Emergo: a Generic Platform for Authoring and Playing Scenario-based Serious Games

Summary

In this thesis we describe the design and evaluation of an online scenario-based serious game platform that enables online universities to efficiently develop their own scenariobased serious games and to deliver them to their students. Online educators have always been interested and involved in integrating new technologies and methods in their curricula to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of their education. Motivation can be considered to be a key aspect of effective learning (Prensky, 2007). A higher intrinsic motivation often leads to a better performance, increased curiosity and more explorative and self-regulated study behavior (Ryan & Deci, 2000; Martens, Gulikers, & Bastiaens, 2004). Increased motivation may also lead to more satisfied students and to lower dropout rates. For institutes that provide online learning it is even more important to integrate new technologies and methods to literally bridge the distance to their students because they lack facilities like lecture halls, laboratories, field trips or internships.