Can ims learning design be used to model computer-based educational games?

Abstract

IMS Learning Design (IMS LD, 2003) is a pedagogically expressive specification to model Units of Learning (UoL). IMS LD’s generality implies that it should also be capable of modelling computer-based educational games. Issues on synchronization, grouping, multirole playing, timing, collaborative working, dynamic feedback, adaptive learning and more are implicit or explicit in educational gaming and can be approached with it. Also, a framework must be defined to describe what is considered as an educational game. Many games, both commercial and free, are described as educational ones yet the educational character of a game depends on the objectives, the context and the moment when it is run. In order to support this definition, we will establish a classification of educational games that we will use to define their relationship with IMS LD, as well. Furthermore, this article will provide some answers to general questions about IMS LD coming from a broad study of a concrete field, as educational games is.