Serious Games and Virtual Worlds for High-level Learning Experiences

Abstract

The present research aims to discuss the role of serious games and virtual worlds as emerging technologies leading to high-level learning experiences. A review of theoretical concepts for knowledge acquisition and learning is provided, focusing on the role of personal experiences and trial-anderror methods. Some of the basic characteristic of serious games and virtual worlds have been reviewed and their main advantages and limitations for elearning are discussed. Thus a model for interactive virtual environment, integrating SG&VW and e-Learning is proposed, aiming to deliver high-order learning experiences. Finally the paper discovers some of the main limitations of SG and VW in practice and provide a number of considerations for their wider integration in the learning process.