Gamification and sustainability education: exploring psycho-educational dynamics with Play It Cool

Authors

  • Jessica Napolitano University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Susanna Annese Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Lucia Ariemma University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Nadia Barberis University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Francesca Cuzzocrea University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Eliana De Salvo University of Messina
  • Claudia Gianelli University of Messina
  • Maria Cristina Gugliandolo University of Messina
  • Francesca Liga University of Messina
  • Maria Beatrice Ligorio Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Roberto Marcone University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Patrizia Oliva University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Federica Papa University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Giuseppe Ritella University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Luana Sorrenti University of Messina
  • Sara Torre Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Sebastiano Costa University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13129/2612-4033/0110-4975

Abstract

This paper introduces Play It Cool, a gamified digital learning platform designed to foster pro-environmental awareness and engagement within the broader context of sustainability education. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the platform incorporates game elements (e.g., storytelling, progress bars, interactive mini-games, points, badges, real-life scenarios, community challenges) to support learners’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Play It Cool represents a structured gamified experience that embeds sustainability concepts into interactive learning tasks and real-life challenges. The aim is to provide a structured, theoretically grounded overview of the psycho-educational processes through the gamified platform learning Play It Cool. The platform adopts a holistic approach aimed at exploring motivation and sustained engagement in environmental education. By providing a clear conceptual framework, Play It Cool offers a foundation for future research on the psychological and pedagogical mechanisms underlying gamified approaches to sustainability learning.


Author Biographies

  • Jessica Napolitano, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Susanna Annese, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Lucia Ariemma, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Nadia Barberis, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Francesca Cuzzocrea, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Eliana De Salvo, University of Messina
  • Claudia Gianelli, University of Messina
  • Maria Cristina Gugliandolo, University of Messina
  • Francesca Liga, University of Messina
  • Maria Beatrice Ligorio, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Roberto Marcone, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Patrizia Oliva, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro
  • Federica Papa, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Giuseppe Ritella, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”
  • Luana Sorrenti, University of Messina
  • Sara Torre, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro"
  • Sebastiano Costa, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”

References

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Published

2025-12-29

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

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