Serious Games, Learning and Training

Team: Buttussi F., Cabas Vidani A., Chittaro L., Ieronutti L., Ranon R.

Computer applications can be used to effectively support training and learning activities. They can provide more compelling and motivating experiences, thus helping to maintain focus and maximize learning outcome. Our research deals with using computer applications to support training and learning in several domains. First, we have extended personalization techniques developed in the field of adaptive hypermedia to the context of 3D Virtual Environments, with the purpose of creating adaptive educational virtual environments. Virtual reality techniques can provide immersive experiences which increase knowledge retention through learning by doing. Second, we are exploiting the most recent techniques to propose innovative mobile and desktop applications that mix entertainment and training aspects for improving users' health and wellness. Third, we are developing serious games for training in emergency preparedness and response. Serious games combine the advantages of virtual reality with the peculiarities of videogames (e.g., entertainment, scoring mechanisms, rewards, etc...) to make training and learning more attractive and further increase users’ motivation.