Experiential Learning–Mediated Cultural Heritage Transmission: A Digital Game Model Proposal for Tourism and Local Identity – The Case of Sinop

Abstract

Digital transformation necessitates rethinking traditional approaches to cultural heritage preservation. Strengthening younger "digital native" generations' connection to local identity requires interactive, experience-based digital tools. This study presents a conceptual framework reconstructing Sinop's multi-component cultural memory through a knowledge-based, interactive digital game model. Grounded in Kolb's experiential learning theory, the model is developed using the first two phases of Design-Based Research methodology: needs analysis and prototype design. Sinop's historical, architectural, gastronomic, and folkloric heritage elements were systematically classified through content analysis and thematically integrated into the game scenario across seven categories. The game supports multisensory learning through character cards addressing four distinct user profiles, 120 question cards, and location-based mission mechanics. Pedagogically, game mechanics support each stage of the experiential learning cycle. From a tourism perspective, the model can deepen visitor interaction with cultural heritage sites and contribute to enriching the tourism experience. Evaluated comparatively with international examples, the model is distinctive through its emphasis on local content production and pedagogical grounding, offering a universal framework adaptable to various Turkish destinations for digital cultural sustainability.

Keywords

• Cultural heritage
• serious games for cultural heritage
• experiential learning
• design-based research
• Sinop
• cultural sustainability

Ethical Statement

ETHICAL DECLARATION Ethics Committee Approval: This study does not require ethics committee approval as it does not involve human or animal subjects. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Informed Consent: Not applicable, as the study did not involve human participants. Originality and Plagiarism: The authors confirm that this manuscript is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not under consideration by another journal. All sources have been appropriately cited.

Deneyimsel Öğrenme Aracılığı ile Kültürel Miras Aktarımı: Turizm ve Yerel Kimlik İçin Dijital Bir Oyun Modeli Önerisi – Sinop Örneği

Abstract

Dijital dönüşüm, kültürel mirasın korunması ve aktarımına yönelik geleneksel yaklaşımların yeniden düşünülmesini zorunlu kılmaktadır. "Dijital yerli" genç kuşakların yerel kimlikle bağının güçlendirilmesi, etkileşimli ve deneyim temelli dijital araçları gerektirmektedir. Bu çalışma, Sinop kentinin çok bileşenli kültürel belleğini, bilgi temelli ve etkileşimli bir dijital oyun modeli aracılığıyla yeniden yapılandırmayı amaçlayan kavramsal bir çerçeve sunmaktadır. Kolb'un deneyimsel öğrenme kuramına dayanan model, Tasarım Odaklı Araştırma metodolojisinin ilk iki aşaması (ihtiyaç analizi ve prototip tasarımı) temel alınarak geliştirilmiştir. Sinop'a özgü tarihî, mimari, gastronomik ve folklorik miras öğeleri, sistematik içerik analiziyle sınıflandırılmış ve yedi tematik kategori altında oyun senaryosuna entegre edilmiştir. Oyun; dört farklı kullanıcı profiline hitap eden karakter kartları, 120 soru kartı ve mekân temelli görev mekanikleriyle çoklu duyusal öğrenme ortamı yaratmayı hedeflemektedir. Pedagojik açıdan oyun mekanikleri, deneyimsel öğrenme döngüsünün her aşamasını destekleyecek biçimde yapılandırılmıştır. Turizm bağlamında model, ziyaretçilerin kültürel miras alanlarıyla etkileşimini derinleştirerek turizm deneyimini zenginleştirmeye hizmet edecek bir araç sunma potansiyeli taşımaktadır. Uluslararası örneklerle karşılaştırmalı değerlendirilen model, yerel içerik üretimi ve pedagojik temellendirme açısından özgün olup, dijital kültürel sürdürülebilirlik bağlamında Türkiye'nin farklı destinasyonlarına uyarlanabilecek evrensel bir çerçeve sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Kültürel miras
• kültürel miras için ciddi oyunlar
• deneyimsel öğrenme
• tasarım odaklı araştırma
• Sinop
• kültürel sürdürülebilirlik

Ethical Statement

ETİK BEYAN Etik Kurul Onayı: Bu çalışma, insan veya hayvan denekleri içermediğinden etik kurul onayına gerek duymaz. Çıkar Çatışması: Yazarlar, bu makalede bildirilen çalışmayı etkilemiş olabilecek bilinen herhangi bir çıkar çatışması veya kişisel ilişkiye sahip olmadıklarını beyan ederler. Bilgilendirilmiş Onam: Çalışma insan katılımcıları içermediğinden geçerli değildir. Özgünlük ve İntihal: Yazarlar, bu makalenin özgün olduğunu, başka bir yerde yayınlanmadığını ve başka bir dergi tarafından değerlendirilmekte olmadığını teyit ederler. Tüm kaynaklar uygun şekilde alıntılanmıştır.

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