Educational e-gaming to provide an innovative, effective and flexible 24/7 learning environment

Current HE undergraduates have mostly grown up with computer technologies and gaming. As such, computer game learning resources might provide an effective, complementary learning environment. They also provide a consistent 24/7 flexible online learning experience which can be useful for the increasingly diverse student cohort. This project developed a forensic geoscience e-game using computer game software development tools and design skills. Using a real forensic search case undertaken by the lead author to locate a clandestine burial of a murder victim, e-game users progressively work through search phases, including both desk-based and actual search phases within specific budget and time frames. Once actively searching, users are immersed in virtual gaming environments, collecting datasets and pinpointing potential burial sites. Project evaluation by Keele University BS.c, M.Geoscience and Ph.D Geology, Geoscience, Applied & Environmental Science and Forensic Science students and staff evidence it as an effective complementary learning environment, allowing increased understanding of difficult concepts, rapid hybrid learning of new knowledge and appreciation of real-world problems. It also led to statistically improved knowledge of forensic search post-gaming when compared to pre-gaming for undergraduate students and allowed post-graduate students to hone their search skills. There is scope to expand such activities into other disciplines for effective, self-paced student learning. The e-game is freely available, works through an internet front-end and is planned to be downloadable as a PDA ‘app’