Enhanced virtual learning spaces using applied gaming

Online virtual labs, emulate real laboratories where students can accomplish a number of learning tasks and receive courses that otherwise would be difficult if not infeasible to be offered. In reaching this challenging goal, we developed two virtual labs enhancing students knowledge by providing an entertaining and engaging experience. Ensuring that the educational requirements of educators and students will not be overlooked, extensive evaluations of the virtual labs were deployed. Both virtual labs were accompanied with game analytics enabling detailed tracking of learner behavioral data. Tracking and understanding behavioral data facilitated decision-making at the design level of a lab, but also allowed for adapting learning content to the personal needs of the students.