The Evolution of a Rocks and Minerals Challenge Game Design

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Published: May 15, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v11i2.24034
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Design Cases
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Donna Rennar-Potacco
William Paterson University
Anymir Orellana
Nova Southeastern University
Rita Ramirez-Levine
William Paterson University

Abstract

This design case describes design decisions and their impacts during three redesigns of an educational game called the “Rocks and Minerals Challenge.” This game was developed as a laboratory supplement for the rocks and minerals component of a university-based geology course. The game has evolved through three distinct design phases: Design 1, first designed as a challenge module in 2005; Design 2, redesigned as a game in 2012 for compatibility reasons; and Design 3, redesigned in 2015 to enhance instructional effectiveness. Following is a description of the game design factors that were implemented for each of the design phases: learning goals, levels of challenges, scaffold-ing, user control, feedback, and rules. The timing, rationale and impacts of these design decisions are discussed within the context of recommendations identified by existing educational game research.

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How to Cite
Rennar-Potacco, D., Orellana, A., & Ramirez-Levine, R. (2020). The Evolution of a Rocks and Minerals Challenge Game Design. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 11(2), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v11i2.24034
Author Biographies

Donna Rennar-Potacco, William Paterson University

Donna Rennar-Potacco is the Director of a science resource center and an adjunct professor in the College of Science and Health at William Paterson University (WPUNJ) for over 20 years. She earned her Ed.D in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Rutgers University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Previously, Rennar-Potacco worked in several university research laboratories and held a variety of corporate management positions that included laboratory development and systems auditing. She has authored numerous scholarly publications and presentations in the areas of online learning, technology, academic support, and management.

Anymir Orellana, Nova Southeastern University

Anymir Orellana is a Professor in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice, Nova Southeastern University (NSU). She earned a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from NSU; a Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering from the University of Florida; and a Bachelor of Science in Informatics Engineering from Universidad Centroccidental “Lisandro Alvarado” (UCLA), Venezuela. Since 2006 she has been teaching online doctoral courses in Spanish and English at NSU in her areas of interest, such as instructional media; instructional technology; distance education; curriculum, teaching, and technology; system analysis and design; and instructional design.

Rita Ramirez-Levine, William Paterson University

Rita Ramirez-Levine is an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics, Computer Programmer, Webpage Designer, and Assistant Director of the Science Enrichment Center at William Paterson University. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and her Masters of Science in Applied Data Analytics from William Paterson University. Her interests are in the areas of programming and mathematics.

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