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Game designed to get kids off computers
A University of the Sunshine Coast academic is developing a computer game aimed at encouraging children to spend less time in front of computer screens and more time outside.
Lecturer in Computer-Based Design Uwe Terton’s simulation game, Jumping the Fence, aims to help children aged 8-12 learn more about Australian fauna and flora by getting them out amongst it.
As part of his Doctor of Creative Arts research, Mr Terton is researching how effectively simulation games can boost the amount of time children physically interact with the natural environment.
He said simulations mirroring real-life examples, such as the city planning computer game Sim City, had proven very effective in promoting a greater understanding of complex systems.
“It is clear that similar strategies may be applied in developing real-time, educationally focussed network games that address environmental issues,” he said.
Mr Terton said a recent trial of his game at Sunshine Beach State School showed that Jumping the Fence was having the desired effect.
“It encouraged the children to leave the classroom-based computer and spend more time being engaged with the outdoors, becoming researchers themselves and taking on a role that encouraged the player to take care of a natural habitat,” he said.
Mr Terton said the students who took part in the trial expressed a positive feeling about being engaged with nature and said their knowledge about the Australian environment had improved.
“The natural environment is part of Jumping the Fence’s game mechanic and game world,” he said.
“The game uses real-life activities, animated tutorials and quizzes to enhance the educational experience. Through this, knowledge and experiences are shared in an interactive, multiplayer gaming environment in which the classroom teacher acts as the game master.”
Mr Terton said many children today were regularly engaged in playing highly complex, interactive computer games.
“While these games are mostly played for recreational purposes, the frequency of game playing and the average duration of the games often bring about unintended consequences,” he said.
“Some of these include reduced physical activity leading to obesity, exposure to violence, promoting stereotypes, postural deformities, aggression, seizures, isolation and reduced communication skills when engaging with real people.”
Mr Terton said he had specifically designed his simulation game to counter many of these issues.
He aims to complete Jumping the Fence by the end of this year and would consider sponsorship or support to help make the game commercially available.
To find out more about the Computer-Based Design degree at USC or one of the other 140 undergraduate and postgraduate programs available, come along to the University’s annual Open Day from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 14 August.
Download an Open Day program from the USC website or contact the University on 5430 2890.
— Terry Walsh