Educational Games

Carrots & Sticks?

Games traditionally use carrots to get players excited about finishing the level. Often these carrots are simply the promise of something different at the end. Crucially, the player can't find out what these are until they have finished the required tasks on the current level. This often requires the player to solve puzzles or learn new skills to progress. The carrot need not nescessarily be 'the greatest thing I've ever seen', it is simply something new, something different, something as yet unrevealed. This is often enough to get the player to complete repetitive or otherwise less interesting tasks within the game.

Would this work with training materials? For example, when learning maths, the player is unable to progress to the next stage and learn the next topic until they have mastered the one before it. Eg, solve 30 differential equations.

This will allow players to progress and discover information at their own rate. However, social interaction is also important.

*IDEA* At some points in the course, the more advanced players are unable to progress until their less able classmates have passed a certain (lower) level. They need to teach their fellow class members what they know. This consolidates their own knowledge, encourages them to help others, and provides some social interaction.

The game should excell at adapting itself to a user's ability. If they struggle with a section, there must be a way to give further encouragement, go over the information in more detail, or otherwise give a helping hand to the pupil.

Could start with a single GCSE coursebook and try to teach the whole thing via a videogame?

*IDEA* Marks as a currency. 'Fun' things in the game (eg, customising the player's avatar) require the player to answer questions. Eg, get 5 answers right to get that new hat.

Interaction is important: mechanics questions can be nicely animated with ease.

Tailoring content to the pupil may also help. Classic videogame trick: past action affects future events. Draws player in. Even little things help, passing comments etc.