Theory and Practice of Games Dennis Meadows Uppsalla University

Some Methods for Teaching/Learning Lectures Reading Stories Group work Games Movies Computer simulation Internships Filming

Example: Paper Tear

When I hear, I forget When I see, I remember When I do, I understand

Outline of the Presentation Important concepts and vocabulary related to educational games Discussion about sustainable development Different versions of a SD game Some games related to climate change

Parts of the Game Scenario Rules – Players – Referee Roles Goals Indicators Steps of play Materials Surrounding

The 7 Levels of Systems Understanding Stories Behavior Patterns Simple feedback Loops Adaptive Policies Implementation Strategies Role Playing Games Complex Feedback Models Archetypes Manual Games Computer Games Paradigms, Culture, Norms, Ethics, & Values

Functions of Games Social & psychological goals - introduce the participants, develop group goals, release physical energy, promote trust Provide a shared vocabulary, shared metaphor Illustrate important points about paradigms and structure - archytypes Explain the past behaviors of a system – Metaphoric vs literal games Test the effects of alternative policies Predict future behaviors of a system

Components of the Game Experience The expectations, experience, emotions, and other information brought in by participants. – Concern for a problem – Trust in colleagues – Commitment to change The frame provided by the operator The experience of the game – Mechanics, supervision, goals, materials, participants The logical and emotional structure of debriefing

7 Steps in the Debriefing Cycle 1.What happened in the game? 2.Do those features characterize real life? 3.How did the characteristics of the game cause these features? 4.Do you find those characteristics in real life? 5.How could you change the game to achieve better results? 6.What would be the counterpart to these changes in real life? 7.Develop commitment to change.

Group versus Team A group is a number of people who are together for some reasons A team is a group of people who value the same goal and understand they cannot achieve it except through combined action. Ad hoc team versus intact team

Literal versus Metaphorical Game A literal game uses the vocabulary of the real system. Its cause-effect relationships are plausible for the real system. Its numbers are ordinally correct. A metaphorical game does not obviously relate to any specific system. It generates an outcome that can be related to many common issues.

Example: Secret Code

Example: Circles in the Air

Description: Star Power