Educational Gameplay and Simulation Environments: Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Games and simulations are not only a rapidly growing source of entertainment in today's world; they are also quite beneficial. They enable players to develop quick-reaction and motor skills, engage cognitive processes, and interact with peers around the globe, thereby enhancing social skills. However, as a result of the rise of games and simulations, educators are struggling to engage their students through more traditional ways of learning. Educational Gameplay and Simulation Environments: Case Studies and Lessons Learned presents a remarkable collection of cases demonstrating how to conceptualize, design, and implement games and simulations effectively for learning. This paramount publication will aid educators, researchers, and game developers in broadening their work to effectively create and implement engaging learning environments for present and future students.

About the Author :
David Kaufman received his doctorate from the University of British Columbia in 1973. Since that time, he has held a number of academic and administrative positions. Dr. Kaufman was the 1998 recipient of Dalhousie University’s Instructional Leadership Award for his efforts in promoting and enhancing teaching. In 2001, he was appointed Director of the Learning and Instructional Development Centre at Simon Fraser University, and has recently completed a seven-year term. Since 2003, he has been a Professor in the Faculty of Education, and is continuing his academic work. Dr. Kaufman has given more than 200 presentations at universities and conferences in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa, and the Caribbean. He has published extensively, with more than 100 published articles and chapters and a co-edited book (Distance Education in Canada) to his credit. He is also a reviewer for many journals, professional associations and funding agencies. Dr. Kaufman and his colleague Dr. Louise Sauvé recently completed a $3 million, five-year project entitled Simulation and Advanced Gaming Environments (SAGE) for Learning. They currently hold an SSHRC research grant, and are continuing their work in this area. Louise Sauvé , Professor at Télé-université, Quebec’s distance education institution, received her doctorate in Educational Technology from the University of Montreal in 1985. She is Director of the Center for Expertise and Research in Lifelong Learning (SAVIE) for which she has obtained many major research grants and contracts. Dr. Sauvé has received numerous awards, notably the medal of the National Assembly of Quebec and the Special Prize of the Quebec Minister of Education, and has presented more than 250 scientific papers and workshops in North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, North Africa, and Australia. She has directed 20 university-level distance education courses and produced more than 60 research reports. Dr. Sauvé has published more than 160 research papers, review articles and book chapters. She also serves as a reviewer for several funding agencies and journals. Dr. Sauvé and her colleague Dr. Kaufman recently completed a $3 million, five-year project entitled Simulation and Advanced Gaming Environments (SAGE) for Learning. They currently hold an SSHRC research grant and are continuing their work in this area.