Full Circle Associates

The E-Learning Queen posts a thoughtful essay on The Ethics of Video Game-Based Simulation. Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D., in her new, tasty blog, shares.

While video game-based simulation is gaining ground in interactive, multi-user distributed online learning, underlying ethical and philosophical issues remain unaddressed. These are, in some cases, quite troubling, because learner lives can be at stake. In other cases, profound issues dealing with instructional strategies and design are often only tangentially touched upon. This article identifies the ethical issues involved in using simulation in education and training, explores some of the conceptual and philosophical bases, and proposes ways to address the problems and adjust instructional strategies.

Specifically, this article examines the role of video game-based simulation used to prepare members of the military for combat situations. As opposed to the simulations of the past which focused on driving fast cars and piloting aircraft, the new generation of video game-based simulations focus on player-player interaction, and derive much from first-person shooter games. In contrast with the earlier versions of games, in which the goal was to accumulate enough points to go to different worlds or 'levels,' the new games combine the 'sim' world-building experience, with customizable avatars to reflect the player's constructed persona, weaponry, and team members. Incorporating artificial intelligence, the game allows computer-controlled soldiers the ability to respond to student commands from a matrix of possibilities, each selection weighted via algorithms that build in probabilities and randomness."

I wonder where there is a nexus of conversations about the ethics of any type of online interaction? I think of my work in 2/3rds countries where I think there are both generative and destructive outcomes of starting and supporting online interaction.

What is the ethical code of conduct for an online facilitator?