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Geo Thermal World

Geo Thermal World

Organization:

HITLab NZ, University of Canterbury

Dev Category:

Release Year:

In GeoThermal World student geologists are immersed in a virtual world, allowing them to experience the complexities of geothermal geology and exploration, through safe, realistic, and engaging gameplay. Players complete a variety of ‘real world’ missions, while collecting and assessing data, taking photographs and recording field notes. The design embeds trackable learning outcomes into player missions, supported via an integrated points system of rewards and feedback. Analysis of learning gains are assessed through comparison of metrics data against missions accomplished. The design of this system allows the player to balances the challenges of working in an ecological and environmental manner with the economic requirements of corporate reality.

Game Overview

Learning goals:

Level1: Exploring the environment and Characterizing Hot springs

  • Taking measurements and recording data
  • Characterizing geothermal features

Level2: Getting land Access,Identifying Anomalies(from geophysical,and geochemical data sets),Creating(synthesizing data into…)a 2D model

  • Identifies geophysical anomalies
  • Identifies chemical anomalies
  • Identifies temperature anomalies
  • Identifies surficial feature anomalies

Level3: Drilling and Drilling Impacts

  • The student drills and explores conservatively
  • The student selects an area to explore based on minimal complications from stakeholders, and environmental worries

Overall learning outcome of the game: The Geology student should be able to apply a systematic and conscientious approach to geothermal exploration.

The audience comprises 3rd year Geology, Geography, and Engineering Geology students at the University of Canterbury New Zealand. The game is applicable to all undergrad geologists interested in working with GeoThermal energy.

A Mission system has been created to provide the framework for embedding the learning goals. It is designed on a foundation of goal focused skill based tasks which increase in difficulty with player experience. This system comprises Mission sets to house the different learning goals, which are then broken down into sub‐missions which in turn have Objectives where the player completes in‐game tasks for a variety of rewards. The system feedbacks to the player on their success and failure though interaction with NPCs and environmental features. Success is measured through continued progression i.e. unlocking new Missions, receiving new tools or character development. For example receiving a professional promotion on successful achievement of 3 levels of gameplay where your character is promoted from Trainee to Field Officer.

Post‐play the student learning gains can be assessed though outputting the student’s digital notebook as a html file so their in‐game observation can be assessed. All player actions are logged as metric‐data which can be mined on multiple levels to establish gains on the learning outcomes
related to the Mission structure.

Game Specs

Game Engine
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Platform

Game Video

Play the video below to learn more about Geo Thermal World

Geo Thermal World
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