Escape Rooms as a Tool for Information Literacy Education: A Scoping Review

Objective: Escape rooms are increasingly used as an innovative educational tool to develop key 21 ^st -century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. This scoping review examined the use of escape rooms in enhancing information literacy. Methods: This scoping review was based on Arksey and O’Malley's framework. An advanced search was performed in databases to identify studies published from 2014 to 2024. Studies in English that addressed the design, implementation, and evaluation of escape rooms in information literacy education were included. Results: A total of 48 relevant articles were identified, demonstrating the effectiveness of escape rooms in increasing engagement, developing cognitive skills, and improving learning outcomes. Escape rooms have effectively enhanced information literacy and other key skills. The design of these rooms often includes challenges, puzzles, and digital or physical elements that promote active and interactive learning. Conclusion: Escape rooms have great potential to promote information literacy and develop essential skills. By creating an interactive and motivating environment, this educational method improves academic performance, collaboration, and critical thinking. As an innovative tool, escape rooms can be effectively integrated into educational programs and require further investigation in various educational contexts.