Title: Educational simulation and gaming: interactivity perspective

Authors: Khaled Sabry

Addresses: Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, P.O. Box 71400, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: This paper investigates simulation and gaming technologies in relation to the 'interactivity' and 'learning interaction' concepts. This paper reviews literature in the fields of educational simulation and gaming (ESG) and human-computer interaction. It particularly focuses on the commonalities between ESG and the interactivity notion. It explores the rationale behind using simulation and gaming for education and looks at different factors that may affect the planning and design decisions including, learning goals and levels, types and modes of learning interactions, levels of interactivity and guidelines, individual differences and pedagogical aspects. The investigation shows close linkage between ESG and core interactivity factors in relation to interactive learning systems design. This paper concludes with recommendations and reflection on future research in the area of ESG.

Keywords: educational simulation; gaming technologies; interactivity; learning interactions; design principles; human-computer interaction; planning decisions; design decisions; learning goals; learning levels; guidelines; individual differences; pedagogical factors; pedagogy; interactive learning; innovation; education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2011.045083

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2011 Vol.1 No.3, pp.229 - 245

Published online: 24 Jan 2012 *

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