Open AccessThe Evolution of a Rocks and Minerals Challenge Game Design
Author(s) -
Donna Rennar-Potacco,
Anymir Orellana,
Rita Ramirez-Levine
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of designs for learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2159-449X
DOI - 10.14434/ijdl.v11i2.24034
Subject(s) - game design , context (archaeology) , educational game , game design document , computer science , component (thermodynamics) , serious game , game developer , engineering management , human–computer interaction , multimedia , engineering , geology , paleontology , physics , thermodynamics
This design case describes design decisions and their impacts during three redesigns of an educational game called the “Rocks and Minerals Challenge.” This game was developed as a laboratory supplement for the rocks and minerals component of a university-based geology course. The game has evolved through three distinct design phases: Design 1, first designed as a challenge module in 2005; Design 2, redesigned as a game in 2012 for compatibility reasons; and Design 3, redesigned in 2015 to enhance instructional effectiveness. Following is a description of the game design factors that were implemented for each of the design phases: learning goals, levels of challenges, scaffold-ing, user control, feedback, and rules. The timing, rationale and impacts of these design decisions are discussed within the context of recommendations identified by existing educational game research.