Title: Experiences authoring interactive pedagogical dramas

Authors: Stacy C. Marsella

Addresses: Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 1001, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, USA

Abstract: The focus of this article is the design of Interactive Pedagogical Dramas (IPD). An IPD is a computer generated environment that immerses the learner as an active participant in an engaging, evocative story, populated with animated characters. The story unfolds based on the learner|s decisions. The various design issues that are faced in crafting IPDs will be covered. In particular, how pedagogy can be incorporated into the learner|s interaction with the narrative will be discussed. The discussion will be illustrated using several existing IPDs. Finally, we will conclude with several observations on the design process for IPDs and possible new directions for this design process.

Keywords: generative learning; interactive narrative; interactive pedagogical drama; virtual environments; immersion; animation; narrative interaction; design process; active learning; online stories.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.017374

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.2, pp.159 - 180

Published online: 02 Mar 2008 *

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