Case Histories - The Multiplayer Classroom: Designing Coursework as a Game - page 47

Case Histories

Introduction

Just over a year has passed since Jesse Schell s talk that began the interest in the

multiplayer classroom that has resulted in this topic. Yet already participants in
the Gaming the Classroom forums, and I assume elsewhere, are trying this new
form of teaching in their own classrooms. I asked those on the forums who were
designing their classes as games, if they would contribute short case histories of
their experiences.

'

These case histories are scattered throughout the remainder of the topic. Some
are simply stories, while others are more formal articles. In addition to anecdotal
evidence, you will occasionally find both quantitative and qualitative results.
Lengths may vary, approaches may vary, but each adds insights that would be
missing had I not included them. All share two things in common: an abiding
interest in achieving the finest education we can provide for our children and a
curiosity about coursework designed as games.

The first article follows immediately. The rest are distributed throughout the
book to give you an occasional oasis of relief from the desert of my prose.