{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,9]],"date-time":"2026-03-09T09:27:57Z","timestamp":1773048477915,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":41,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"7","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,7]],"date-time":"2025-07-07T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1751846400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001871","name":"National Funds","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["PTDC\/CED-EDG\/0197\/2021"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["PTDC\/CED-EDG\/0197\/2021"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001871","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001871","name":"National Funds","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["2022.02153.CEECIND"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2022.02153.CEECIND"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001871","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001871","name":"National Funds","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["2023.00257.BD"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2023.00257.BD"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001871","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]},{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001871","name":"National Funds","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["BI\/UI57\/8275\/2022"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["BI\/UI57\/8275\/2022"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001871","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Computers"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study explores the potential of mobile augmented reality games (MARGs) in promoting sustainability competencies within the context of a smart learning city environment. Anchored in the EduCITY project, which integrates location-based AR-enhanced games into an interactive mobile app, the research investigates how these tools support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through the GreenComp-based Questionnaire (GCQuest) and anonymous gameplay logs generated by the app. Thematic analysis of 358 responses revealed four key learning domains: \u2018cultural awareness\u2019, \u2018environmental protection\u2019, \u2018sustainability awareness\u2019, and \u2018contextual knowledge\u2019. Quantitative performance data from game logs highlighted substantial variation across games, with the highest performance found in those with more frequent AR integration and multiple iterative refinements. Participants engaging with AR-enhanced features (optional) outperformed others. This study provides empirical evidence for the use of MARGs to cultivate sustainability-related knowledge, skills, and attitudes, particularly when grounded in local realities and enhanced through thoughtful design. Beyond the EduCITY project, the study proposes a replicable model for assessing sustainability competencies, with implications for broader integration of AR across educational contexts in ESD. The paper concludes with a critical reflection on methodological limitations and suggests future directions, including adapting the GCQuest for use with younger learners in primary education.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/computers14070267","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,7]],"date-time":"2025-07-07T08:58:23Z","timestamp":1751878703000},"page":"267","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":5,"title":["Mobile Augmented Reality Games Towards Smart Learning City Environments: Learning About Sustainability"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"14","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4325-9122","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Margarida M.","family":"Marques","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"CIDTFF\u2014Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-2622-2333","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jo\u00e3o","family":"Ferreira-Santos","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CIDTFF\u2014Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1576-0462","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Rita","family":"Rodrigues","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CIDTFF\u2014Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5085-3974","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"L\u00facia","family":"Pombo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"CIDTFF\u2014Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,7]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","unstructured":"Leicht, A., Heiss, J., and Byun, W.J. 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