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Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play:

Games, Simulations and the Construction of Knowledge

Lisa Galarneau
Ph.D. Candidate The University of Waikato, New Zealand

Games can motivate learning


People cannot be taught. They must be motivated to learn. When learners need to memorize information, making it fun might be key. Younger generations are increasingly bored with linear content. but motivation is not the only thing games are good for!

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Is this the best use of learning games?


Game2Trains Sexual Harassment Solitaire Game

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

The language of games and simulations


New technologies are always first imagined using old paradigms, and often stumble at first:

Cars: horseless carriages Telephones: good for speaking telegrams TV: see radio plays! Movies: see stage plays from afar! The Internet: online books, brochures or paper (with hypertext!) e-Learning: online textbooks, lectures, classrooms Educational games: chocolate-covered broccoli
DiGRA June 19, 2005

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

The sweet spot for games and simulations


They are flexible environments that allow for infinite possibilities and points-of-view (going meta) Allow learners to form connections by experimenting with knowledge in context Learners learn by doing, discovery and through failure They allow learning designers to foster authentic learning experiences

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

What is authentic learning?


learner-centered active learning authentic tasks in which the learning experience takes place around real-world situations

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Design experiences, not wrappers around traditional content

Putting linear content into an open-ended game context is like shoving a round peg into a square hole Experience is the story: ones personal narrative and the emotions that go with it Knowledge in context through experience
DiGRA June 19, 2005

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

What if you could change history? What if you are?


MITs Revolution

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Situate learning opportunities in real world contexts. SimSchool

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Even lowtech methods can simulate an experience.


Magellans Understanding Diversity

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

How do people really learn the nuances of success in business?


- Simulearns Virtual Leader

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Experience the human immune system from the perspective of a virus


MITs Replicate

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Supplement theoretical knowledge with real world practice.

- Calming & Restraint


Training for Mental Health Professionals

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Legitimate peripheral participation can be valid experience.


- Building & Carpentry Simulator

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

Some final thoughts


Learning is an active, not a passive, experience An effective learning opportunity must provide an authentic experience, not simply information Experience should be central and content peripheral Knowledge must be applied and skills practiced using real world scenarios Allow learners to make content their own (construct their knowledge or narratives) through experience Context is key; more experience increases a holistic view

Authentic Learning Experiences Through Play

DiGRA

June 19, 2005

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