PIXELearning Newsletter

PIXELearning’s role as an innovator in the field of games-
based learning means that we have to keep abreast of
current developments across the globe. In doing so we regularly uncover numerous papers, web resources, books
and other publications which will also be of interest to
anyone who is interested in the use of game and simulation
approaches to training and education.

Many of these resources are available from our web site.
Our monthly newsletter will highlight some of the most interesting examples that we find.

“Thwarted Innovation: What Happened to e-Learning and Why” By Robert Zemsky & William F. Massy

This 70 page report was compiled for The Learning Alliance
at the University of Pennsylvania.

It is a thorough evaluation of the reasons why the ‘eLearning revolution’ of the late 90s and early 21 st Century failed to deliver upon the hype and promise. If you want to
understand what happened and why then this report is well worth the read.

Download it from: http://www.irhe.upenn.edu/WeatherStation.htm

“Game-based Learning: An Xlearn Perspective Paper”
By Kurt Squire, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The e-Learning CONSORTIUM funded the development of
this Perspectives research paper to: “push our thinking about the future of Learning”. The paper is provocative and
arguably passionate about the current and future roles for Gaming in Learning.

According to the Consortium: “Some of you will be excited about Kurt's viewpoints. Some of you will argue with Kurt's viewpoints. Some of you will want to dialogue about Kurt's viewpoints. And some of you will want to start Gaming for Learning projects in your organizations. Personally, we felt challenged and even uncomfortable with the characterization
of e-Learning's current "flat" state. And that is exactly what
we wanted to accomplish with the x-Learn LAB Perspectives”.

Download it from: http://www.masie.com/xlearn/Game-Based_Learning.pdf

“Imagining the World: The case for Non-rendered Virtuality – the Role Play Simulation Model”
By Albert IP

This short paper investigates the pedagogical pro’s and con’s
of using advanced 3D graphics technologies compared to less sophisticated 2D techniques. If you are attempting to decide whether or not your learning initiative requires the use of 3D
or not then this article will be useful.

URL: http://www.mybetasites.com/albert/ausweb05
/paper.html

For more resources relating to the use of games and simulations for learning please visit our web site (Many of
these resources are available from our web site.

“The Basic Learning Approach Behind Serious Games”
By Simon Egenfeldt-Nielsen of the IT University of
Copenhagen

This short paper draws up the author’s forthcoming PhD
thesis and offers a good introduction to the reasons why
so many people and organisations are considering
games-based approaches to training and education.

URL: http://www.seriousgames.dk/pdf/the_basic_learning
_approach.pdf

“Serious Games”, an article written by Kevin Corti, PIXELearning’s managing Director, which was published in Learning Magazine (May 2005 edition).

Contentious Daily Mail headlines or PlayStations at dawn? Neither according to Kevin Corti of PIXELearning. Computer games have never been more fun and are being used as a valuable vehicle for learning.

Read the full article at: http://www.pixelearning.com/serious_games-white
_papers.htm

16th May 2005

PIXELearning announce free computer games for the training & education community

PIXELearning, a Coventry-based developer of Serious Games technology, today announced that it is making available two online computer games which have been developed using its proprietary BizSim engine.

The games are ‘The Export Game’ (an introduction to export action planning) and ‘Mind Your Own Business’, which is aimed at introducing concepts around enterprise to teenagers and young adults. Both games have been partially funded by Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency responsible for the West Midlands.

Russell Butler, the company's Business Development Manager, said: "We decided to sacrifice the short term revenues that we could have earned from these games in order to demonstrate, to a much wider audience, the benefits of games-based eLearning (a.k.a. 'Serious Games') and to showcase the technology, skills and experience of PIXELearning".

"Anyone who wants to evaluate and/or use these games is free to complete a few online questions and they will then be given access to the games free of charge".

Screenshot of Mind Your Own Business

23rd February 2005

PIXELearning are growing PIXELearning is delighted to announce that it is increasing its staffing levels in-line with its expansion plans.

The company has taken on three new experienced technical/creative staff in order to enhance its product development activities and in order to cater for the high level of demand for the company's services. Two further technical staff will be starting in April.

The company has also employed Russell Butler in a full time business development capacity. Russell will take a lead role in marketing our products and services and will be responsible for day to day customer liaison and new customer acquisition.

23rd February 2005

PIXELearning to create serious games for Henley College

PIXELearning has been commissioned by Henley College of Further Education in Coventry to create cutting-edge business simulation and role-playing games to enhance the learning experience in five IT and business-related NVQ level 3 qualifications.

Screenshot of the 'IT' NVQ course

View all our company news announcements at: http://www.pixelearning.com/about_us-news_2005.htm

This newsletter is produced and distributed by PIXELearning Limited a specialist technology provider of computer games-based learning products and services. For more information please visit www.pixelearning.com