Escape rooms, an effective educational tool to combat disinformation
The article published in the Revista Latina de Comunicación Social entitled “Escape rooms como metodología educativa para combatir la desinformación en alumnos de primaria y secundaria: el caso de Learn to Escape” analyzes the impact of escape rooms as an educational methodology to combat disinformation in primary and secondary students. Specifically, for the article, teachers who have witnessed how their students participated in our escape room Learn to Escape are interviewed, which proposes immersive activities where students must validate information and solve enigmas, encouraging collaboration.
The article was published in 2024 by the researchers Natàlia Lozano-Monterrubio, Roger Cuartielles, Nereida Carrillo-Pérez and Marta Montagut, who explored how this playful format helps to develop critical thinking skills and media and information literacy (AMI). The escape rooms used in this project include activities that challenge students to identify false information and reflect on the truthfulness of information through enigmas and group games. Students work together to figure out clues, and as they progress in their tasks, they learn to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. This approach helps to consolidate the teaching of key concepts of media education, such as data verification and the importance of a critical look at the contents consumed on the internet.
The teachers positively valued the “Learn to Escape” project for its transversal and active approach, highlighting the growing motivation of the students and their critical spirit. In addition, they consider it an effective methodology to teach students to work in a team. A key aspect is the joint discussion after each session, which allows to consolidate learning and reflect on responsible consumption of information.
This study highlights the importance of introducing media training from an early age and opens the door to new initiatives that integrate escape rooms as an educational complement in classrooms. In a world where information circulates quickly and fake news spreads through social networks, it is essential to equip students with the necessary tools to critically evaluate information. The escape rooms, as part of media education, offer a safe and controlled environment where students can develop these essential skills.
To read the full article and access the detailed results, check it here.