Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds
Strategies for Online Instruction
Published on 12. October 2009
144 pages
978-0-470-59657-9 (ISBN)
Description
Jossey-Bass Guides to Online Teaching and Learning
Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds
Strategies for Online Instruction
Clark Aldrich
Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds
The infusion of games, simulations, and virtual worlds intoonline learning can be a transforming experience for both theinstructor and the student. This practical guide, written byeducation game expert Clark Aldrich, shows faculty members andinstructional designers how to identify opportunities for buildinggames, simulations, and virtual environments into the curriculum;how to successfully incorporate these interactive environments toenhance student learning; and how to measure the learning outcomes.It also discusses how to build institutional support for using andfinancing more complex simulations. The book includes frameworks,tips, case studies and other real examples, and resources.
Praise for Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and VirtualWorlds
"Clark Aldrich provides powerful insights into the dynamic arenaof games, simulations, and virtual worlds in a simultaneouslyentertaining and serious manner as only he can. If you are involvedwith educating anyone, from your own children to classrooms full ofstudents, you need to devour this book."
-- Karl Kapp, assistant director, Institute for InteractiveTechnologies, Bloomsburg University
"At a time when the technologies for e-learning are evolvingfaster than most people can follow, Aldrich successfully bridgesthe perceptual gap between virtual worlds, digital games, andeducational simulations, and provides educators with all theyreally need to use this technology to enhance and enrich theire-learning experiences."
-- Katrin Becker, instructor, Department of Computer Scienceand Information Systems, Mount Royal College, and adjunct professorof education, University of Calgary
"I consider this a must-read for anyone engaged in orcontemplating using these tools in their classrooms or designingtheir own tools."
-- Rick Van Sant, professor of learning and technology, FerrisState University
Reviews / Votes
"What I like most is that Aldrich does not oversimplify.Using (online) games etc. for learning is not easy, but can be veryrewarding. This new book is highly recommended for anyone who wantsto give it a go. It is a very helpful and practical guide forteachers and instructors." --Igor Mayer, associate professor in PublicAdministration/Gaming-Simulation, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands "ClarkAldrich is to simulations what Elvis Presley is to rock and roll,and this book is his 'Hound Dog.'" --Daniel M. Siegel, Course Director for Game Strategiesand Motivation, Full Sail UniversityMore details
Other editions
Additional editions
Clark Aldrich
Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds
Strategies for Online Instruction
Book
10/2009
1st Edition
Jossey-Bass
€32.00
Article not available at the moment
Person
The Author
Clark Aldrich, a popular conference speaker, columnist, andanalyst, is the designer and implementer of educational simulationsincluding SimuLearn's vLeader 2007, a virtual leadership e-learningplatform. He is the author of two award-winning books, Simulationsand the Future of Learning and Learning by Doing, as well as TheComplete Guide to Simulations and Serious Games, all fromPfeiffer.
Content
Preface.
Part I: What Are Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds, andWhy Should I Care?
Chapter 1: Understanding Highly Interactive VirtualEnvironments
Do Highly Interactive Virtual Environments Work Better?
The "Why".
Clarifying What We Mean by Highly Interactive VirtualEnvironments.
Chapter 2: Embracing Interactivity.
Interactivity Levels 0 through 6.
Interactivity Levels and Leadership Models.
Chapter 3: Sims: A New Model of Content.
Simulation Elements.
Game Elements.
Pedagogical Elements.
Tasks and Levels.
Genres of Stand-Alone Sims.
Four Concluding Thoughts
Chapter 4: Highly Interactive Content from the Students' and theInstructor's Perspective.
Different Culture, Different Rules.
Learning to Love Frustration and Anticipate Resolution.
How Well Does the Instructor Have to Know the Sim?
Part II: Choosing and Using a Highly Interactive VirtualEnvironment.
Chapter 5: Identifying The Right Approach for the RightNeed.
Why Use Distance Learning Programs at All?
When to Use Highly Interactive Content.
Costs Associated with HIVEs.
Chapter 6: Doing the Prep Work.
Connect with Other Interested Professionals.
Access the Content.
Infrastructure Selection Criteria.
Content Selection Criteria
Self-Paced/Single Player, Asynchronous, or Synchronous.
Trust.
Conclusion: Might Second Life Be the Interface to (Other)Sims?
Chapter 7: Integrating and Piloting.
Technical Support for Students.
Chunking Content.
Piloting.
Conclusion: The Need for Front Loading.
Chapter 8: A Brief Example of a Simulation Deployment.
Peter Shea's Sim for Writing.
Students as Real-Time Evaluators of Sims?
Chapter 9: The Processes of Using a HIVE and the Role ofCoaching.
The Setup.
On Ramp: From Real Life to Simulation.
Teaching the Interface.
First Public Simulation Play.
Putting Together Groups for Multiplayer or Team-Based Sims.
Coaching during the Student Use.
After Action Reviews.
Off Ramp: From Simulation Back to Real Life.
Into the Breach.
Chapter 10: Creating Evaluation Strategies.
Why Not Measure Experience with a Multiple-Choice Test?
Assessment Strategies.
Assessment Techniques for Grading Student Performance.
Conclusion.
Part III: Other Considerations.
Chapter 11: Selling Interactive EnvironmentsInternally--Getting Buy In from Administrators, DepartmentHeads, Colleagues, Parents, and even Students.
Building Support for HIVEs.
What Does Success Look Like for You?
Epilogue: The New Attraction of Distance Learning.
References.
Index.
