Clicking some of the silly options: Exploring Player Motivation in Static and Dynamic Educational Interactive Narratives
Project Overview
The document investigates the role of generative AI in enhancing educational interactive narratives, particularly within a game aimed at teaching research ethics. It contrasts static and dynamic narrative approaches, emphasizing that while dynamic narratives can significantly boost player motivation and engagement by offering a richer and more varied learning experience, they also pose challenges in aligning educational objectives with narrative fluidity. The findings underscore the necessity for dynamic narratives to provide responsive feedback and meaningful choices to sustain player interest and ensure effective learning outcomes. Ultimately, the study highlights the potential of generative AI to transform educational experiences while cautioning that careful design is essential to balance educational integrity with engaging storytelling.
Key Applications
Academical Narrative Game (Static and Dynamic)
Context: Used in educational settings to engage learners in research ethics education through interactive narrative games. The context includes university-level courses focused on teaching responsible conduct of research (RCR) and ethical behavior.
Implementation: Developed as choice-based interactive narrative games with two versions: a static narrative (Academical 1.0) with predefined branching scenarios and a dynamic narrative (Academical 2.0) utilizing procedural narrative techniques to enhance player engagement and autonomy.
Outcomes: Both versions have demonstrated efficacy in teaching ethical behavior and engaging students, with the dynamic narrative showing increased feelings of autonomy and engagement compared to the static version. However, challenges have been noted in balancing educational goals with narrative flexibility and in avoiding repetitive content.
Challenges: Challenges include balancing educational goals with narrative flexibility, addressing limitations in player autonomy in static narratives, and preventing player frustration due to repetitive content in dynamic narratives.
Implementation Barriers
Technical
The implementation of dynamic narratives may lead to confusion and repetitive gameplay if not designed carefully. Balancing educational content with engaging narrative elements can be challenging, risking player motivation.
Proposed Solutions: Incorporate clear outcomes for choices, avoid looping dialogue to enhance player progression, and ensure that players have meaningful choices with responsive feedback to enhance the learning experience.
Project Team
Daeun Hwang
Researcher
Samuel Shields
Researcher
Alex Calderwood
Researcher
Shi Johnson-Bey
Researcher
Michael Mateas
Researcher
Noah Wardrip-Fruin
Researcher
Edward F. Melcer
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Daeun Hwang, Samuel Shields, Alex Calderwood, Shi Johnson-Bey, Michael Mateas, Noah Wardrip-Fruin, Edward F. Melcer
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai