The Borderline Between Serious Games and Simulations

Abstract

Game and simulation-based environments allow trainees to develop motor and cognitive skills as well as to provide some very detailed measurement values which in turn provide a feedback mechanism. It is a well known fact that games and simulation are potentially creating safer and cheaper active learning environments. Even when several benefits of games and simulations are reported in the literature, there is no exact definition of a game and simulation drawing the borders in between. Hence this causes to some complexities and misunderstandings in the field. Accordingly, in this study a definition for simulations and games is searched by being based on the studies found in the literature. Based on these definitions a borderline for the games and simulations will be provided. Results of study aim to guide the educational technology designers by better defining their education designs and better understanding their affect on the educational environments.