Gadgets, Games and Gizmos: LEGO Star Wars II

If you are not a gamer, or even if you are, you need to try out the LEGO Star Wars II Game. The game is simple but fun to play.

It is engaging but not overwhelming.

It is designed to be played by kids and adults. If you are new to video games, this is a good place to start (especially if you are a boomer who grew up with the original Star War Movies.)

I am always amazed at how much a video game is able to teach the player without the player even being aware he or she is learning.

For example, you learn that if you destroy shrubbery, you receive coins. If you see a small door, you become a small character to navigate to another location… different characters are better in different missions. When you see the image of R2D2 near a door, you need R2D2 to open the door.

What if we developed e-learning programs like video games. Think of the application to a corporate environment…every time you saw an ethics violation, you had to report it. If you lift heavy boxes, you must follow the right procedure to collect coins. You have to wash your hands for 20 seconds before handling food to move to the next level. You must choose the right product to respond to a customer need to avoid loosing the customer. The possiblities are endless…

Your assignment young Jedi is to play a video game today and think of the instructional design implications.

If you want to purchase a LEGO Star Wars II game, go to LEGO Star Wars II

Choose the game and platform right for you. Personally , I have the PSP and the PS2.

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