Designing and Evaluating Games and Simulations

This guide describes the design and evaluation of games and simulations for education and training purposes. It examines the role that academic games play in the learning process and considers the factors determining the choice of different types of simulations. Divided into five sections, it covers various educational games, including academic and computer games, tactical-decision simulations such as client and crisis management, social-interaction simulations and the importance of debriefing, and other interactive exercises such as role-play, microworlds and problem-solving. A model describing the major differences between games and simulations is also given.