Learning+Principles

__Learning Principles Found in Good Video Games__ Identity – player can identify with a character, storyline, world or event. This is the same as what happens when you read a good book.

Interaction – one of the best ways to learn about something is to touch it, explore it, talk about it, do it, etc. This is what video games do.

Production – video games allow the player to produce and contribute to something. Every decision made has an impact on yourself or others. Some games allow the players to modify the content.

Risk Taking – a safe and secure environment for taking risks. Can experiment with decisions. Allows more exploration.

Customization – player can often customize almost every aspect of the play experience.

Agency – video games allow a very high degree of ownership to develop.

Well Ordered Problems – games promote problem solving. The best games order the problems so that what is learned in one is built upon and used as the next situations arise.

Challenge and Consolidation – In good games, you practice what you have learned over and over again until you get really good at it. Then a new challenge appears and you must begin again.

“Just-in-Time” or “On Demand” – everything learned in games is usually on an as needed basis. New information is given at the time it is needed. The player may actively consult a strategy guide or forum if they get stuck; but this is still being done because it’s needed for a particular situation.

Situated Meanings – ability to determine meaning based upon the context.

Pleasantly Frustrating – the level of difficulty is right at the edge of our skills. Enables us to get better. The feeling that you almost got there, so you want to try again.

System Thinking – every action has a far reaching consequence. Everything is connected.

Long Term Goals – need to explore, think, rethink goals. Look ahead.

Cross-Functional Teams – many games encourage teamwork

Performance before Competence – often must make fast choices.