and sustainability. The research highlights gamification as an innovative strategy to foster citizen participation and critical thinking about urban environmental challenges.

Results - The findings indicate that educational digital games can raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and strengthen students' ability to formulate effective urban strategies. The game proved to be an interactive and accessible tool to introduce sustainability concepts, promoting reflection on inclusive urban planning.

Theoretical/methodological contributions - The research contributes by exploring the use of gamification in the teaching of urbanism and sustainability, demonstrating its potential to improve learning methodologies and civic engagement.

Social and environmental contributions - The Urbania game encourages the active participation of students and citizens in urban planning, raising awareness of environmental challenges and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices. The proposal contributes to the formation of citizens who are more aware and engaged in the transformation of cities.