R.E.Clark is at it again….

Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesClark, R. E. (2007). Learning from Serious Games? Arguments, Evidence, and Research Suggestions. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, May-June 2007, 56-59. Richard E. Clark says, “My goal in this column is to offer a brief view of the current state of the evidence … Continue reading

Software Ethology, a new approach to design and analysis

Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesI have recently been working on a new methodology for the analysis of commercial video games in order to uncover mechanisms used to support learning. I am calling this new approach Instructional Ethology. It combines structural analysis based on black … Continue reading

There are no wrong answers

Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteI was at a conference recently, at a workshop where we were given an exercise that included a brainstorming activity. Among the guidelines was the now-all-too-common refrain: “There are NO wrong answers!” Poppycock. There are too wrong answers! Plenty of … Continue reading

The ID / AI Connection

Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesI’ve noticed that quite a few big names in ID (Instructional Design: Papert, Schank, Merrill,..) have backgrounds in AI (Artificial Intelligence, rather than the other AI) I find this a little disconcerting. In some sense the application of concepts from … Continue reading

Great Simulations and a Kitten

Approximate Reading Time: 3 minutesDo Animals Play Games? I guess it is always possible to discuss definitions, but if one is willing to accept a common-sense definition of play, then animals absolutely play. Kittens (and almost all adult cats) often ‘play’ when alone, which … Continue reading

Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction

Approximate Reading Time: 4 minutesI have seriously misjudged M. David Merrill. His Component Display Theory was very computer sciencey, and unwieldy, and really turned me off; but First Principles is *really* good. Thank you Gail for pointing me at it! I’ve had this notion … Continue reading

Immersive Education and Virtual Learning Environments

Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteThis looks like this might be worth a bit of time to investigate: http://immersiveeducation.org/It came across the game_edu list this morning. Media Grid call for participation: Immersive Education and Virtual Learning Environments High quality PDF and Web versions: http://MediaGrid.org/#NEWS BOSTON, … Continue reading