Towards the Blending of Digital and Physical Learning Contexts with a Gamified and Pervasive Approach

This paper discusses our perspectives on pervasive learning based on live projects at the Disruptive Media Learning Lab, UK (DMLL.​org.​uk), aligning with the need to respond to the blurring of boundaries between physical and digital learning spaces and contexts. The paper describes a holistic and modular approach in thinking about pervasive learning design and with special interest on games and gamification. Findings are presented on a study carried out on physical learning spaces and students’ engagement with these spaces (digital and physical). The paper also describes a pilot on the use of game mechanics in a blended learning environment. The findings will inform other projects that are investigating the crossings between gamification and pervasive gaming, including the potential of indoor mobile communication to support context-aware resources and future ‘learning spaces’. The holistic model may inform future initiatives in integrating knowledge, tools and services towards facilitating a pervasive and technology-enabled learning exploiting both physical and digital contents and contexts.