Analyze, synthesize, use inductive and deductive reasoning, solve problems effectively and creatively.
Artifact:
E-game Analysis – [PDF]
Reflection:
This artifact was part of the E-game assignment from EdTech 670 – Exploratory Learning Through Educational Simulation & Games. To satisfy the stated goal “to design an educational game or simulation that is presented to the learner electronically” I chose to design a work place harassment role playing simulation in Second Life (SL). This course was my first exposure to Second Life and multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) in general.
Building an effective learning experience of this type requires an understanding via both inductive and deductive logic of the affordances provided by Second Life and how learners mentally process their experience with the game. Designing an effective solution requires a synthesis of several instructional factors such as how learners perceive, think about and remember the content in the context of this new medium.
Dr. Dodge captures my thoughts perfectly with his comments that balancing simplicity, efficiency, and playability against realism, richness and complexity are challenging design tasks. My first and most significant challenge was to understand how SL works and what the implications are of conducting a learning event within this environment.
This was a great opportunity to gain understanding and experience with a MUVE and have the door opened to the many possibilities they have to offer. In the right situations, Second Life provides an opportunity to design a very rich experience that offers a unique set of learning opportunities. This project also provided a chance to practice the analysis and synthesis of the instructional and technical elements required to develop an effective learning experience.
This project demonstrates my acquisition of some requisite SL skills including basic object creation and scripting skills. Also, an understanding of the unique characteristics of the SL environment including the benefits and limitations provided me with the ability to achieve a creative and effective learning solution.
Being new to Second Life, and MUVEs in general, the biggest lesson I took away from this was the awareness of an entirely new delivery method with its own unique set of characteristics. This work has added a completely new dimension to my learning solutions “toolbox.” As a result, I now have a learning design option in which learners can experience a sense of self, distance, and interactivity that provide an enriched experience in comparison to most other mediums.
