Development Of Educational Game For Inquiry Learning

With the vigorous development of the game industry, more and more educators begin to concern about the potential of computer games as learning tools. Computer games for educational purposes can provide engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for students, which educators want to make in learning process. Some achievements have been made in the study of educational games theory and practice. However, there are problems in some educational games, such as focusing too much on knowledge, lack of game entertaining elements, too boring to attract students, and so on.Computer games in general offer a variety of knowledge presentations and create opportunities to apply the knowledge within a virtual world, supporting and facilitating the learning process. In the virtual world, students can carry out a multifaceted activity that involves making observations, posing questions, reviewing what is already known, proposing answers, explanations, and predictions. It's also required in Inquiry Learning. This paper presents the design and development of an educational game which supports Inquiry Learning.With the study of Inquiry Learning and related educational game theory, characteristics of educational games for inquiry learning are pointed. This paper discusses the use of educational games in inquiry learning environment and steps of inquiry-based teaching. Based on motion theory, flow theory and game design, a general educational game design and development is proposed. The 3D role play educational game has been designed and developed as an example to detail the implementation of educational game for inquiry learning, including of the design idea and interactive production. Finally, technology in developing 3D educational games is summarized.