Escaping the Bondage of Bullying: A Game-based Learning Approach

Authors

  • Georgia Mavroudaki 1st Vocational School of Kamatero
  • Katerina Roumpidou 1st Vocational School of Kamatero
  • Eleni Palla 1st Vocational School of Kamatero https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2371-3774
  • George Manganas 1st Vocational School of Kamatero https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2058-3616
  • Eleni Christodoulou 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.18.1.2751

Keywords:

bullying, 3D digital game, game-based learning, awareness, empathy

Abstract

School bullying is a phenomenon of great concern worldwide, with profound implications for the emotional development of those involved. Leveraging the interactive nature of game-based learning provides a unique opportunity for active student engagement that goes beyond traditional pedagogical methods. This article aims to explore students' perceptions of bullying and present a digital game as an alternative educational approach to raising students' awareness, empathy, and empowerment. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated how an art-based virtual museum game engages students in exploring and understanding the phenomenon. A needs assessment on bullying was conducted on a student population sample during the school year 2023 - 2024. Subsequently, a digital 3D escape room type game (named "e-BOB") was used, which was redesigned and reconstructed by the students from an initial project within the Panhellenic Students Competition of Onassis Foundation "Hack the Art: Yiannoulis Halepas". The game was developed using Unity, Blender, and Krita platforms and is set in an art museum. Players interact with the sculptor's exhibits through micro-scenarios and quizzes drawn from the sculptor's life and artwork that tackle the issue of bullying. Key game features include goal achievement within a time limit and discovery of hidden elements. The analysis of the needs assessment data found that all students had been involved in bullying behaviors either as victims, perpetrators or observers. The majority of students focused mainly on direct forms of bullying and less on indirect forms, and most were unable to distinguish bullying from 'simple teasing', demeaning bullying behavior. Those at greater risk are the ones who show some element of differentiation in relation to the stereotypes of the social context in which they live. Several students indicated that the school environment needs to address the issue sufficiently. Finally, the game contributed to students' empathy about bullying, enhancing their self-reflection and managing strategies. Raising awareness, mental empowerment, and empathy for bullying requires dynamic and innovative approaches. With its potential for self-awareness and student activation, game-based learning should be incorporated into educational programs for bullying prevention and management within schools.

Author Biographies

Georgia Mavroudaki, 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

Georgia Mavroudaki is a Modern Greek and History professor at Vocational School of Kamatero. She graduated from the Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds an MSc Diploma in Pedagogic Dept. at the same University. She has been a committee member in the annual Rhetoric Contest of Greek secondary schools.

Katerina Roumpidou, 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

Katerina Roubidou, a Computer Science professor at 1st Vocational School of Kamatero, holds a degree from Alexander Technological Educational University. She's been dedicated to secondary education since 2002, emphasizing student motivation. Fluent in English and French, she now coordinates pedagogical matters for technical teachers while actively engaging in school activities.

Eleni Palla, 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

Helen Palla is a 17year-old student in Computer Science dept. at 1st EPAL Kamatero and haw a Proficiency in English. She has participated in national-level Robotics competitions; her school team won the 1st price in 3d Game Competition “Hack the Art – Yiannoulis Halepas” organized by the Onassis Foundation in 2023.

George Manganas, 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

Georgios Magganas, 18, excels in Informatics as a 3rd-year High School student, preparing for Panhellenic exams. Proficient in programming, robotics, and troubleshooting. Won acclaim for crafting a digital escape room and showcased skills in robotics competitions. Multilingual with certifications in English, French, and Spanish. Passionate about technology and challenges.

Eleni Christodoulou, 1st Vocational School of Kamatero

Dr. Eleni G. Christodoulou serves as a Secondary Vocational Education Teacher specializing in Health and Welfare. She holds a BSc in Nursing, a BA in Educational Studies, a MSc degree in Health Management and a PhD in Nursing Science with a focus on new technologies in nursing education.

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Published

2024-10-07