In this paper, we propose an environment to support collaborative modding, as a new way to learn a subject. Modding can be defined as the activi-ty to modify an existing game with dedicated tools. In a constructivist approach, we base our work on the assumption that modding a learning game can help learners to acquire the concepts of the subject concerned. We also think that modding in collaborative settings can help learners both to learn the subject and to learn to collaborate. We first propose a framework to support collaborative modding activities based on four components: the game, the Game Develop-ment Kit (GDK), contextual discussions and a knowledge map. We then pro-pose an architecture that integrates these components on a unique platform. We finally present the results of a first exploratory study that demonstrates the fea-sibility and the interest of this approach for learning and the need for integrating collaborative tools in a unique environment.
An environment to support Collaborative Learning by Modding
1. 1
An Environment to support
Collaborative Learning by Modding
Sébastien George1
Élise Lavoué2
Baptiste Monterrat2
EC-TEL 2013
Paphos, Cyprus
1 LIUM, Université du Maine 2 LIRIS, Université de Lyon
2. Modding
Modding = modifying video games,
to create "mods“
The growing potential of modding
→ settings → levels → mechanics
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon 2
3. Modding
Modding = modifying video games,
to create "mods“
The growing potential of modding
→ settings → levels → mechanics
User generated contents imply dedicated tools
Game Development Kits are
distributed with their game
Other GDK are
generic editors
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon 3
4. 4
Educational potential of modding
Social Learning
[El-Nasr and Smith 2006] [Loh and Byun 2009]
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
5. 5
Educational potential of modding
Social Learning
[El-Nasr and Smith 2006] [Loh and Byun 2009]
To learn programming
[Cignoni 2001] [Scacchi 2011]
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
6. 6
Educational potential of modding
Social Learning
[El-Nasr and Smith 2006] [Loh and Byun 2009]
Modding could be a way to
learn the content of a game?
To learn programming
[Cignoni 2001] [Scacchi 2011]
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
7. 7
The “Learning Game 2.0”
GameModding
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
Media
2.0
9. 9
What are the
characteristics of a modding
activity for an educational purpose?
Which structure / architecture / framework is required
to support collaborative learning by modding?
Research questions
Learning
GameMedia
2.0 Modding
Learning
Game
Learning
2.0
?
10. 10
The game as a collective construction
Greater involvement
Player Modder Designer
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
11. 11
The game as a collective construction
Greater involvement
To create a learning game is a kind of teaching,
and teaching implies to
strengthen our knowledge
Player Modder Designer
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
12. 12
The game as a collective construction
Greater involvement
To create a learning game is a kind of teaching,
and teaching implies to
strengthen our knowledge
Collaborative work => Collaborative learning
- Ideas sharing,
- Knowledge sharing,
- Game elements sharing
Player Modder Designer
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
13. 13
The structure needs to be...
...simple and expressive
Visual programming
[Stencyl et Flip]
Triggers
[Warcraft III Editor]
<Conditions> <Actions> rules
[Kodu and Game Develop]
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
14. 14
The structure needs to be...
...simple and expressive
Visual programming
[Stencyl et Flip]
Triggers
[Warcraft III Editor]
<Conditions> <Actions> rules
[Kodu and Game Develop]
Game engine GDK
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
17. 17
A proposition for
an “all in one” user interface
Discussions
List of the available
game elements
Versions manager
Preview, Edit and Play
the game
19. 19
First Prototype
Game and GDK: Game Develop
Discussions:
An online forum
(html/php)
Files sharing and
versions updating:
Tortoise SVN
No knowledge map yet
20. 20
Study
Within an Esperanto course
2 teams of 4 students in the test group Game, GDK,
SVN, forum
2 teams of 4 students in the control group Game, GDK
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
21. 21
Study
Within an Esperanto course
A 4 hours activity
An Esperanto lesson (1h)
Playing the existing game (15 mins)
Discuver the UI (45 mins)
Modding (1h30 recommended)
Playing with the evolved games (15 mins)
2 teams of 4 students in the test group Game, GDK,
SVN, forum
} Remotely
} In class
2 teams of 4 students in the control group Game, GDK
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
22. 22
Results
Learning while…
Playing the existing game (87%)
Looking for new contents (87%)
Modifying the game (87%)
Playing with the creations of other teams (80%)
Discuss within the team (20%)
Original creations
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
23. 23
Results
Learning while…
Playing the existing game (87%)
Looking for new contents (87%)
Modifying the game (87%)
Playing with the creations of other teams (80%)
Discuss within the team (20%)
A fun activity:
87% reported having fun
An easy User Interface,
with strong participation
of non-programmers
Collaborative tools
supported team work
Original creations
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
25. 25
Conclusion
We proposed
- an educational activity based on collaborative modding,
- an architecture and a user interface.
We conducted a first experimentation validating the
idea that modding can be used to learn the game contents.
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
26. 26
Conclusion
We proposed
- an educational activity based on collaborative modding,
- an architecture and a user interface.
We conducted a first experimentation validating the
idea that modding can be used to learn the game contents.
Implementation of the whole user interface
to enhance participation in discussions.
Implementation of the
knowledge ontology.
How much time consuming is it ?
Despite the current limitations, we hope to open
a path to educational activities more personalized and engaging.
B. Monterrat - Université de Lyon
27. 27
Thanks for your attention
baptiste.monterrat@universite-lyon.fr
Learning
Game2.0
Media
Modding
Learning
Game
Learning
2.0
*