An analysis of design strategies for creating educational experiences in virtual environments

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is to analyze and compare design methodologies used in developing video games and e-learning. The purpose of this comparative exploration is to discover design strategies that have the potential to improve the quality and effectiveness of e-learning courses. The comparative perspectives are drawn from recommended instructional design practices, video game design practices, and video game analysis and theory. This reevaluation of the design methodologies and assumptions used in e-learning design suggests that these approaches could benefit by incorporating the proven successful design methods used in game design to increase learner engagement. However, to do so successfully, requires a significant conceptual shift in how instructional designers conceive, organize, and treat e-learning content. The shift away from traditional e-learning design methods includes viewing the e-learning course as a potential virtual environment and adopting the methods inherent in game design which support experiential learning. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.