Title Details

Acknowledgements.

Preface.

Introduction 1: The Challenge—A Conversation with Three Game Gurus.

Introduction 2: Technology and Simulations: Why Timing Matters.

SECTION ONE:Building and Buying the Right Simulation in Corporations and Higher Education Today.

1. Four Traditional Simulation Genres.

2. Controlling People with Branching Stories.

3. Introduction to Systems Thinking: Interactive Spreadsheets as Simulations.

4. Making the Boring Fun: Game-Based Models.

5. Getting a Good Feel for Things: Virtual Products and Virtual Labs.

SECTION TWO:The Broader Opportunities of Simulations.

6. A More Complete Perspective: Looking to the Broader World of Educational Simulations.

7. Recognizing New Types of Scalable Content: Systems, Cyclical, and Linear.

8. The Three Essential Elements to Successful Educational Experiences: Simulations, Games, and Pedagogy.

9. Learning from Live Role Plays.

10. Role Plays Redux: The Revolutionary Role of New Technologies.

11. Using Simple, People-Based Game and Simulation Elements for Devastating Effectiveness.

12. Learning from Flight Simulators.

13. The Most Popular Simulations: Computer Games as Expectation Setters and Places to Start.

14. Computer Games Redux: The Right Model? How Right?

15. The Mosquitoes of the Educational Simulations Ecosystem: Marketing Mini-Games.

SECTION THREE:Next Gen Sims.

16. The Advent of Next Generation Simulations.

17. What If We REALLY REALLY Simulated History? First Flight: The Wright Experience Flight Simulator.

18. Virtual University and Understanding the Value of a Classroom.

19. Military + Computer Game = Full-Spectrum Experiences.

SECTION FOUR:Managing the Simulation Process.

20. When Are Simulations a Solution?

21. Researching a Simulation: A New Competency.

22. Designing a Simulation: Keys to Success.

23. Deploying an Educational Simulation: It’s Not What You Think.

24. Iterations: Because You Won’t Get It Right the First Time.

25. One Branching Story Business Model.

26. The Business Impact of Next Generation Simulations.

27. Conclusion: Scalable Skills (a.k.a. a Heapen’ Helpin’ o’ Hype).

SECTION FIVE:Appendices.

Appendix 1: Aligning the Right Instructional Solution for the Right Problem.

Appendix 2: e-Learning Architecture Considerations Today.

Appendix 3: Traditional Corporate Simulation Vendors.

Appendix 4: Advanced Techniques for Branching Stories.

Appendix 5: Advanced Techniques for Interactive Spreadsheets.

Appendix 6: Getting What You Want: The Black Art of Customizing the Four Traditional Simulation Genres.

Appendix 7: e-Learning and Computer Game Milestones.

Appendix 8: Full Interviews with Jane Boston, Warren Spector, and Will Wright.

Index.

About the Author.

Pfeiffer Publications Guide.

"Clark Aldrich draws upon a vast array of resources, from higher education to the corporate world, from state-of-the-art computer games to live role plays to get a sense of where we can go in learning. Filled with practical suggestions and diverse examples, this book is a great read for educators of all types."
--Marshall S. Smith, director, education program, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

"Clark Aldrich has been in the e-learning trenches for years. Learning By Doing is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn from the problems, surprises, and successes he experienced."
--Tom M. Kelly, vice president, Internet Learning Solutions, Cisco

"Learning by Doing provides a comprehensive and informed review of the present and possible futures of simulations and learning games. It’s refreshing to see such a complex topic addressed with humor and scholarly acuity."
--Noah Falstein, formerly game designer and executive producer, LucasArts Entertainment and Dreamworks Interactive; freelance game and simulation designer, www.theinspiracy.com

"If you want to design a new learning experience or enhance existing content with game interactions and simulations, Aldrich presents you with a clear outline of your options."
--Margaret Corbit, research outreach, Cornell Theory Center, Cornell University