Educational computer game

RESEARCH AREA: EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

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CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF THE UCM

The goal of SDG 4 (Quality Education) is to ensure inclusive and equitable education and develop practical skills for teachers. Simulations in games increase preparedness for conflict situations, working with students with special needs, and creating a safe classroom environment. This reinforces SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies in schools and supports SDG 3 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through the prevention of risky behavior. At UCM, the solution is being developed as an edtech innovation and methodology for practice, which also contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Social demand	Modern schools place high demands on teachers. They are expected to be able to respond quickly to conflict situations, work with students with special needs, and create a safe, inclusive environment. Traditional training is often insufficient—it lacks practical training in decision-making in real-life situations.
UCM solution	The educational game Paidagogos, developed at the Department of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Philosophy at UCM, offers an innovative way to prepare future teachers. The interactive virtual environment simulates authentic school situations – from everyday organizational challenges to crisis moments with a socio-pathological background. Students practice their reactions in a safe space, learning to make decisions and manage their emotions before entering the classroom. It represents a modern approach to education through computer games.
Social impact of the UCM solution	Paidagogos strengthens the competencies of future teachers in the areas of inclusive education, conflict prevention, and effective communication. Research results have shown a significant increase in their readiness for teaching practice. The game helps reduce the risk of failure in contact with students with special needs, prevent manifestations of socio-pathological behavior, and create a safe and supportive environment in the classroom.
Partnerships	The project was created as part of the KEGA 015UCM-4/2018 research grant. Teacher training students actively participated in the development and testing during their master's studies. The results of the quasi-experiment, as well as the theoretical basis and research data, were published in the monograph "Serious games in university education of future teachers."
Contact	Mgr. Veronika Michvocíková, PhD. (veronika.michvocikova@ucm.sk) Faculty of Philosophy Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave Nám. Jozefa Herdu 2 917 01 Trnava