Enhancing learning and motivation through digital escape rooms: a case study of first-year tourism students

Generation Z, born in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, is highly familiar with technology in their daily lives. Understanding how these technologies influence learning is crucial for developing pedagogical approaches that leverage technological applications for innovative teaching and self-learning strategies. Educational technologies offer several advantages, such as enhancing students' learning experiences, increasing their motivation, and improving their comprehension. Recognizing these benefits, the authors of this work developed an educational resource - a digital Escape Room - where students can explore their problem-solving skills. This paper presents a case study involving first-year undergraduate students in a Tourism degree programme at a higher education institution, using a digital escape room. The study aims to evaluate how the escape room contributes to increasing students' interest and motivation, as well as the consolidation of learning. Students’ perceptions were assessed through a quantitative survey. The effect on students’ comprehension was evaluated by comparative assessment with a reference group. The conclusions suggest that the digital escape room represents an effective educational approach that enhances student interest and helps consolidate learning.