The system takes whatever curriculum you choose and makes it a game. The tool adds game layers including experience points, levelling, awards, achievements, and most importantly student choice. (Chris Haskell, co-inventor of the system).
IMHO it is a very exciting approach to learning. Teachers design quests that students accept with quests direct learning. Learning through games, simulations, virtual worlds, social media, or any activity in the physical world, structured to create a meta-gaming experience for the players. Learner progress is tracked in the system, with players striving for ranks, titles, awards, and achievements. Behind the game, teachers are able to run reports and monitor student progress.
I have just started the 3D Game Lab closed beta and I am already finding the international learning community first class. It is a closed BETA so there are a few bumps in the road, but the support (via VENT) is excellent.
Unsurprisingly, we are learning about the platform through a quest. A lot of the information is presented as videos created in Second Life. The mix of human and alien is fun and the language is definitely inspiring. The addition of ‘time travel’ gives 3D Game Lab that something special.
Quick fire, short quests keep you interested. Open comments, time spent on task, experience points (XP), progress bars and level up opportunities offer feedback (not counting formative feedback). Badges and achievements keeping players motivated, all neatly displayed in the player card.
As for pace setting…. today I am learning and looking after our two children, Harry (nearly 3) and Freya (9 months), I can assure, quick fire, short quests are the only way forward. Come the evening, I was able to focus more sincerely. Notably, choice is at the core of quest based learning and there are options for solo, collaborative and competitive learning although I have not experienced it myself.
With 10 completed tasks, 335 XPs and 5 6 rewards, that is me done for today. I have just unlocked a whole series of quests on ‘quest design,’ so there is certainly a lot of opportunity to gain XPs tomorrow. Great start to the course.