1. Simulations as Learning Tools Virtual Reality and Serious Games John Heckman, Director Johnson Simulation Center Pine Technical College

2. The Johnson Simulation Center Established January, 2000 Pine Technical College and MnSCU Professional staff, producing simulations Collaborative Service Center: Education, Business, Government Mission: Enable and support computer simulation to improve education and training

3. Session Overview Simulation Basics VR and Serious Games Development Process Demonstrations and Examples Q & A

4. Simulation makes sense... When Difficult, dangerous, or expensive Practice improves performance Complex concepts and systems Training younger workers Physical/perceptual skills (consider VR)‏ “Soft” skills (consider serious games)‏

5. Definitions Simulation: Modeled environment or system to provide safe and effective practice of important skills Game: Goals, rules, challenge, interaction Serious Game: engaging action, learning content, soft skills, and reward for “correct” behavior

6. Definitions Virtual Reality: Focus on performing tasks in a “realistic” virtual environment User Interface: How users see and take action in the simulated environment. User Experience: What users notice, think, and feel during the simulation

7. Definitions Gameplay: What can players/users do? Rules: player goals, rights, abilities, responsibilities, assessment Requires skills, strategy, and/or chance General Information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serious_game

8. Why Simulate for Training? Safety: Learn without real hazards Fast Learning: Engaging, effective Repeatable: Consistent best practices Low/zero training costs for: Materials Production equipment Supervision/trainer

9. Virtual Reality Modeled environment looks/feels “real” Often involves specialized equipment HMD Motion tracking Haptics Physical/perceptual training focus

10. Virtual Reality Spray Paint Automotive refinish Production line Trade shows

11. Virtual Reality QA Training Possis Medical, Catheter Tray Progress Casting, Cylinder Head Hearth Tech, Valve & Burner Unit

12. Why Serious Games? … Present dilemmas Entice exploration Encourage practice Provide context (not an exhaustive list)‏ Develop deeper understanding Motivate further study Change attitudes

13. Serious Game Simulations Completed Projects Behind the Message, Journalism Game Iowa National Guard Painter Game BioLab In Production Nursing Assistant Corrosion Prevention Math Game Guatemala

14. Simulation Development Bright idea/Training need Initial concept Design specification Project partners Learning/training objectives Target audience Budget Time frames

15. Game Planning Target Audience Serious Content Project Partners User Interface Budget & Funding Scheduling Nice “Creative Brief” article and format http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/310/proven _preliminary_planning_.php?page=4 http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/310/proven _preliminary_planning_.php?page=4

16. Target Audience Answer these questions Who are the learners? What is their computer skill level? What is their subject skill level? How will you get the simulation to them? What kind of computer will they use? When/where will they learn?

17. Serious Content Learning Objectives What will the player learn? “How to Write Great Learning Objectives” http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_4.htm You set the context and rules Assessment How will you measure performance? “Proof of Learning: Assessment in Serious Games” http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20051019/chen_01.s html

18. The Simulation Story How will you present information? Storyboarding, Script writing, Decision tree Environmental cues A good article on Storytelling http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19990416/level_design_04.h tm http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19990416/level_design_04.h tm Scholarly paper on Storyboard Development http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/it/edit235/lectures/lecture5/story board2.pdf http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/it/edit235/lectures/lecture5/story board2.pdf “Video Production 101” http://www.sotherden.com/video101/storyboard.htm Tree Structure Example http://seanmichaelragan.com/html/%5B2008-03- 07%5D_Choose_Your_Own_Adventure_book_as_directed_graph.shtml

19. Scene Descriptions What does the user see in this scene? What can the user do in this scene? Navigate around? Clickable objects? What happens then? Scoring/assessment implications? Leave this scene for another? Which scene next? Exit conditions?

20. Project Partners Who will perform these functions? Subject Matter Expert Curriculum Design Art, Graphic Design, and Sound Logic and Programming Game Play Design Production Funding and Management

21. User Interface How does the user see, navigate in, and interact with the game world? Controls Visual cues, perspective Status/Feedback “Applying Game Design to Virtual Environments” http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19980101/virtual_environ ments_01.htm

22. Budget & Schedule Development MN Common Grant Application http://www.mcf.org/MCF/grant/applica t.htm http://www.mcf.org/MCF/grant/applica t.htm A Bunch of Game Design Documents http://www.gamedev.net/reference/list.asp?category id=23 (See especially “Chris Taylor's Design Document Template”)‏ http://www.gamedev.net/reference/list.asp?category id=23

23. Putting it All Together Merging design, schedule, and budgets Pick any two: Fast, Good, Cheap Assessing your efforts Playtest Test regularly during development More playtesters is better Other subject matter experts Watch their play: What works, what doesn’t “Principles of Playtesting” http://rinku.livejournal.com/1200653.html

24. Johnson Simulation Center Mission: Enable and support computer simulation for education and training. More info at: www.johnsonsimcenter.com www.johnsonsimcenter.com Or contact: John Heckman, Director Heckmanj@pinetech.edu 320-629-5143