Learning by Doing : A Comprehensive Guide to Simulations, Computer Games, and Pedagogy in e-Learning and Other Educational Experiences

by Clark Aldrich (SimuLearn, Inc.)

• ISBN13: 9780470464823
• ISBN10: 0470464828
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-10-01
• Publisher: Pfeiffer

Summary

Designed for learning professionals and drawing on both game creators and instructional designers, Learning by Doing explains how to select, research, build, sell, deploy, and measure the right type of educational simulation for the right situation. It covers simple approaches that use basic or no technology through projects on the scale of computer games and flight simulators. The book role models content as well, written accessibly with humor, precision, interactivity, and lots of pictures. Many will also find it a useful tool to improve communication between themselves and their customers, employees, sponsors, and colleagues. As John Coné, former chief learning officer of Dell Computers, suggests, "Anyone who wants to lead or even succeed in our profession would do well to read this book."

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Preface

The Challenge-A Conversation with Three Game Gurus

Technology and Simulations: Why Timing Matters

Building and Buying the Right Simulation in Corporations and Higher Education Today

Four Traditional Simulation Genres

Controlling People with Branching Stories

Introduction to Systems Thinking: Interactive Spreadsheets as Simulations

Making the Boring Fun: Game-Based Models

Getting a Good Feel for Things: Virtual Products and Virtual Labs

The Broader Opportunities of Simulations

A More Complete Perspective: Looking to the Broader World of Educational Simulations

Recognizing New Types of Scalable Content: Systems, Cyclical, and Linear

The Three Essential Elements to Successful Educational Experiences: Simulations, Games, and Pedagogy

Learning from Live Role Plays

Role Plays Redux: The Revolutionary Role of New Technologies

Using Simple, People-Based Game and Simulation Elements for Devastating Effectiveness

Learning from Flight Simulators

The Most Popular Simulations: Computer Games as Expectation Setters and Places to Start

Computer Games Redux: The Right Model? How Right?

The Mosquitoes of the Educational Simulations Ecosystem: Marketing Mini-Games

Next Gen Sims

The Advent of Next Generation Simulations

What If We REALLY REALLY Simulated History? First Flight: The Wright Experience Flight Simulator

Virtual University and Understanding the Value of a Classroom

Military + Computer Game = Full-Spectrum Experiences

Managing the Simulation Process

When Are Simulations a Solution?

Researching a Simulation: A New Competency

Designing a Simulation: Keys to Success

Deploying an Educational Simulation: It's Not What You Think

Iterations: Because You Won't Get It Right the First Time

One Branching Story Business Model

The Business Impact of Next Generation Simulations

Conclusion: Scalable Skills (a.k.a. a Heapen' Helpin' o' Hype)

Appendices

Aligning the Right Instructional Solution for the Right Problem

e-Learning Architecture Considerations Today

Traditional Corporate Simulation Vendors

Advanced Techniques for Branching Stories

Advanced Techniques for Interactive Spreadsheets

Getting What You Want: The Black Art of Customizing the Four Traditional Simulation Genres

e-Learning and Computer Game Milestones

Full Interviews with Jane Boston, Warren Spector, and Will Wright

Index

About the Author

Pfeiffer Publications Guide

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.