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Serious Games" and Learning Management Systems

View PDF | Print View | Html View Written by: John Bellman
Total views: 9 | Word Count: 408 | Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 | 0 comments

More organizations are adopting learning management systems and online programs for training solutions, as the recession deepens.

And LMS systems are becoming more sophisticated with the increase in demand. In some ways, LMSs are starting to look more game-like in their interactive and fun-to-use features.

E-learning modules that feel game-like and interactive are growing in popularity in many professional circles. A number of organizations and institutions plan to integrate such software into their LMS training programs.

And why not? Studies show that more and more teenagers and young people are using virtual worlds for entertainment. As teenagers grow more accustomed to navigating virtual worlds, their understanding of different interfaces and interactions will help them use the same technology in an academic or professional context.

Of course, when you think of virtual worlds, teenage gamers may come to mind. But many organizations and universities have found that virtual worlds harbor enormous potential as learning tools.

For many students, virtual worlds offer a learning system that allows them to perform tasks that in the real world cannot be carried out, for some reason.

Educators and trainers can use a learning management system to upload presentations and other video material, and they can do the same with a virtual world. Interaction with fellow trainees is a key benefit to virtual worlds as well, as is the ability to walk around using an avatar, performing tasks to demonstrate understanding of learning content.

"Serious Game" virtual worlds are a new genre of virtual world software that designed to teach topics ranging from frog dissection to how to fill a cavity.

When integrated correctly, software like LMSs and "serious game" virtual worlds can provide students with the means to engage in the material to a point at which traditional e-learning courses never could. With a feature-rich LMS, students have access to audio and visual information in the form of simulations, screen recordings, podcasts, and more.

Unfortunately, while virtual worlds offer vast potential as a learning system and interactive training space for professionals and students, they also have a long way to go before that ideal is an affordable mainstream reality. While "serious games" are still in the testing years, learning management system software providers are stepping up their game to offer a greater fun factor, in order to compete in an increasingly engaging online education world.

About the Author

Create eonline training content using Coggno's LMS Online, free for first 5 learners.