Possibilities and Limitations of Transferring an Educational Simulation Game to a Digital Platform. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Erb, Ulrike
• Other Names: Yilmaz Levent guest-editor.; Ören Tuncer guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Simulation & gaming. Volume 46:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 817
• Page End: 837
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: communication -- digital educational game -- digital media -- educational experience -- educational objectives -- environmental education -- fun of playing -- game design -- interaction -- interactivity -- KEEP COOL -- KEEP COOL ONLINE 2 -- multiplayer game -- player experience -- simulation game; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Game theory -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Jeu de rôle -- Périodiques; Éducation; Jeu d'entreprise; Jeu de simulation; Méthode de simulation; Sciences sociales; Théorie des jeux; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 003.3
• DOI: 10.1177/1046878115621980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-8781

Abstract

Background. Simulation games have proven to be useful inenvironmental education . In particular, the board gameKEEP COOL has already successfully been used in multiple educational settings. In 2014, the new digital version of this game, KEEP COOL ONLINE 2 was developed. A special challenge was how to support interaction between players. Aim. This article investigates thepotential of digital media for supportinginteraction andeducational experiences in multiplayer simulation games. Method. For this purpose theanalog anddigital versions of KEEP COOL have beencompared, tested and evaluated in schoolclasses . Results. This evaluation shows that interactivity and multimedia can be used in simulation games to provide an engaging game experience. However, compared to aface-to-face multiplayer game, drawbacks occur regarding ease ofcommunication andtraceability of interactions. Future Prospects. As the digital version is still in its prototype form, the full potential of digital media has not yet been put into practice. However, I will give some recommendations on how to make further use ofinteractivity andmultimedia effects in order to enhanceimmersive player experience, as well as the achievement of relevanteducational objectives .