G.A.S. and Simulations

As your e-learning development skills improve, you may begin to use games, avatars, and scenarios together in different combinations. It's recommended that an e-learning episode begin with a story-line (scenario) that builds and builds all the way to the end of the lesson, taking twists and turns appropriate to the content being provided. The learner becomes involved in the story immediately, before any knowledge content is presented as an experiential learning episode. An avatar may be presented as a coach, providing the knowledge content and feedback to the learner as decisions are being made. A game may be thrown in at the end, instead of a test, if a grade or some form of measurement is needed. A game might also be used as a way to break up the story, sort of like an interactive commercial that tests the knowledge that has been presented up to that point in the lesson. There are a variety of ways to include games, avatars, and scenarios in e-learning opportunities for individual learners.


You may even consider building simulations. On-line simulations are 3D versions of scenarios that sometimes have a game-like feel, and may employ instructor and/or student avatars. A friend of mine explained the difference in scenarios and simulations like this: scenarios are the story, simulations are the event. Simulations use the scenario story line while allowing the learner to engage more fully into the event. Simulations become games when a competitive edge is added. Adding avatars to the simulations, especially when the student's avatar interacts with other avatars, increases the socialization of the e-learning process, which can improve the effectiveness of the learning opportunity since many people learn best in social environments.


There are so many ways to utilize games, avatars, scenarios, and simulations for educational purposes online. Explore the options, experiment with techniques, run pilot tests, and most of all...have a gas!