New Media Research Network

Neverwinter Nights as a Learning Environment

Professors Nora Paul and Kathleen Hansen (School of Journalism and Mass Communication) were featured in UMN News today. They are working with the MMORPG Neverwinter Nights as an evironment for learning. From the story:

Hansen and Paul modified the game-with the technical help of Matt Taylor, a colleague at Dunwoody College of Technology-to provide students with an interactive lesson in researching and writing a breaking news story. In the modified game, the student plays the role of a rookie reporter at the Harperville Gazette newspaper. A train has derailed in town and spilled its load of anhydrous ammonia, and the rookie reporter is assigned to write a context piece to help Gazette readers understand the implications of the accident. In the game, the reporter talks to the paper's editor about a good angle for the story, such as the health effects of anhydrous ammonia, the potential environmental effects, the public safety aspects of the wreck, or issues of railroad safety, for example. Once players choose their story angle, they are free to go anywhere in the newsroom and anywhere in the city of Harperville to research the story.

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