National Technical University of Athens

Open and Cultural Data Games for Learning

This study investigates the efficacy of game-based learning (GBL) in environmental education by comparing a custom card game—modeled after "Top Trumps" and utilizing open data—against conventional teacher-centric instruction and multimedia-assisted presentations.

• Game-based learning (GBL) using open data card games drove a 27.53% increase in test scores, significantly outperforming the ~10% gains observed in traditional and multimedia-based instruction groups.
• Low-performing students experienced the greatest academic improvement from the GBL approach, indicating its potential as an inclusive pedagogical tool.
• 80% of students reported reduced academic stress when using the card game compared to traditional testing environments, with lower stress levels directly correlating to improved performance.