Invitation to OU staff to attend a discussion on Gaming Research on 21 Oct

On Thursday, 21st October, Jo Iacovides (IET) and Marian Petre (Computing) are hosting an informal discussion on gaming research, with the aim of getting people from the OU who are interested in the area to meet up. Whether it’s using games for learning, considering game design, using gaming as a medium for understanding strategy or interaction, or anything else game-related, it would be great to hear from you.

The meeting will be in Room 1, Jennie Lee Building, at 14:00. During the session, everyone will be asked to introduce themselves and their interests in brief, before the floor is opened to more general discussion. Are there any topics you’d like to cover, or questions you’d like to pose? Feel free to help shape the discussion.

If you’d like to join us please, send email I.Iacovides[at]open.ac.uk to confirm, along with a couple of sentences which describe your specific interests.

If you’re interested but can’t come on the day, please send us a couple of lines of description anyway, because we would also like to compile an informal ‘directory’ to help people plan future discussions.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

BBC News: Video game helps with fire drill

Video game helps with fire drill

Researchers at Durham University have modified a video game to simulate fire scenarios for training purposes.

The team used The Source Engine, the 3D game engine used to drive Half-Life 2, and created a virtual model of one of the university's departments.

Developers plan to use it to examine people's behaviour in a fire and to train people in good fire practice.

The simulator can be adapted to mimic the interior of most buildings, although modification will be needed.

Full story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/technology/7867861.stm

This is an interesting example of the way games can be used for practical elements of teaching. In combination with motion-based controllers such as the wiimote, they could really change the way we offer some aspects of distance education. How about a virtual chemistry lab, for instance?

Training From America's Army Game Saved a Life

"Most people who play the United States Army's freeware FPS sit through training simulations so that they may be able to get into the action and rack up some kills. The medic skills learned in the training allow you to heal teammates in the game, but it seems that they also apply in real life situations. According to Wired and the America's Army forums, 'a North Carolina man who saw an SUV flip and roll on a highway last November was able to provide medical aid to the victims with skills he learned from the America's Army."

From Slashdot

Surgeons are using the Wii to prepare for surgery

From the BBC:

'Wii warm-up' good for surgeons

Wii players use a wireless wand that detects acceleration in three dimensions

Playing computer games such as the Nintendo Wii can improve a surgeon's performance in the operating theatre, a US study shows.

Only certain games are effective - those requiring delicate movements.

The fine hand control required to play these games acts as a warm up and hones scalpel skills the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Centre team claim.

Full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7193588.stm