In an era dominated by digital technology, traditional educational methods often fall short in preparing students for the challenges of the modern world. To bridge this gap, innovative approaches like game-based learning and gamified activities, such as escape rooms, are gaining success, offering immersive experiences that foster digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
The rise of games in learning
Game-based and gamified learning integrate educational content within the context of games or game mechanics within educational contexts, creating engaging environments that promote active participation and engagement. These methods have been significantly growing in the educational world, with countless projects and resources exploring their benefits, as they not only capture young people’s attention but also enhance motivation and retention. Escape rooms are optimal for teaching critical skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurial thinking. Unlike traditional methods, they offer a practical and experiential learning environment that fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Teaching digital entrepreneurship through escape rooms
In the context of entrepreneurial education, escape rooms can easily be used to:
- Teach digital entrepreneurship: Combining business strategy, digital tools, communication and creativity.
- Mimic real-world business challenges: Identifying target markets, managing budgets and using digital platforms for promotion.
- Provide an engaging and practical learning process: Allowing learners to test their skills and gain practical experience in a risk-free environment.
For example, educational initiatives similar to our own, such as the “Escape Rooms for Social Entrepreneurship” project or the Finexit financial escape room, also use such challenges to teach students about social entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Through these games, learners are immersed in scenarios where they must apply entrepreneurial principles and soft skills to solve puzzles related to integral components of entrepreneurship, such as:
- Sustainability and ethics
- Decision-making processes
- Community involvement and social impacts
- Business finances and economic principles
- Identifying market needs and managing resources
Additionally, the puzzles and tasks involved in educational escape rooms require participants to use both creative and analytical thinking. The collaborative nature of escape rooms further encourages teamwork and communication, both of which are vital in the field of social entrepreneurship.
Fostering digital skills through immersive learning
During an escape room, participants may be asked to use various digital tools, such as:
- Project management and collaboration tools
- Social media and communication platforms
- Digital marketing tools and strategies
- Website design and software development
- Video and audio editing programs
This immersive learning approach mirrors the growing importance of digital literacy in entrepreneurial education, equipping learners with the digital skills and practical experience they need to succeed in modern entrepreneurial sectors.
Integrating game-based methods aligns with contemporary educational standards that emphasise digital competence and technological understanding. For instance, Estonia’s education system is celebrated for integrating technology and problem-solving into its curriculum, resulting in students adept in digital skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
Escape rooms provide a dynamic space to practice and refine these skills, whether it’s using social media for brand development or understanding e-commerce platforms – topics covered in some of our upcoming escape room scenarios. Through these activities, learners develop a hands-on understanding of what it takes to create and manage a business in the current digital age.
In conclusion, modern evolution and dynamic revolution in education are marked by these engaging and practical methods that resonate with today’s digital landscape and young people’s needs. Game-based learning through escape rooms offers dynamic ways for learners to develop essential digital and entrepreneurial skills. By embracing these innovative approaches, educators can help raise a generation of young entrepreneurs who are not only tech-savvy but also equipped with the critical skills needed to navigate and shape the future.
Discover our resources, such as our guide, to learn more about these topics and explore our escape rooms, available soon!
References
- Campus Technology. (2022). Building Digital Skills with a Smart Escape Room. https://campustechnology.com/articles/2022/08/18/building-digital-skills-with-a-smart-escape-room.aspx
- Edutopia. (2023). Using Game-Based Learning in Civics. https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-game-based-learning-civics
- Escape Rooms for Social Entrepreneurship. (2023). About the project. https://er-se.eu/en/about/
- Seguros Y Pensiones Para Todos. (2023). FINEXIT, the financial escape room. https://segurosypensionesparatodos.fundacionmapfre.org/en/educational-resources/teachers/finexit-financial-escape-room/
- The Times. (2024). Estonia’s curriculum is one of the best – what can it teach us? https://www.thetimes.com/uk/education/article/estonias-curriculum-is-one-of-the-best-what-can-it-teach-us-l56hmdxq0