Differentiates by: Interest, Readiness, Process, Product
Video games are beginning to be recognized for their potential in education, more each year. One such video game that has shown promise is the Quest Atlantis multiuser virtual environment, aimed at Middle and Secondary students. This online game allows teachers (users) to add educational game units/worlds for students to solve problem-based or inquiry-based learning situations. One such world, called Anytown, was used as an writing PBL in a recent study. The results showed that with the game, with built in Writing Quests and Scaffolds for support within the game, increased writing scores, learner independence, and motivation to do optional practice and writing exercises. Clickable objects and characters within the game provided scaffolds and aids for learners who needed extra help, and in this way provided adjustments based on students readiness levels for quests. As students were able to choose their writing quests and topics, it differentiated the product and process by interest, too. Quest Atlantis is a game developed at Indiana University by Dr. Sasha Barab.
