This is a proof-of-concept work. It is not an entertainment module, although NWN2 players will probably find the idea of playing games an entertaining approach to education!
Patch
1.12
NWN2Game
NWN2
Description
This is the first proof-of-concept project from the New Nexus project. (http://newnexus.org). We are out to get a toolset akin to the NWN and NWN2 ones created for teachers everywhere to use to create virtual world content for students. See our website for more information. We've used NWN2 for this demo, and we wanted to share it with the community here. Our thanks to the many forum folks who helped answer questions and give ideas for problem solutions.
The reason we created this project was to demonstrate the efficacy and viability of learning through a virtual world experience. The primary learning goals of the module, from the chemistry teacher's perspective, were for students to learn (or to reinforce learning) about chemical elements, alloys and the processes of smelting minerals and creating alloys. It was hypothesized that the VW experience would also boost students' interest in the class in general.
The secondary goals of the module include some historical information, some environmental science and critical thinking, as well as building digital media skills and research skills. Because we were wary of NWN2's multiplayer abilities when we started the project in spring of 2007, we did not make it focus on multiplayer work. But we all feel that that would have been desirable; there are many additional benefits to students working in teams in a VW together. And in some tests, teams of 3-4 were doing fine working together; the software was more stable than we had expected from early reports (in fall of 2006 when the game was released).
The module is designed to be very open ended and very open to shaping by a teacher with his/her students. We wanted to show that using a VW like this could be effective in many ways or modes, from exploratory, discovery-based learning to goal-driven, specific focus work. So the students' experience is meant to include an introduction from a teacher. The module is NOT meant to be picked up and played without any introduction, although one can do this and learn something. When David Spence tested it with 30 of his chemistry students, he gave them a sheet with columns and rows for each mineral they found, and part of their instruction was to fill in the cells of the columns with info about the minerals. Some of that info came from within the game, and some had to be found through research outside the game.
The testing both on the East Coast and in California was done in classes, and that is one way VW content could be used (and designed). But it could also be a purely supplementary tool; students could do it at home or in a school computer lab when they had time.
The choice of NWN2 as a compromise. Obviously, since Neverwinter Nights 2 is made to be a "medieval fantasy world," there are pros and cons to using it as a software platform. But for our proof-of-concept purposes, it works fine. It's limited in its scope, so there are lots of anachronisms in some areas, and there are plenty of "magic" oriented things that stand out as not realistic. That's fine since we're just trying to show the viability of a similar VW software platform. -The one thing I really wish we had is some contemporary clothing to put PCs and Nexus characters in. We were lucky to find the "Shirtless Saga 2" pack of some clothing that worked great for the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age settings. Kudos to the creators, "RunnerDuck" and "Barrel of Monkeys".
The module begins with the concept that gives our larger project its name. The Nexus, the area where the player starts, is set up to be a virtual world experience from the future. So the conceit is as if a student in 50 years could really go (virtually) into the Nexus, they could then travel on to other virtual experiences.
So this is our first demo for our New Nexus project. We'll keep learning from this one as we move on to more. Thanks for taking a look at it. Please give us your feedback and ideas, preferably via email!
UPDATE: the version 211 mod has added an intro/tutorial area and cleaned up some problems.
This text file contains instructions on how to install the module and its related files. It also has the info found in the module description above, and an email contact for the New Nexus project.
Posted by ScriptWiz at 2008-05-24 01:38:07 Voted 10.00 on 05/24/08
We, at Southern New Hampshire University (www.snhu.edu) are working on a NWN2 module that will teach students about the computer game industry. Thanks for your contribution. Our project is a summer project and we plan to use the module in our IT-207 (Introduction to Computer Games)freshman course. We are always open for ideas and suggestions. Thanks again for sharing your work.
Just to explain a bit: the non-linear approach was used to create more opportunities for teachers to tailor students' experiences. It's also better, we think, to allow more "agency" (i.e., freedom/choice) in learning. This allows for "horizontal play" as well.
There are compromises to this, but we feel it's worth it. However, keep in mind that this is just one proof-of-concept demo to show the viability of using virtual worlds for education. Bronze Blades is certainly not the end all and be all of the concept; it's just one example. (More are on the way!)
Posted by Embar at 2007-12-12 06:57:05 Voted 8.00 on 12/12/07
Posted by Embar at 2007-12-12 06:52:04 Voted 8.00 on 12/12/07
What a fantastic concept!
Congratulations, Tripp888, for a terrific application of NWN2. And don't worry about the negative feedback. Education professionals know that using lecture exclusively in a more "classical" education approach is the least effective form of teaching, and that the proper use of multi-media tools like this one enhances learning for all. And we've known this for some time (Google Edgar Dale's Cone of Learning).
The kids in our program with high functioning Autism (Asperger's Syndrome) would LOVE to learn this way.
I do have one suggestion though: A linear approach to the modules would make this tool more useful in a school setting, where you have more time restraints than a typical, all night long, home setting.
Now if we could only find a mod builder who would be willing to donate his time to help a school for kids with neurological differences integrate this program into their curriculum... :)
@Embar, i just notified the person who will post the mod with the other files as soon as they are able. thanks for the heads up. :)
Posted by Embar at 2007-12-03 11:28:05 Voted 8.00 on 12/12/07
This sounds like a great instructional tool for good teachers! I work at a school for kids with neurological differences such as autism, and this would be a great way to reach those at the higher end of the spectrum.
Unfortunately, when I downloaded the zip file, the module didn't seem to be included.
This is what pisses me off about our education system. Using a game to do a teachers job is wrong. Teachers are teachers for a reason, do your job. I wonder why we are so behind in our education system.. (we being USA) because of*bleep*heads that take the seriousness out of learning. If you want kids to learn give them something they can do that involves real world involvement, such as a in-class, hands on lab assignment. Games my ass.
@Squizzle - I'm afraid that your vote was removed because it was based upon your opinion of how the educational system should work; and not on how helpful/enjoyable etc. this module is.
Please do not vote on this submission again, but do feel free to leave comments on this discussion. Please keep things civil though.
While you're totally right, dirtywick: games are used by everything from the Army to virus-studying scientists to economists, we're not talking about a game, per se. We're talking about using virtual worlds for learning. We're talking about giving teachers tools to create 3d experiences that can't (for one reason or another) be done in classrooms or for things that just enhance learning. Games, like NWN2, are the most common place we see these virtual world experiences today, but that'll be changing soon.
Perhaps the mod can be used like a lab, or anything that engages the student beyond what has been dominant in our educational system for well over 100 years ... lecture. Lecture engages a minority in the classroom. Teachers are always seeking multi-modal methods and materials to engage a larger percentage.
As a teacher, I'll investigate anything that could generate more interest in my topic. As dirtywick says, games are an ancient teaching tool used to sharpen the mind and generate depth of learning.
I agree that an in-class, hands-on lab is a useful tool. I see this mod as one more tool. I look forward to seeing more of this sort of thing developed.
Did you know that Duke University uses games to teach medical procedures without putting patients at risk? Or the Army uses games to simulate an IED attack against a caravan without live ammo putting people's lives in danger? Are you saying that these programs are worse than med students performing operations on live bodies or that the Army should be firing live ammo during training excerises?
There's an entire genre of games meant to teach or illustrate real world situations in a way that a human being talking about it can't called serious games. Look into it if you get a chance.
But whatever. Your vote shouldn't reflect your views on society but the content of the module itself.
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at 2007-12-02 17:38:42
