Exploring the Future of Education at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber
In September 2024, Brainspark Games had the opportunity to participate in an important discussion on the future of childhood education at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Our founder, Reedah El-Saie, joined a panel of global experts, including representatives from The LEGO Foundation, Oxford University, and key government bodies, to explore how education can become more inclusive, immersive, and effective for learners worldwide.
From play-based learning to the potential of AI and augmented reality (AR), the discussions generated fresh ideas on preparing young learners for the challenges of the future.
Transforming Classrooms Through Play
At Brainspark Games, we believe in the power of play to revolutionise education. Our approach integrates technology, storytelling, and interactive experiences to foster creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
By blending virtual and real-world experiences, embracing cultural diversity, and incorporating 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and environmental awareness, we aim to reshape how children engage with learning.
During the event, we explored some of the biggest challenges facing modern education:
Over one-third of children are disengaged from learning.
Curricula lack cultural representation and inclusivity.
BAME and neurodiverse students lag up to 18 months behind their peers.
Climate education remains absent from core subjects.
33% of students fail IGCSEs/GCSEs, highlighting a need for alternative learning approaches.
These challenges underscore the urgent need for more inclusive, engaging, and adaptable learning models that cater to a wider range of student needs.
To address these issues, we highlighted the importance of the Role of Play-Based Learning in Shaping the Future.
At Brainspark Games, we advocate for learning through play as a powerful way to foster creativity, engagement, and lifelong skills development. Our approach incorporates:
Play-based learning to encourage creativity from an early age.
Technology, including AI and AR, to engage tech-native learners.
Blending virtual and real-world experiences to make learning more interactive.
Culturally diverse storytelling to promote inclusivity.
21st-century skills integration, including critical thinking, collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility.
Inquiry-based learning to develop independent, lifelong learners.
STEAM education, ensuring arts and creativity remain central.
Nature-based learning, reconnecting children with the environment.
Social, emotional, and mental well-being support within educational content.
Designing for neurodiverse and SEN learners to improve accessibility.
Supporting over 99,000 homeschoolers in the UK with immersive digital learning.
Delivering education through games, books, and interactive learning tools.
Balancing Gamification and Meaningful Learning
While games are a powerful tool for engagement, concerns about screen time and addiction must be addressed. At Brainspark Games, we prioritise:
Bite-sized gameplay experiences that reduce excessive screen time.
Ensuring games serve an educational purpose beyond entertainment.
Using Augmented Reality (AR) to encourage movement and physical activity.
Helping children reconnect with real-world experiences through digital learning tools.
Brainspark Games: What’s Next?
As we continue our mission to revolutionise education, we are working on:
Primary school games covering core subjects, including climate education.
IGCSE/GCSE subject-specific games for English, Maths, and Science (launching in 2025).
Collaborations with a leading university to develop undergraduate-level courses.
Working with local governments to integrate curriculum-aligned educational games.
Developing gamified educational content for schools and other organisations.
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with education leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss how game-based learning, technology, and inclusivity can drive the future of education.
We are excited to continue these conversations and bring meaningful, accessible, and innovative learning solutions to students worldwide.
How do you see play-based learning transforming education? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
