Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds / Online Teaching and Learning Series (PDF)

Jossey-Bass Guides to Online Teaching and Learning

Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds

Strategies for Online Instruction

Clark Aldrich

Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds

The infusion of games, simulations, and virtual worlds into
online learning can be a transforming experience for both the
instructor and the student. This practical guide, written by
education game expert Clark Aldrich, shows faculty members and
instructional designers how to identify opportunities for building
games, simulations, and virtual environments into the curriculum;
how to successfully incorporate these interactive environments to
enhance student learning; and how to measure the learning outcomes.
It also discusses how to build institutional support for using and
financing more complex simulations. The book includes frameworks,
tips, case studies and other real examples, and resources.

Praise for Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual
Worlds

"Clark Aldrich provides powerful insights into the dynamic arena
of games, simulations, and virtual worlds in a simultaneously
entertaining and serious manner as only he can. If you are involved
with educating anyone, from your own children to classrooms full of
students, you need to devour this book."

-- Karl Kapp, assistant director, Institute for Interactive
Technologies, Bloomsburg University

"At a time when the technologies for e-learning are evolving
faster than most people can follow, Aldrich successfully bridges
the perceptual gap between virtual worlds, digital games, and
educational simulations, and provides educators with all they
really need to use this technology to enhance and enrich their
e-learning experiences."

-- Katrin Becker, instructor, Department of Computer Science
and Information Systems, Mount Royal College, and adjunct professor
of education, University of Calgary

"I consider this a must-read for anyone engaged in or
contemplating using these tools in their classrooms or designing
their own tools."

-- Rick Van Sant, professor of learning and technology, Ferris
State University