Learning & Testing Technologies Break into the IT Industry

Believe it or not, the video games you were so hesitant to buy for your child may just be his or her key to a successful education and career. Speaking at Colloquium yesterday, John Jamison from ImagiLearning questioned what it was that drew people into a game for hours at a time and looked for ways that he could integrate it into the learning process.

The Questions:

What is it about games that draw kids in to play 45 to 55 hours a week? Why can’t they pass their classes in school but spend all their time devoted to something else? What is it about the experience that justifies the amount of time they spend on a game. 

The Answer:

“Tranceformational Learning.” Jamison wanted to create study materials to which learners could be addicted. He looked at the world of the game player. This environment is important to the player; they have very personal and emotional experiences throughout the game. His goal was to create learning activities that disrupted the established neural patterns (hence trance) in order to create the opportunity for new connections, resulting in enhanced learning.



Jamison turned to the video game to meet his goal. With his company, Jamison developed simulations and video games that kept students interested and engaged while covering the important study materials from which students are so often distracted. Simulations have been created to train firefighters and to establish safety procedures at construction sites.

These games have scripted characters that will interact with the user’s avatar. Assessments of the user’s knowledge are tested through battling enemies throughout the game. The enemies present issues that the user will run into based on their industry and the user needs to test what they have been learning in training to complete the task.

With these types of games, users are able to interact with others and with their instructor. They are faced with problems that their favorite characters face every day. The benefits to the IT industry are endless. Simulations like these can prepare students for the experience from start to finish. These types of tests can take the intimidation factor out of certification since the user doesn’t realize they’re even studying when they’re playing the game.

Simulated learning is not just a flash in the pan; it’s here to stay. Training centers and certifying organizations cannot afford to be left behind in this area. Simulated experiences in video game format not only draws in individuals who may be worried to test, but also can bring in a fresh batch of potential candidates.