ABSTRACT:
This seminar focuses on introducing educators to game-based learning, gamification, and educational game design as effective approaches for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes across diverse educational levels. Participants develop a conceptual understanding of games by examining core game elements and mechanics, distinguishing clearly between games and gamification, and analyzing how these approaches function within instructional contexts. Through practical examples and design activities, the seminar enables participants to design original educational games and gamified learning experiences aligned with curricular goals. Additionally, participants learn to integrate game-based strategies into lesson planning, select appropriate gamification tools, and create meaningful learning environments that promote motivation, active participation, and deeper understanding. The seminar emphasizes applicability, sustainability, and reflective practice, supporting educators in transferring game-based and gamified designs into their own teaching contexts.

BIODATA:
Prof. Dr. Yavuz Samur, a faculty member in the Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Bahçeşehir University, received his Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Technologies – Curriculum and Instruction at Virginia Tech University in the United States through a Fulbright scholarship. He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Bahçeşehir University. His research interests include artificial intelligence in education, the use of technology in teaching and learning, digital educational games, educational game design, digital game design, game addiction, and game-based learning. In addition, he designs digital educational games for students and is a co-founder of Uğur Games, a company that develops such games. Beyond these, Prof. Dr. Samur has taken part in government-supported and institutional projects on educational games, as well as projects involving the design of educational digital content and software/games. He also organizes numerous workshops and seminars for teachers, students, and parents in the aforementioned fields.