Towards social learning games

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on a new type of emerging learning games: Social Learning Games (SLG). We define SLG as games that enhance learning by offering educational contents according to a learning scenario and by supporting a community that offers condition for social learning. Leaning upon this analysis, we propose a model of SLG, which relies on five components: decision-making, contextual discussions, social capital, educational feedback and dashboard. We highlight the learning possibilities offered by this design approach, such as stimulating learners throughout decision-making process and cultivating learners' engagement in the game. This theoretical contribution has been integrated into a Social Learning Game called CIBUS dedicated to the field of entrepreneurship. We present the specific structure of the learning scenario that allows the regulation of the progress of the learners in the game, by giving freedom in the participation in the community. Finally, we explain how the design approaches we propose allow supporting three levels of learning involved in the game: individual, within the group, and within the community. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.