Practical Application of the Learning Mechanics-Game Mechanics Framework for Serious Games Design and Analysis for the Development of Mental Computation in Virtual Reality

Serious Games (SG) have proved to have instructional benefits and recent developments in formal methodologies and tools support their design, analysis, validation, and assessment. Fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly used in an educational context where adoption and practical use is growing, facilitated by more powerful and affordable VR headsets. Teaching the fundamentals of mathematics and its applied use can be challenging. In this paper, we propose the use of SG, VR, and the Learning Mechanics-Game Mechanics (LM-GM) framework for SG game analysis in the design of a game. The goal is to develop mathematical thinking skills and increase student engagement and retention through the use of gamification in the creation of a highly engaging and pedagogically sound immersive learning experience.