Escape to Learn: Digital Escape Rooms and Universal Design for Learning.

Abstract

Gamification is an increasingly popular strategy to foster engagement in education. This paper reflects on digital escape rooms in the learning environment and their alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Four digital escape rooms based on different anatomy and physiology themes were developed as revision exercises for a first-year biomedical engineering class. Students self-organized into small groups and completed the activities. Results from feedback surveys revealed positive student experiences, with 91% finding the activity engaging and 86% indicating its positive impact on learning. 82% of students said that the digital escape room helped create a sense of community in the class. Students commented on the development of collaborative skills, quick thinking, and coping mechanisms under pressure. Discussion centres on the alignment of digital escape rooms with UDL principles, addressing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression.