Abstract
Educational computer games may improve learning experiences and learning outcomes. However, many off-the-shelf games still fail at smoothly integrating learning content into gameplay mechanisms. In addition, they do make an effort at adapting educational content to individual learners. Learner models and adaptivity, as applied by Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs), address this problem. A solution to the integration dilemma would ideally be found at the software architecture level. Assuming the perspective of the software engineer, this chapter reviews published game-based ITS architectures. The most promising approaches are partially integrated architectures, which replace sub-systems of Clancey’s (1984) classic ITS architecture with corresponding game elements. In order to provide a reference to developers, this chapter follows up on these ideas and proposes a unifying game-based ITS architecture based on genre studies of computer role-playing games.
TopProblem Analysis
Integration of Learning and Gameplay
One does not find many empirical evaluations of off-the-shelf educational computer games (i.e. no academic prototypes). Yet, there are a few studies that highlight the prevalent discrepancy between learning and gameplay. Table 1 presents three investigations of the learning content and gameplay of some successful games that sold well and/or won a variety of awards.
Table 1. Learning-gameplay integration in commercial games
| Study | Game(s) | Learning | Gameplay | Integration | Findings |
|
Bormann, Heyligers, Kerres, & Niesenhaus, 2008
| Physikus (1999, © Braingame) | Educational glossary of physics knowledge | Point-and-click adventure | Solve game puzzles by applying glossary knowledge | Learners spent more time playing than reading the glossary. When they read it, they focused only on immediately game-related information. |
|
Jantke, 2007
| Genius Tech Tycoon (Genius – Unternehmen Physik, 2004, © Cornelsen), Genius Biology (Genius – Task Force Biologie, 2005, © Cornelsen) | Classical eLearning exercises (point-and-click science experiments) | Construction and management simulation game | Earn money for the simulation by correct answers to the exercises | Game and exercises are unrelated except for the money transfer. The Biology game could be completed without the exercises. |
|
Harr, Buch, & Hanghøj, 2008
| Global Conflicts: Palestine (2007, © Serious Games Interactive) | Multiple choice from quotes collected during the game, to ‘write’ a virtual newspaper article | Dialogue-rich point-and-click adventure with RPG elements | Collect quotes from citizens of virtual Jerusalem, which then become items in the multiple-choice exercise | Multiple-choice was too restrictive for expressing critical thinking. The journalism part stole the focus from the political conflict. |
All games investigated in the studies mentioned above consist of separate learning and game parts. The designers had to connect these by more or less artificial mechanisms: puzzle content, virtual money, and quotes to be collected. In Physikus and the Genius games, this means that the player can ignore large parts of the instructional content. Palestine is superior in that it immerses the player in a virtual Jerusalem and its social conflicts, yet it destroys the immersion in instructional content by the primitive exercise that concludes each mission. Summing up, learning and gameplay are often not well integrated.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Non-Player Character (NPC): Fictional person in a game not controlled by the player.
Player Character (PC): Protagonist in a game, controlled by the player.
Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS): eLearning system that can adapt to an individual learner.
Digital Educational Game: eLearning system presenting educational content in the form of a video game.
Software Design Pattern: Documented typical way of designing or implementing certain software (parts).
Role-Playing Game (RPG): Conversational game in which players create fictional characters and guide them through adventures according to a set of simulation rules; exist in pen-and-paper and digital form.
Game-Based ITS: Digital educational game that adapts to an individual player.
Software Architecture: Arrangement of software parts and communication in-between.
Software component: Reusable software part that can be easily plugged together with other components to form a software application.