This last Sunday, I had a meeting with my client and we discussed the content of the instructional product that we’ll be developing. She explained to me the important topics that we should discussed and also she provided me with basic information about the content.
Currently, I have been struggling with the content and how I can develop a game out of it. Another thing that concerns me is the fact that I am not a good programmer and this might be the skill that I will need most for this project.
On the topic of game, I have researched articles and also looked for sample of non-entertainment games. I have found a lot of articles discussing simulations and virtual-worlds, but few of them approach the development of non-entertainment games (serious games).
Besides the fact that those games have real-life content, it is important to notice that once playing a game, the player enters on a different atmosphere, which means that to be part of the game, the player must follow a set of complex rules. In addition, the context on these games are important for the learners, since they need to understand the process that is going on.
For example, a recent exploratory study has been conducted to investigate the implications and impact of individualized and reflective guidance in an educational Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE) (Nelson, 2007). In this study, a MUVE based on hypothesis formation and experimental design in science, called ‘River City’, was implemented with a sample of middle school students in order to verify the effects of its guidance system in the learning outcomes and also the differences in guidance use among male and female participants. River City (MUVE) provided a simulated environment for students who would explore the virtual city in order to find the cause for people’s illness.
One interesting fact of this research is that the 3D environment and simulation aspect captivated the learners. My intention developing this game is to have the students captivated by the context and the meaning of it. So far, it seems difficult to accomplish this task, but I’ll keep working and researching more about.
My plans for next week is to have my ideas and my game more outlined, as well as the content for this project. I feel that I’m a little behind on this, especially on the content. However, I hope that I can have more substantial information by next week.
Reference
Nelson, B. (2007). Exploring the use of individualized, reflective guidance in an educational multi-user virtual environment. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16(1), 83-97.
