DESIGNING COLLABORATIVE MULTIPLAYER SERIOUS GAMES FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING: Escape from Wilson Island - A Multiplayer 3D Serious Game for Collaborative Learning in Teams

摘要

The concept of collaborative learning has been researched for many years. The idea of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is being investigated for more than twenty years. Since a few years, game-based approaches like video games for learning (Serious Games) offer new fields of application. The combination of game-based learning concepts and collaborative learning may enable new application areas of CSCL. However, the design of such games is very complex. The gameplay has to fulfill requirements of traditional single player games (fun, narration, immersion, graphics, sound), challenges of multiplayer games (concurrent gaming, interaction) and Serious Game design (seamless inclusion of learning content, adaptation and personalization). Furthermore, requirements of collaborative learning have to be considered, like group goals, positive interdependence, and individual accountability. In this paper we describe an approach for game-based collaborative learning using multiplayer Serious Games. We developed an approach for a collaborative 3D multiplayer game fostering collaborative behavior as a foundation for collaborative learning in teams using games. First evaluations of a prototype for 3-4 players showed that the game enables a collaborative gameplay and fosters collaborative behavior. This may allow us to use a game-based CSCL approach to combine the advantages of game-based learning with those of collaborative learning in future.