Remote Experiments and Online Games: How to Merge them?

Abstract

Abstract-Online games fulfill the basic requirements of learning environments and can provide engaging learning experience for students. The remote experimentations bring to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students the ability to practice configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting scenarios in real-life environment on real equipment. These two teaching methodologies are well known, developed and described in the literature. However, the concepts of integration of the remote experimentations and the game setting are yet to be developed. This paper discusses the ideas for such integrations. The emphasis is made on the educational game design and the flow as a positive impact on learning and attitude of the players. Besides the challenges of balancing attractive elements (graphics, sounds) and educational objectives, the design of the games related to remote laboratories needs to be adjusted to contemporary technological conditions. Index Terms-remote experiments; experiential gaming model; game design; game-based learning.

LaboREM—A Remote Laboratory for Game-Like Training in Electronics

“…It is well-known that the motivation of students practicing e-learning may not only be modeled and measured, but also fostered, with the proper use of an LMS (ARCS model [35]: attention, relevancy, confidence and satisfaction). In addition, the use of games may contribute in enhancing motivation, yet it is unclear to which extent instructional games directly affect learning outcomes [36], [37]. Games are characterized by six key-dimensions [38]: fantasy, clear rules and goals, sensory stimuli, challenge, mystery and control.…”