Modifying Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Games for Use in Education

Abstract

The use of computer and video games in education is not a new phenomenon. However, the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) games, specifically the modification (“modding”) of them to allow for use in an educational setting, is a relatively new area that is gaining more traction in educational circles. Furthermore, when considering the delivery of learning material in a Higher Education (HE) setting, most (if not all) current educational games are aimed at students below the HE level. Most current educational games use a behaviourist “drill and practice” approach to their delivery of learning and there is still a need to have educational games that mirror more complex teaching and learning theories. This chapter discusses approaches to using COTS games in education, the challenges of designing educational games that work at higher education levels, and the principles attached to using them effectively for student learning and assessment purposes.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Modding, Mod, Modded: Analogous to “modifying”, the act of changing a game by the use of a supplied editor.

RPG: Role Playing Game.

Avatar: A representation of a player in a virtual world.

COTS: Commercial Off-The-Shelf.