Games That Teach, Chats That Convince: Comparing Interactive and Static Formats for Persuasive Learning
2026-02-25
Summary
The article compares three different formats for delivering persuasive sustainability education: static essays, conversational chatbots, and narrative-driven text-based games. A study found that while chatbots were perceived as the most engaging and persuasive, text-based games led to better knowledge retention despite participants reporting less perceived learning. The research highlights the disconnect between how engaging an experience feels and the actual retention of knowledge.
Why This Matters
Understanding how different formats affect learning and persuasion is crucial for educators and developers in creating effective educational tools, particularly in areas like sustainability. This research provides insights into designing persuasive technologies that balance engagement with effective knowledge retention.
How You Can Use This Info
As a professional, consider which delivery format best suits your audience's needs when communicating information. If engagement is your priority, chatbots may be the way to go. However, if your goal is to ensure long-term knowledge retention, incorporating elements from narrative games could be beneficial. For more on this topic, check out tools like PersuLab to explore interactive learning experiences.