Synthetic Learning Environment Games: Prototyping a Humanities-Based Gamefor Teaching African American History

摘要

Generational differences and financial and motivational barriers have limited studentaccess to humanities resources. We contend that Simulation-based Learning Games(SLGs) offer a potential means for delivering humanities content in a format that is moreaccessible to students and more appealing – both visually and interactively – thantraditional educational materials. To explore this assertion, a prototype SLG wasdeveloped by students and faculty at the University of Central Florida. This prototypewas created using off-the-shelf game technology, and was designed to incorporate soundprinciples drawn from both the science of learning and the area of game design.Additionally, the SLG is designed to reference and incorporate Florida’s Sunshine StateEducational Standards to ensure relevance to and support of traditional educationalmethods.