Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/serious-gaming
In today’s digital age, games are often dismissed as mere entertainment without realizing their profound impact on learning and societal change. The Coursera course ‘Serious Gaming’ offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam takes a deep dive into the world of serious games—an innovative field where gameplay is harnessed to inform, train, and persuade.
From the moment you step into this MOOC, you’ll be greeted with a comprehensive overview of what constitutes serious games. The course starts by addressing questions about the essence of serious games compared to entertainment games, inviting you to ponder whether games can truly serve a purpose beyond fun.
The syllabus is well-structured, with each week building on the last. The first module sets the stage, defining serious games and exploring their unique characteristics while drawing intriguing contrasts with entertainment games. The subsequent modules delve into critical perspectives on game theory, different types of serious games, and how these games can influence attitudes and behaviors. The discussion on persuasive gaming, in particular, opened my eyes to how games can be designed to foster empathy towards social issues like poverty and mental health.
One of the highlights of the course is the case studies provided throughout various modules. They offer real-world examples that illustrate the potential of these games to address societal challenges and inspire change. The course culminates in a forward-looking discussion about the future of serious games, engaging with emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality.
The course is a fantastic blend of theory and practical insight, making it suitable for anyone interested in game design, education, psychology, or social issues. Not only do you learn the academic underpinnings of serious gaming, but you also gain insight into its application in real-world contexts.
Whether you are a teacher seeking innovative educational tools, a designer looking to create impactful games, or simply curious about the intersection of gaming and social change, the ‘Serious Gaming’ course is a must. It challenges you to think critically about the games we play and how they can shape a better society. I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this enlightening and transformative course on Coursera.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/serious-gaming