Wii Came, Wii Played, Wii Learned!

When we first took a look at Wii, my husband and I were skeptical. The Mii characters were childish looking, and we strongly judged the game by its avatars. Further, we were against the concept of our teenage boys becoming addicted to playing games, when they could be learning to design them instead – since they both expressed an interest in game development and design.

We shrugged and bought it anyway, since the family grapevine has labeled us strict and extreme in our parenting. Extreme parenting? Puhleez!

In our Wii exposures, my husband and I both agree that Nintendo has caught onto something. The simulation feels so real, and engaging. Not only that, but the game variations are incredible!

The Wii experience opened my eyes to something I hadn’t thought of before. Simulation, previously relegated to government training agencies and deep pocket companies is now possible for the average Joe. Not only is it possible, it’s happening. Virtual worlds have been around for more than a decade now, and not just for big companies like Google, but for brokerage firms, advertising agencies, car manufacturers! Many companies are establishing a virtual presence and they’re taking advantage of the millions of players who frequent the virtual worlds.

What does this mean for instructional design? Well, it’s a virtual plethora of available opportunities to engage users outside our normal reach. Simulation technology, like the IBM computers of old, is now becoming more readily available to enhance a user’s learning experience.

This appeals to users on all levels, and allows instructional designers the kind of delivery flexibility that is mind-boggling! I for one can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty in this emerging arena.