Abstract

This article presents a role-play game for software project management (SPM) in a three-dimensional online multiuser virtual world. The Opensimulator platform is used for the creation of an immersive virtual environment that facilitates students' collaboration and realistic interaction, in order to manage unexpected events occurring during the development of a software project. Through the simulation of a real-life company, the game aims to enhance experiential learning of human-related issues, such as project team members' communication and collaboration, which are not easy to be taught through ordinary teaching methods. Roles are assigned to the participating students, who have to overcome problems initiated by non-player-units (software controlled units) while collaborating with other students and the instructor. The instructor, holding a key role in the game, is able to observe the players, intervene and dynamically alter specific game scenario parameters adapting to player encounter difficulties. The environment is combining the experience of a typical game (based on an event-driven SPM scenario and interaction with non-player-units), with the experience of a virtual world (interacting with other players) and has been positively evaluated by the participants regarding the overall game experience and the learning effect.

Citation

Maratou, V., Chatzidaki, E. & Xenos, M. (2016). Enhance Learning on Software Project Management through a Role-Play Game in a Virtual World. Interactive Learning Environments, 24(4), 897-915. Retrieved August 13, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/194336/.

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Keywords

• computer games
• computer science education
• Computer Simulation
• Computer Software
• Cooperative learning
• distance education
• Experiential learning
• Foreign Countries
• open universities
• Program Development
• role playing
• Teacher Student Relationship
• teaching methods
• Vignettes