The Eleventh IASTED International Conference on
Computers and Advanced Technology in Education
~CATE 2008~
Globalization of Education Through Advanced Technology
September 29 – October 1, 2008
Crete, Greece
TUTORIAL SESSION
Simulation and Gaming Environments (SAGE) for Learning
Purpose
The purpose of the proposed tutorial is to explore the potential of simulations and gaming environments (SAGEs) to support learning in light of new technologies, new media and our knowledge of cognition and learning processes. This interactive tutorial is suitable for participants at all levels who are interested in exploring the use of these methodologies in their instructional activities. Prerequisites include a basic understanding of computer technology, the internet, and some teaching experience. The tutorial is most relevant to those who are considering the introduction of SAGEs into their courses or programs.
Theoretical Background
Simulations and gaming environments offer unparalleled opportunities to support and extend what we know about learning effectiveness. Constructivist learning theorists argue that learners need context within which to explore, discover, communicate, practice, and create their own understandings of complex phenomena. Motivation to learn and to participate actively in learning communities is influenced by both the relevance and utility of the learning, and by learner enjoyment. Skill development is advanced by "learning by doing" including practice and feedback, with "failure" in a "safe" environment being important for learning. Social cognitive theorists suggest that positive role models and opportunities for successful experiences help to develop self-efficacy and positive attitudes concurrently with knowledge and skills; reflection is seen as essential to the development of metacognitive skills and to the continual development of expertise. Networked, collaborative SAGEs can provide these capabilities, offering needed interactivity, immersion, motivation, and a high degree of learner control as well as repeated practice, feedback and the opportunity for reflection where authentic experiential learning is infeasible for reasons of cost, access or safety. Regarding learning outcomes and impact, evaluations and meta-analyses for SAGEs have produced many positive results.
Rationale for the Tutorial
This topic is crucial because we face major questions about how our education approaches should evolve in a world of ever-present, connected, immersive technologies, information and entertainment. Improving our ability to make learning attractive, effective and easily accessible will make a crucial difference in our future. Simulations and games help address the need for stronger cognitive and social core competencies at all levels in our population, as well as the leveraging of new educational opportunities offered by networked, collaborative simulations and advanced gaming environments. Broadly, these competencies include cognitive skills (logical reasoning, numeracy, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, reflection and others) and social skills (communication, teamwork, negotiation, conflict resolution, coaching/mentoring, leadership, and others). We need to find ways to help all learners (children, adults, workers, and disadvantaged groups) build these competencies throughout their lives.
Tutorial Objectives
By the completion of the tutorial, learners should be able to:
- define games and simulations and differentiate between these instructional methods
- describe various types of applications and explain the rationale for each
- discuss research methodologies and tools for assessing SAGE learning processes and outcomes;
- describe some key research being conducted in these fields
- discuss the implementation of SAGEs in their own settings;
- locate SAGE resources such as projects, literature, commercial and non-commercial learning games
Presenters
David M. Kaufman, M.Eng., Ed.D. (Scientific Director) is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, after having served as Director of the Medical Education Unit, Professor of Medical Education, and Director of Faculty Development in Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine for the past ten years. Dr. Kaufman has published extensively, with close to 100 published articles and chapters and a co-edited book (Distance Education in Canada 1986) to his credit. He has given more than 200 presentations at universities in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean and is a reviewer for many journals, professional associations and funding agencies. He has received research grants from many agencies and also is the 1998 recipient of Dalhousie University's Instructional Leadership Award for his efforts in promoting and enhancing teaching. Dr. Kaufman currently serves as Director, Learning and Instructional Development Centre and Professor, Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. His main activities have focused on the enhancement of teaching at SFU, both face-to-face and online. He also has been active in research and development work in the field of eLearning, having received numerous grants to support his work. He is the co-Principal Investigator on the SAGE for Learning project, a $3million project from 2003-07, funded by Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The second presenter is the Executive Director of the SAGE project. She served as a faculty member and Associate Dean at Dalhousie University for many years. Both presenters have previously presented and published together several times.
