In the past two decades, a considerable amount of research has focused on digital games as part of media education. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is identified as a potential pedagogical approach to enhance learning in the digital era. In light of the increased number of academic articles on educational games, this study considers the development and the factors that influence learning performance among children by providing a thematic review of the literature available on DGBL. Findings show that despite following developmental standard procedures, a distinct perspective between the game designer and the educator is essential. Three major approaches have been identified, namely the learner-centered, the game-centered and the model approaches. Learning processes that use digital games show empirically positive results as well as the great influence in terms of intrinsic motivation, game features and overall learning experience.

In the modern age, digital games are widely used as informal media for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and medical therapy for game-based learning. Digital games provide learners with a graphical system of interaction that enhances scientific concepts within an enjoyable environment. The vastly increasing number of digital games produced in the market affects the quality of STEM digital games while requiring multidisciplinary expertise. This paper proposes a framework for STEM digital game-based learning encompassing input-process-output stages. Several studies from the early 2000s onward were reviewed to discuss and present a new perspective on a framework for the design and development of digital games, particularly for STEM. This proposed framework consists of digital game development as input, experience as a process, and constructs as output. This simple and precise framework will generate a universal product for various types of learners. It can thus be used as a guideline for game designers, developers, and experts to develop STEM digital games and achieve better learning outcomes.

The aim of this paper is to assess students' perceptions of their competency and interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) throughout Malaysia. These perceptions are obtained during and after they were engaged in using a STEM module and building a robotic prototype that was in line with the STEM teachers' specification, and was conducted at the National Science Centre, Malaysia. This activity was undertaken because the target ratio for the number of students enrolling in STEM programs is not met. The developed STEM module is based on four stages of the learning cycle in Kolb's experiential learning theory. The stages are Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation. These stages have five key educational activities which are watching videos, reading modules, assembling robotic components, drag and drop using blockly software and lastly playing a robotic game. The key element of the activities is the utilisation of a robotic prototype as the main component in increasing the students’ interest in STEM via games. This module was evaluated in both qualitative and quantitative case studies of students to inform teachers’ perceptions of the developed modules and robotic prototypes. Data were collected through two training events at a science exhibition at the National Science Centre and taken from two distinct groups, namely primary and secondary school students in range 11 to 15 year old. The evaluation comprised of five areas which were interaction, engagement, challenge, competency and interest. The results show that developed module and robotic prototype based n teacher’s perception received positive response from the respondents. It can efficiently raise students’ interest in STEM that meets the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.

Technology 4.0 has forced the education system to undergo a huge transformation by changing teaching and learning methods. Teaching 4.0 requires teachers to apply varieties of technology used in the teaching and learning process to make it more appealing to new millennials. However, the response to this change has been relatively slow. Consequently, the preparation of effective teaching methods and strategies from educators that can benefit students through learning from differentiated learning styles. Thus, the aim of this study is to collect and extract information from the literature in searching for the research gap, and analyse the most significant studies on the teaching of 4.0 competency in a Higher Learning Institution. The searching process will focus on papers published in journals or presented at specialised international conferences from 2015 until 2021 using a systematic mapping review (SMR). A total of 380 relevant research papers from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholars online databases and grey literature were retrieved. Nine final papers were selected in the study. Results from the review showed that the predefined requirement criteria for Teaching 4.0 competencies were not all satisfied in literature. There are limited studies on the Teaching 4.0 competency. Thus, a conceptual framework of measurement for Teaching 4.0 competencies should be developed. It could act as a solution by providing a comprehensive competency measurement and to determine relevant 4.0 competency among Higher Learning Institution educators.

Using games to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can enhance the quality of education. The idea of using digital games to increase individual interest towards STEM has been implemented as gaming technology has evolved in the 21st century. A correlation exists between using digital games and the learning outcomes which suggests that incorporating digital games may develop interest; however, the theoretical discussion on how interest may be developed with digital games remains inconclusive, thus, resulting in the need for further discussion. Hence, we aim to contribute with a discussion on how STEM digital games can develop individual interest in STEM. Previous studies on digital games in the STEM education context support the arguments presented in this study, therefore, there is a high probability that STEM digital games develop interest. Nevertheless, this can only be achieved with a good STEM game design and defining what is a good STEM game design is subjective. Several elements can be used as indicators to describe the quality of a design. These include the pedagogical learning content and the inclusion of fun elements within a design. Therefore, we propose the integration of theories with pedagogy, learning strategies, STEM learning content, game elements, and game principles design to ensure the presence of a three-layer process to develop interest. The creativity of game designers and developers is key to creating appealing STEM digital games providing young players with an inspiring experience.

Digital games are one of the potential pedagogical approaches within STEM teaching and learning. The main idea behind using digital games in STEM contexts is to enhance the children’s conceptual understanding and to increase their interest in STEM. The interest in STEM is still an unsolved global issue. Most studies looking into digital games show there to be positive implications when it comes to STEM learning. This gap and the uncorrelated scenario from both the theoretical and practical perspectives need to both be solved. Here we conceptualise the usefulness of STEM digital games for stimulating an interest in STEM, particularly among children from a design perspective. The previous studies are the main qualitative sources for the interpretation of the main argument in this paper. As result, digital games have a strong empirically supportive foundational basis that acts as a medium to stimulate interest. To achieve this, STEM digital games should be designed to be of better quality. Good STEM digital games will contribute to better STEM learning outcomes and meaningful gaming experiences that can contribute to the interest in STEM. This study proposes a comprehensive framework to understand the purpose of the design and development of STEM digital games.