SERIOUS GAMES, FOOD EDUCATION AND HEALTHY HABITS AT SCHOOL: A PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The increasing use of technologies in educational setting is progressively modifying time, space and learning environments, determining not only different way of access knowledge, but also the didactic methodologies, way of learning and academic outcomes. In this context, in accordance with to the stimulating challenges, the customize experiences, and the practice-based approach, the Serious Games (SG) and Gamification represent important tools to facilitate learnings and to develop soft skills, emotional intelligence, and divergent thinking. Recent findings have assessed the effectiveness of digital gaming elements on nutritional knowledge in children and adolescents for improving correct eating behaviours and reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The present paper aims to describe use of SG and Gamification for promoting healthy eating habits in children and adolescents, highlighting the pedagogical and methodological implications.