FORGE-VR: Developing a Software Product Line for Engaging VR Serious Games in Physics Education

• Grant number: 24/20062-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Vitor Rafael Coluci
• Grantee: Jhasmani Tito Cruz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Tecnologia (FT). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The research project FORGE-VR (Fostering Optimal Reusable Games for Education) addresses the challenges of integrating Serious Games (SGs) into educational settings, specifically focusing on the development of a Software Product Line (SPL) for Virtual Reality serious games (VRSGs). As a proof of concept, we will apply the SPL to produce games to help teaching core concepts of mechanics. Despite the proven benefits of SGs in enhancing student motivation and learning outcomes, significant barriers such as attitudinal resistance from educators, technological limitations, and design complexities hinder their widespread adoption. Here we propose a scalable SPL approach to streamline the development process, allowing for the creation of a family of adaptable VRSGs that can be customized to meet diverse educational needs. By leveraging a modular design, the SPL can reduce costs and development time while improving the quality and effectiveness of educational tools, ultimately facilitating broader implementation of SGs in various learning environments. (AU)