Explore our Learn2Play4Future YouTube interview series featuring educators, psychologists, researchers and game creators discussing motivation, technology, game-based learning and the creation of meaningful educational games.
What motivates children to learn? How do technology and games shape childhood? What can we learn from using games in the classroom and what does it take to create a meaningful educational game?
These are just some of the questions explored in our Learn2Play4Future interview series on YouTube. Through conversations with educators, psychologists, researchers and game creators, the series looks at motivation, technology, game-based learning and the process of designing games that can support meaningful learning experiences.
All four podcasts Play to Learn are hosted by Belinda Rašnerová and feature inspiring voices from education, research and game development.
Episode 1: On the Intrinsic Motivation of Children
In the first interview, Belinda Rašnerová talks to Martin Kuruc, associate professor at the Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Comenius University in Bratislava.
The conversation focuses on children’s intrinsic motivation and the question of what really motivates us to learn. Martin Kuruc’s professional work explores motivation to learn, self-directed learning and innovation in education. He is also the initiator and one of the teachers of the Curious Learning educational project, which introduces game-based learning, project-based learning (PBL) and STEAM approaches into teacher education.
One of the key ideas discussed in the interview is simple but thought-provoking: “Let’s give up the idea of what a motivated child should look like.” The conversation invites us to reconsider how we recognise motivation and how educational environments can support children’s natural curiosity and willingness to learn.
Watch Episode 1: On the Intrinsic Motivation of Children – Martin Kuruc
Episode 2: A Smartphone in One’s Hand as a Sign of Adulthood
What does technology mean in children’s lives? How do smartphones, digital games and other technologies influence childhood and the way young people interact with the world?
In the second episode, Belinda Rašnerová speaks with Michal Božík, a psychologist and research assistant at Comenius University Bratislava. The conversation explores the relationship between technology, games and childhood. We are opening up questions about how we perceive digital technologies and their role in growing up.
The title of the episode – “A smartphone in one’s hand is like a sign of adulthood” – points to the changing role of technology in children’s everyday lives. It also draws attention to the ways in which digital devices can become connected with independence, identity and growing up.
Watch Episode 2: A Smartphone in One’s Hand as a Sign of Adulthood – Michal Božík
Episode 3: Learning Through Play in Practice
Can students remember what they learn through a game years later? In the third interview, Monika Krchňáková and Matej Baláž share their experience with learning through play in practice. The conversation looks at how educational games can be used as part of the learning process and what impact this approach can have on students.
The episode explores an especially interesting outcome: “Thanks to the game, students remembered what they had learned even three years later.” The experience highlights the potential of well-designed game-based learning to create memorable learning experiences and connect knowledge with active participation.
Watch Episode 3: Learning Through Play in Practice – Monika Krchňáková & Matej Baláž
Episode 4: Creating Games with Impact Games
What makes an educational game meaningful? And how can game design support not only learning, but also understanding and an engaging experience? In the fourth episode, we meet Dana Bubáková and Táňa Zacharovská from Impact Games. They discuss the process of creating games and the principles behind their work.
Their approach can be summed up in one sentence: “When creating a game, our top priority is to foster understanding and provide an experience.” The interview offers a glimpse into the creative process behind game development. It also explores how educational goals can be combined with engaging game experiences.
Watch Episode 4: Creating Games with Impact Games – Dana Bubáková & Táňa Zacharovská
Watch, Listen and Explore
Together, the four interviews offer different perspectives on the role of motivation, technology, games and creativity in education. They also reflect the interdisciplinary approach at the heart of Learn2Play4Future. Bringing together education, psychology, research and game development to explore new ways of engaging students in learning.
The interviews are recorded in Slovak, but English-speaking audiences can follow them with English subtitles available on YouTube.
Whether you are a teacher, student, researcher, game developer or simply interested in the future of education, we invite you to explore the conversations and discover new perspectives on how games can contribute to meaningful learning.
Visit our YouTube channel, watch the interviews and join the conversation about the future of learning through games.