NewsArcade@Classroom European Conference 2026

On 5 and 6 November 2026, Lusófona University will host the European conference for the NewsArcade – Seriously Play the News in the Classroom! project (Project Number 101186092).

The event aims to share the results of work carried out by the project consortium over 24 months, as well as to promote broader discussions on gamification, media literacy, and educational transformation.

The event has an open call for papers for various presentation formats until 29 July (extended deadline). A special issue of the International Journal of Games and Social Impact is planned for publication following the event.

The full call for papers is available below.

Gamification, media literacy and transformation in educational contexts
5 - 6 November 2026 | Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre

Call for Papers

Lusófona University invites researchers, teachers, educators and all interested parties to submit proposals for the European conference of the NewsArcade – Seriously Play the News in the Classroom! project (Project Number 101186092).

Background

We currently live in a deeply polarised media ecosystem, in which the speed and volume of information create new challenges to citizens' critical capacities. In a world dominated by algorithms, marked by polarisation and various forms of information disorder, narratives and values are being shaped in unprecedented ways, making the promotion of media literacy skills one of the foremost priorities in education and training. In this context, gamification emerges as an innovative pedagogical approach that offers new opportunities to develop media and news literacy skills in an engaging and meaningful way.

It is around this approach that this conference aims to bring together researchers, teachers and educators to explore how gamified strategies, grounded in experiential and participatory practices, can strengthen citizens' critical literacy and contribute to an informed and responsible citizenry.
This will also be an opportunity to present the outcomes and educational resources produced within the NewsArcade – Seriously Play the News in the Classroom! project (Project Number 101186092).

Target audiences

• Researchers in the fields of education, communication and media studies, educational technology, video games, and related areas
• Undergraduate, master's and doctoral students with research and/or project work on the event's themes
• Professionals in design, web design and video game design
• Primary, secondary and higher education teachers
• Educators in non-formal settings
• Educational managers
• All those with an interest in the event's themes

Topics of interest

• Gamification and game-based learning in educational contexts
• Media and news literacy for critical citizenship
• Education to counter disinformation and polarisation
• Digital literacy and 21st-century skills
• Pedagogical innovation in formal and non-formal educational contexts
• Inclusion and equity in access to digital education
• Co-creation with students and educators
• Teacher training in media literacy
• Technology and infrastructure in peripheral contexts
• Transnational comparisons of European educational practices
• Impact assessment of gamified tools

Types of submission

• Individual Papers (12-minute presentations) - Presentation of original research, case studies or good practices
• Round Tables (90 minutes) - Presentations by 4–5 specialists on specific themes to debate emerging issues
• Practical Workshops (90 minutes) - Hands-on experiences, applicable methodologies and innovative tools
• Poster presentation (3 minute presentations) - Presentation of original research, case studies or work in process

Calendar

29 July 2026 (New deadline) - Abstract submission deadline  
7 August 2026 - Notification of acceptance or rejection
25 September 2026 - Registration deadline
5-6 November 2026 - Conference

Abstract submission guidelines

• Abstracts may be submitted in English, Portuguese or Spanish via this form.
• Required format:
  • Title
  • Submission type
  • Authors and affiliations
  • Brief biography (100 words per author)
  • Email
  • Abstract (max. 300 words for individual papers; max. 1,000 words for round tables and workshops)
  • Keywords (5–7) 

The proposal must be submitted through this form.

Publication
Authors of submitted and approved proposals for the conference are invited to submit a paper for a special issue of the International Journal of Games and Social Impact. The publication of the full paper to this special issue is independent of the submission to the conference and is subject to the journal’s editorial guidelines. The International Journal of Games and Social Impact (IGJSI) publishes original research across all fields that examine the intersections between games and other playable media and human activities, with a special focus on their impact on society, inclusion, education, human rights, and all their actors.
The number will be published in 2027. Further details will be provided in due course.

Language of the event
The event will be carried out in English.

Participation
The event is in person and free of charge, but registration is compulsory. To receive a certificate of attendance, you must attend the event in person.

Panels and round tables can be accepted for online presentation format.

Local organising committee 
Ana Filipa Oliveira (Lusófona University/ CICANT)
Marisa Mourão (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro/ CICANT) 
Ana Lamy Silva (Lusófona University/ CICANT)
Inês Castaño (Lusófona University)
Margarida Maneta (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Scientific committee (currently being updated)

Alexandra Figueira (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Ana Filipa Oliveira (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Andreia Pinto de Sousa (Lusófona University/ HEI-LAB)

Bieke Zaman (KU Leuven)

Carla Sousa (Universidade Aberta)

Célia Quico (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Clarisse Pessôa (Universidade Europeia/ CECS)

Conceição Costa (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Felix Ortega (University of Salamanca)

João Alves de Sousa (Lusófona University/ HEI-LAB)

João Lèste (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, LINC-Design))

José Neves (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Maria José Brites (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

María Marcos Ramos (University of Salamanca)

Marisa Mourão (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro/ CICANT)

Paula Lopes (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Pedro Moura (University of Minho/ CECS)

Pedro Neves (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Sara Pereira (University of Minho/ CECS)

Teresa Sofia Castro (Lusófona University/ CICANT)

Vitor Tomé (Autónoma University of Lisbon)