How to create learning games? Meet the challenge at Online Educa Berlin 2006

There's a lot of talk and excitement about using simulations and games for learning. Imparting knowledge and content in a less formal way by creating innovative and thrilling learning experiences is one of the most important issues of e-learning and is therefore also a focus at Online Educa Berlin.

On the whole, in the training community, there is very little expertise in game design. Ironically, you can read any number of good books about games and "learning by doing," but there are few opportunities to learn game design by really doing it. Even most training conference workshops on the subject of game design wind up being presentations of existing learning games, with very little application.

But Nathan Krackauer, Director of Content Development at Enspire Learning, wants to explore another way. In his workshop at Online Educa Berlin about learning games, he intends to involve the participants in a process of development and actually design a game with his audience.

“We will apply the principles behind the game-based approach to our own learning about game design,” he explains. “We'll design a game, prototype it on paper, and then improve it.” Obviously the practical aspects of developing games for learning are the main issue of the workshop, but participants will also get insights into theoretical perspectives of the creation process. “We'll learn theory as we go along and as needed.” Nathan points out, “And after we're done, we'll debrief about the experience, the process, and the principles.”

Nathan is aware of the fact that his concept may be considered somewhat unusual and also that it is hard to predict where the participants will end up with their work. “The workshop – like a learning game – will be a safe place for experimentation and, yes, failure,” he explains. “It's likely that we'll fail quite spectacularly. If so, we'll have a good laugh, and try again. And that is how we will learn.“

Are you ready for this unique learning experience? Here are some reading suggestions, in case you would like to prepare yourself for the workshop:

German Is Just a Game (free online source)

What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy (book, see link for details)

Rules of Play (book, see link for details)

If you have any questions or need for further support, feel free to contact Nathan by email
nathan@enspire.com.

About the workshop leader

Nathan Kracklauer

Nathan is the Director of Content Development at Enspire Learning, a provider of simulation-based blended training solutions and e-learning courseware. Based in Austin, Texas, Nathan has worked on simulations, games, and training programs for such clients as SAP, United Technologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard Business School.

 

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