A new video game framework brings together two well-studied approaches to educational software in order to keep multiple players engrossed in the learning experience while fostering collaboration and problem solving. The framework is one of the first to integrate narrative-centered learning and collaborative learning techniques, laying the groundwork for future efforts in the field.

In proof-of-concept testing, a team of researchers from North Carolina State University and Indiana University found a game made using the framework fostered both learning and effective collaboration in sixth graders.

«There’s been a lot of work on computer-supported collaborative learning,» says Jonathan Rowe, co-author of a paper on the work and a research scientist in NC State’s Center for Educational Informatics (CEI). «But that work hasn’t focused on rich, narrative game environments — it’s been more along the lines of online discussion forums for students.

«Meanwhile, there’s also been a lot of work on narrative-centered learning environments,» Rowe says. «But those have focused largely on single-player settings — because constructing immersive games that are educational and engaging for multiple players is extremely challenging.»

«We’ve developed a conceptual framework for combining these two educational approaches — interactive narratives and collaborative, problem-based learning — and then created a software architecture and suite of game-creation tools for implementing that framework,» says Bradford Mott, first author of the paper and senior research scientist at CEI.

The paper, «Designing and Developing Interactive Narratives for Collaborative Problem-Based Learning,» will be presented at the Twelfth International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling, being held at the Snowbird resort in Utah from Nov. 19-22.

Story Source: Materials provided by North Carolina State University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.