Liu et al. (2017) provide insights into the principles of game design in their book "Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Realities in Education." By outlining these principles, the authors aim to offer guidance on designing effective and engaging educational experiences that utilize virtual, augmented, and mixed realities.

To describe the principles of game design outlined in the book, Liu et al. (2017) emphasize the importance of elements such as game mechanics, challenges, rewards, feedback, and narrative. They argue that by integrating these elements into educational experiences, designers can create engaging and effective learning environments that motivate learners and promote learning outcomes. Furthermore, the authors suggest that by leveraging virtual, augmented, and mixed realities, designers can create immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learners' engagement and sense of presence, ultimately leading to more effective learning experiences.

Goal setting and feedback: Clearly define the game's learning goals and provide feedback to the learner throughout the game to track progress towards these goals.

Challenge and difficulty: Design games that are challenging but not so complex that they become frustrating for the learner. Gradually increase the difficulty as the learner progresses.

Rules and structure: Communicate the rules and structure of the game to the learner. Provide guidelines and instructions on how to play.

Interactivity and engagement: Design interactive and engaging games, encouraging the learner to explore and experiment.

Personalization and customization: Allow learners to customize their game experience to suit their needs and preferences better.

Narrative and storytelling: Use narrative and storytelling to create an immersive and engaging game environment.

Immersion and presence: Design immersive games that provide a strong sense of presence, allowing the learner to feel fully engaged and involved in the game world.

Collaboration and competition: Provide opportunities for learners to collaborate and compete against each other in a healthy and productive way.

Aesthetics and design: Pay attention to the aesthetics and design of the game, creating a visually appealing and engaging environment for the learner.

Assessment and evaluation: Use game analytics to assess and evaluate learner progress, providing feedback on areas where improvement is needed.

Kapp(2012) presents one set of principles for serious game design in VIEs. These include:

• Clear learning objectives and outcomes.
• Engaging and authentic game scenarios.
• Use of real-time feedback and assessment.
• Customization and personalization of content and learning experiences.
• Collaboration and social interaction among players.
• Multiple challenges and problem-solving opportunities.
• Use of storytelling and narrative elements to enhance engagement and learning.
• Integration of multimedia and other immersive technologies to enhance the gaming experience.

These principles emphasize the importance of designing serious games in VIEs that are engaging, authentic, and relevant to the learning objectives while providing opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving. By incorporating real-time feedback and assessment, as well as personalization and customization of content, serious games can help learners achieve specific learning outcomes while also enjoying the learning experience. By integrating multimedia and immersive technologies, serious games can provide an engaging and memorable experience that enhances learning.

Examples of Serious game design

Using simulations in virtual immersive environments (VIEs) can create an engaging and interactive learning experience for students.

1. Lesson Plan: Climate Change Simulation in VIE

Grade level: 9-12

Objectives:

• Students will understand the basic science behind climate change and its global impact.
• Students will be able to identify climate change's main causes and effects.
• Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring different solutions to mitigate climate change.

Materials:

• Virtual immersive environment software (e.g., Second Life, Minecraft).
• Climate change simulation module (e.g., Virtual Earth System Laboratory).
• Head-mounted display (HMD) or computer monitor with 3D graphics.
• Hand-held controllers for navigation and interaction.
• Worksheets for note-taking and reflection.

Procedure:

Introduction: Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of climate change and its global impact. Provide examples of how climate change affects our planet (e.g., sea-level rise, more frequent natural disasters) and how human activities cause it. Discuss with the students the importance of understanding climate change and exploring solutions to mitigate its impact.

Simulation: Have students enter the virtual immersive environment and navigate to the climate change simulation module. Instruct students to explore the module and use the interactive tools to learn about the basic science behind climate change, its causes, and its effects. Students should take notes on their findings and reflect on how they can contribute to mitigating climate change.

Discussion: Bring the students together as a group and facilitate a discussion on their findings. Ask the students to present their understanding of the basic science behind climate change, its causes, and its effects. Lead a discussion on the different solutions to mitigate climate change and their trade-offs. Have students share their ideas on how they can contribute to mitigating climate change.

Conclusion: Conclude the lesson by summarizing the importance of understanding climate change and the need for solutions to mitigate its impact. Ask the students to reflect on what they learned during the simulation and how they can apply these concepts to their daily lives.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on their participation in the simulation, note-taking, and reflection worksheets and their contributions to the class discussion.

Using simulation in virtual immersive environments can create an interactive and engaging learning experience for students. By allowing students to explore different scenarios and interact with virtual objects, simulations in VIEs can help students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Games in virtual immersive environments (VIEs) can offer students a dynamic and engaging learning experience. This section presents an illustrative lesson plan that employs a game in a VIE to teach students about ancient civilizations.

2. Lesson Plan: Ancient Civilization Game in VIE

Grade level: 6-8

Objectives:

• Students will understand the basic concepts of ancient civilizations, including culture, architecture, and society.
• Students will be able to identify ancient civilizations' main characteristics and contributions to modern society.
• Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring and engaging with an ancient civilization game in a VIE.

Materials:

• Virtual immersive environment software (e.g., Second Life, Minecraft).
• Ancient civilization game module (e.g., Civilization VI, Age of Empires).
• Head-mounted display (HMD) or computer monitor with 3D graphics.
• Hand-held controllers for navigation and interaction.
• Worksheets for note-taking and reflection.

Procedure:

Introduction: Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of ancient civilizations and their importance to modern society. Please provide examples of ancient civilizations (e.g., Egyptian, Greek, Roman) and their unique features. Please discuss with the students the importance of understanding ancient civilizations and their contributions to modern society.

Game Play: Have students enter the virtual immersive environment and navigate to the ancient civilization game module. Instruct students to explore the game and engage with the different features of the civilization, including culture, architecture, society, and trade. Students should take notes on their findings and reflect on how the game relates to real-world ancient civilizations.

Discussion: Bring the students back together as a group and facilitate a discussion on their findings. Ask the students to present their understanding of the ancient civilization they explored in the game and its contributions to modern society. Lead a discussion on the different features of the civilization and their historical context. Have students share their ideas on applying their knowledge of ancient civilizations to modern-day situations.

Conclusion: Conclude the lesson by summarizing the importance of understanding ancient civilizations and their contributions to modern society. Ask the students to reflect on what they learned during the game and how they can apply these concepts to their daily lives.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on their participation in the game, note-taking and reflection worksheets, and their contributions to the class discussion.

References