A Reference Architecture for Game-Based Intelligent Tutoring

Abstract

Educational computer games may improve learning experiences and learning outcomes. However, many off-the-shelf games still fail at smoothly integrating learning content into gameplay mechanisms. In addition, they do make an effort at adapting educational content to individual learners. Learner models and adaptivity, as applied by Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs), address this problem. A solution to the integration dilemma would ideally be found at the software architecture level. Assuming the perspective of the software engineer, this chapter reviews published game-based ITS architectures. The most promising approaches are partially integrated architectures, which replace sub-systems of Clancey’s (1984) classic ITS architecture with corresponding game elements. In order to provide a reference to developers, this chapter follows up on these ideas and proposes a unifying game-based ITS architecture based on genre studies of computer role-playing games.

Mapping Business Simulation Games to a Component Architecture

“…a CMS-RPG like Europe 1400 or the game idea in [4] by incorporating modules from our educational RPG architecture presented in [12].…”

“…For the purpose of game-based learning, we have previously used the Plug-n-Train approach for describing the component-based design of educational RPG. We opted for a fully integrated architecture that maps all necessary RPG gameplay mechanisms to a corresponding ITS functionality [12]. In the work presented here, we have done the same for educational business simulation games.…”

“…We studied the literature and investigated a number of systems and, from an economics background, located requirements on the intersection: business simulation games (Section 2). Then, as we have previously done for the case of educational computer roleplaying games (RPG) [12], we mapped resulting insights to our existing framework for component-based development of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). We obtained a fully integrated architecture for business simulation games (Section 3).…”

“…one big piece of software, without a clear structuring of its parts and their interplay. There seem to be no clear strategies for integrating learning with gameplay [12]. Researchers develop business simulations, call them serious games, and immediately get asked, "where is the game?"…”

Authoring of Adaptive Single-Player Educational Games

“…Maciuszek and Martens [89] describe an effort to combine the strengths of roleplaying games with intelligent tutoring systems, leading to an architecture for adaptive educational games. A central drama manager uses adaptive algorithms to align game elements such as characters or items with the educational goal of the game.…”