Device simulations teach how to operate a piece of equipment. In device simulations, learners simulate pressing buttons by clicking on their images. They may simulate turning a knob by dragging its edge left or right. The example above lets learners practice how to select a ring tone on a mobile phone. Here is another device simulation. … Continue reading Device simulation →

Software simulations are becoming a standard way to learn to operate computer software. This simulator lets learners practice setting up connections between the operating system and various databases—without any risk of damaging data or the system. The simulator behaves like the real control panel—except the simulator restricts learners to the task being taught and provides … Continue reading Software simulation →

Do you teach subjects that involve whole-to-parts relationships? Do you spend time telling learners how a product, organization, or other subject is organized? If so, jigsaw puzzles and scrambled-tiles games offer a way to let learners discover such relationships and to test learners on such relationships. A scrambled-tile puzzle can help learners recall images, visualize … Continue reading Jigsaw puzzle →

Word puzzles are a fun way to learn vocabulary and technical terms. You can use them instead of fill-in-the-blanks and similar tests. Crossword puzzles This example helps new Visual Basic programmers learn various methods and properties. This example of a crossword puzzle allows learners to practice using calming words to keep a disagreement from becoming … Continue reading Word puzzle →

To make tests less intimidating and more engaging, restyle them as game shows. About the examples In this example, we turned a fill-in-the-blanks test into a game loosely based on the TV game show Jeopardy©. Here’s how it works: Learners are given a certain amount of time to reach a specific total score by correctly … Continue reading Quiz-show style activity →

An interview simulator allows learners to experience the consequences of negative behavior, dangerous actions, and bad choices. It is axiomatic that games cannot teach learners to avoid a choice if the learner is never allowed to make that choice. About the examples The Crimescene Game teaches interviewing skills in the context of a police investigation. Learners are assigned … Continue reading Interview simulator →

Do not shout at people if they get something wrong—no flashing headlines or embarrassing noises. About the example How would you like to receive this feedback? The word Failed appears in a blood red color and jiggles on the screen, accompanied by a chorus of boos. Also notice the condescending tone. This example was built … Continue reading Feedback don’ts →

Performance questions ask learners to write an essay, draw a picture, or write a song. They ask for an original analysis, opinion, or other piece of work. About the example In this example, the learner performs the steps to create a system data source name in a simulation. Each step of the simulation is scored. … Continue reading Performance questions →

Composition questions ask learners to write an essay, draw a picture, or write a song. They ask for an original analysis, opinion, or other piece of work. Composition questions are just scored original-work activities. By far, the most common form is the essay question, but other media can be submitted as well. About the example … Continue reading Composition questions →

Sequence questions ask learners to put items into a sequence from beginning to end by some rule or according to some principle. Learners are presented with a list of items in an incorrect order. They must move the items to put the items into the right relative positions within the list. About the examples This … Continue reading Sequence questions →