Research Grants to Schools
Innovating with Technology 2011 Game-based Research Grants
Digital games are a part of life for many young people. However, online games and simulations are also becoming a part of training and development programs in the wider workforce.
In February 2011, the Innovation and Next Practice Division invited schools from across Victoria to participate in the Innovating with Technology (IWT) Games-Based Learning research trials.
There are three games-based learning trials currently underway in 2011: Serious Games, Virtual Worlds, and Game Development.
The Innovation and Next Practice Division is supporting the schools involved with the games-based research to build a community of practice and foster essential skills including problem solving, decision making, communication, collaboration, negotiation, creativity and critical thinking skills.
There is no one single definition of the term “serious games” however it is widely accepted that a serious game in an educational setting is considered to be a purposeful learning environment that targets key curriculum areas for explicit learning. Some of the games being used in the 14 participating schools running trials in serious games this year include Foodforce, Electrocity, Powerup, Contagion, and Stop Disasters.
A further 14 schools are trialling the virtual world of Quest Atlantis (QA). Over 20 teachers received 4 online training sessions. QA is a 3D multi user online program which immerses students in educational tasks using strategies from commercial gaming environments and educational research. Students have the opportunity to take on the role of environmental scientist, investigative reporter, statistical consultant or historian. It has pre-populated scenarios on a variety of existing worlds with existing research supporting student learning gains.
Twenty four teachers from the 12 participating schools in the game development research trials are being authentically guided by a Victorian games industry representative, Paul Callaghan. Teachers have been playing and deconstructing games to identify what makes a good game and a good balance of fiction, rules, nouns and verbs, types of characters, and levels.
Students and teachers are scheduled to come together again at the Innovating with Technology Game Development Showcase on 16 September at the State Library of Victoria. Student and teachers will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of Victoria’s games industry developers who will provide feedback on the games that the schools have produced.
The research trials will conclude at the end of term 3. The findings of the research inform the development of policies, practice and professional learning resources for games-based learning and immersive worlds.