What is Playful Design

Open and distance learning became a global household term as it came to the forefront of education and work due to the proliferation of remote emergency teaching imposed by the pandemic's social distancing. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that can transform distance education by overcoming the shortcomings of 2D web-based systems such as learning management systems and web-conferencing platforms. VR-powered teaching can support educators in implementing game-based methods, such as playful design, gamification, and serious games (e.g., educational escape rooms that promote intrinsic motivation towards sustainable engagement for durable, deeper learning). However, a transition from 2D to 3D teaching in the context of the Metaverse is not straightforward or intuitive as it requires a mental and paradigm shift. This chapter presents practical examples of applications and recommendations for practitioners.