Distance Teaching & Learning Conference
Information Session: Are Games and Simulations a Good 'Fit' for Your Curriculum?
Authors: Penny Ralston-Berg and Eric B. Bauman
The conversation was very active as we discussed strategies and key questions to ask in determining what makes a good curricular “fit” for games and simulations. Examples were shown from a variety of subject matter and the audience had a chance to walk through the process of determining fit based on learning objectives. We also stepped out side the instructional alignment and talked about the value of "ridiculous games" for stress relief and cognitive down time between other intense tasks.
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Are Games and Simulations a Good Fit for Your Curriculum
1. Are Games and Simulations
a Good Fit for Your Curriculum?
Penny Ralston-Berg - Penn State World Campus
Eric B. Bauman, PhD, RN - Clinical Playground, LLC
2. Disclosures
The views and perspectives discussed in this presentation
are those of the presenters and may not represent the
views of of Penn State World or Clinical Playground, LLC
3. What is Fit?
Degree to which a game or simulation
supports instructional objectives.
Thoughtful, appropriate, purposeful
Aligned with learning objectives
Works within constraints
4. Aspects of Fit: Impact
Effective
AppealingEfficient
Proper Fit
Ralston-Berg, P. & Lara, M. (2012). Fitting virtual reality and game-based learning into an existing curriculum. In E. Bauman (Ed.), Games and
Simulation for Nursing Education. New York: Springer.
6. Aspects of Fit: Constraints
Learning
Objectives
Complexity
Cost Time
Aleckson, J., & Ralston-Berg, P. (2011). MindMeld: Micro-Collaboration between eLearning designers and instructor experts. Madison, WI:
Atwood Publishing.
7. Examples of Fit
Learning Situation or Goal Type of Game or Simulation
Boring, mundane,
undesirable tasks
Games that level up; intrinsic
motivation
Distinct levels of
achievement or competency
Meta-gaming;
use out-of-game resources or
strategies to succeed
Reinforce information or
processes
Mini-games within game
Define terms; use
appropriately; syntax
Quick games;
reward for speed;
replay from pool
8. Examples of Fit
Learning Situation or Goal Type of Game or Simulation
Make decisions, react to
consequences under stress
Immersive sim; level up =
higher stakes, less time to
react; created environment
Team strategic thinking Multi-player sim
See problem from various POV Role play sim with tasks
Observe and reflect Virtual world with sim
environment
9. Examples of Fit
Learning Situation or Goal Type of Game or Simulation
Practice speaking language in
real time
Virtual community
Interaction with
environment; affective
responses
Role-play simulation
Inaccessible locations or
dangerous situations
Simulation;
created environments
Group communication;
leadership
Simulated interaction with
characters within an
environment
10. Finding the Right Fit
Clearly define learning objectives
Describe key functions or tasks
Brainstorm / research
Consider constraints
Time, budget resources
Maximize impact within constraints
11. Cost vs. Impact
IMPACT
COST
High
Low High
Patient simulator
Disaster preparedness
simulator
Text-based CYOA
Practice quiz
PPT display in virtual
world
Sim tests vocab
Ralston-Berg, P. & Lara, M. (2012). Fitting virtual reality and game-based learning into an existing curriculum. In E. Bauman (Ed.), Games and
Simulation for Nursing Education. New York: Springer.
12. Let’s try it!
Learning Objective
Perform correct procedure for IV therapy based on
a specific clinical discipline and related clinical
functions (MD, RN, NA, Paramedic)
13. Let’s try it!
Key Functions or Tasks
Psychomotor skills (haptic)
Procedural skills
Clinical critical thinking / decision-making
Why does the patient need an IV?
What gauge IV?
What type of fluid?
Perform correct procedure for IV therapy based on a specific
clinical discipline and related clinical functions (MD, RN, NA,
Paramedic)
14. Let’s try it!
Brainstorm / Research
Needle shooter hits target (timed)
Drag and drop – What tools do you need to
perform the task?
3D anatomy model sim
What have others done?
16. Let’s try it!
Which is the best fit? Role play sim!
Role play – four roles; not multiple players
Situational narrative based on role
Anatomy mini-game – best location for IV
Tools mini-game – drag tools to tray
Design / consequence series based on
decisions required for each role
17. Finding the Right Fit
Clearly define learning objectives
Describe key functions or tasks
Brainstorm / research
Consider constraints
Time, budget resources
Maximize impact within constraints
18. Common Pitfalls
Adding games and sims automatically
increases interactivity and learning
Underestimate time, cost, support
needed
SME also designer, developer, support
Not the faculty’s job to support the tech…
their job to use it
19. Common Pitfalls
Educational designer is dependent on the SME
Missing even small content areas can
hamper project completion
Intellectual property
Whose is it and can you use it
Privacy
Student accounts with 3rd party vendors
20. Fit – The Big Picture
Prerequisites Procedure
Game or Sim
Debrief and
Reflection
21. Bonus!
Translate objectives to key functions
Reuse game shells, wireframes,
design sequences
Multiple storyboards
Other content areas