This presentation is accessible only to the Illinois State University community.
- Off-Campus ISU Users: To download this item, click the "Off-Campus Download" button below. You will be prompted to log in with your ISU ULID and password.
Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Poster
Degree Type
Graduate
Department
Creative Technologies
Mentor
Dr. Kristin Carlson
Mentor Department
Creative Technologies
Abstract
Climate change is a critical global challenge that demands urgent and collective action. Despite widespread awareness, a significant gap persists between understanding the issue and taking meaningful steps toward mitigation. "EcoQuest," a purposefully designed board game, addresses this gap by leveraging gamification to educate and inspire players about climate change. Through immersive gameplay, players engage with real-world scenarios, explore interconnected environmental challenges, and develop an action-oriented mindset. This research investigates EcoQuest’s effectiveness as an educational tool, analyzing its components, mechanics, and impact on players' awareness and motivation. Using qualitative methods— including pre- and post-gameplay questionnaires and ethnographic observations—the study assesses changes in participants’ knowledge, engagement, and attitudes. Preliminary findings reveal that EcoQuest not only introduces essential climate change terminology and concepts but also fosters deeper understanding and empathy. Players reported heightened motivation to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for systemic change. These results underscore the potential of gamified approaches like EcoQuest to bridge the perception-action gap and catalyze broader participation in climate advocacy. This study contributes to the growing discourse on gamification in education, offering innovative pathways to address one of the most urgent issues of our time.
Recommended Citation
Islam, Jubair, "A Board Game Approach to Climate Change Education and Advocacy" (2025). University Research Symposium. 485.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/485
