Developing Written Argumentation Skills With an Educational Simulation Game (ESG)

In this chapter, the authors present the case of GlobalEd, a virtual educational simulation game (ESG) that focuses on the development of student written argumentation and socio-scientific literacy skills over the course of play. Interactions within the simulation emphasize the use of written argumentation among players throughout the game's entire duration through an online communications system that is a fundamental part of all play interactions. Through this case illustration, they describe the rationale and design for GlobalEd, particularly toward its primary learning outcomes of written communication, argumentation, and collaboration. They illustrate the interactive portions of the game that are designed to elicit skill development in these areas and provide examples of actual interactions by students as they work toward these goals. Finally, they provide a brief synopsis of the studied effects of GlobalEd over the last decade in authentic classroom settings through experimental and other efficacy analyses.