Learning agroecology through the serious game SEGAE in an online lesson: unveiling its impact on knowledge articulation

Abstract

[EN] Facing global challenges, the currently dominating agricultural system has shown its limitation. Therefore, agroecology appears as an attractive alternative. Its implementation has been shown to benefit the environment, while harboring economic potential. For a transition towards more agroecology, this new paradigm needs to be taught to students and professionals in the agricultural sector. However, traditional learning methods are not fully adapted to teach these concepts because of the poor interactivity and/or lack of interdisciplinarity. To help teach agroecology, the “SErious Game for AgroEcology” (SEGAE) was developed. SEGAE is a simulated mixed crop–livestock farm complex models in which players can learn by doing. To access SEGAE pedagogical interest, university students, coming from four specializations (Agronomy; Chemistry; Environment and Forest) participated to a theoretical class which was tighted to a play session of the game. The students then answered a knowledge survey on agroecology and a feedback survey based on flow theory. Results showed that students did significantly increase their knowledge of agroecology. Morevoer, a large majority of students enjoyed the game (83%) and thought playing this game increased their knowledge (91%).