instructor information

• email: brett [dot] shelton [at] usu [dot] edu
• office hours: EDUC 216, by appointment
• phone: 797-2393
• link to class wiki: http://gamesforfun.pbwiki.com/

course information

We will be exploring the field of instructional gaming through a survey of readings, existing products, and those in development.  What is the emerging nature of this field? What are the elements of an effective game?  What makes for “good” instructional design within a gaming environment?  A large emphasis of the class will be in the examination of current research in the field.  Who is doing the research, and what are they recommending? For what kinds of learning needs are video games appropriate? What techniques exist for the assessment of learning within a gaming environment?

The class will center on readings and class discussion.  Out-of-class activities will include exposure and the playing of games, and the creation of students’ own game design.  We will utilize resources available at the Creative Learning Environments Lab within the Department of Instructional Technology.

course objectives

At the end of the course, students can expect to have a breadth of knowledge in the field and have completed a design brief for an instructional game of their own. One of the assignments for this class will be the design and partial creation of an instructional game to achieve educational standards using the medium of interactive fiction (IF).

• Gain exposure to the field of instructional games--the history, research, classification schemes and culture.
• Explore current research into instructional games and learning, in both informal and formal learning environments.  Address theoretical approaches for future research.
• Practice in reviewing pertinent articles and chapters, analyzing them, and creating summaries suitable for literature reviews, comprehensive exam preparation, dissertation preparation, etc.
• Become familiar with various design approaches for creating instructional games, with an emphasis on how to motivate the learner/game player.
• Put design theory into practice by designing, creating, and implementing an instructional game based on a classic text in a team environment.  Create a design brief for a game of your own creation consistent with industry standards.

lab hours

The 282 lab is open for your use when a class is not in session. Please refer to the posted schedule outside the door for available hours and follow all posted guidelines. We will be working in the CLE Lab at times during the course in room 225, the instructor will provide the door code for entry.

alternative format / ADA / accessibility

Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs with the instructor, preferably during the first break of the first class. Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible, so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure your full participation in the course.

grading

To receive at least a B grade you must fulfill each assignment's minimum requirements. Because the assignments vary in nature, it is important to read the minimum requirements. Assignment due dates will be given throughout the semester. Late work will only be accepted when prior arrangements have been made. Please ask questions in class when you do not understand something. If you miss class, please have a classmate fill you in or come and see your instructor.

1. Participation and summaries 45%
2. Game presentation 10%
3. Game design and creation 45%

The following are the point to letter grade breakdowns. All grades are based on demonstrated competency, not a curve.

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the course work because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term "extenuating circumstances" includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter course schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.

plagiarism policy

The plagiarism policy is this - plagiarism will not be tolerated. The official USU student code can be found at http://www.usu.edu/stuserv/scode/.