Game platform

The development of the platform was a subject of two international projects called CHIMER and eMapps.com which were realized through the fifth and sixth Framework Programme. The purpose of these projects was the development of innovative e-learning tools which would enable users to realize educational programs aimed at examining and documenting of a cultural heritage in the region. The E-learning tool was introduced by a platform which interconnected students of age 9 to 12 within Europe. Furthermore, the platform established an innovative approach towards the education and brought the concept of “classroom without walls”. This concept contains the usage of computer games and mobile technologies in school.

The basis for this game is the platform which has multiple functions. It enables online communication and exchange of information among teams and among teacher and students. Moreover, the platform guides both children and teacher throughout the game. The game is played in teams for different time intervals according to the character of the task. A smartphone with GPS navigation system and laptop will be used for the game.

The game is managed by the teacher (game master) who evaluates the quality of certain task’s fulfillment and even sets the speed of the game. The platform contains games with tasks for which students have time limit or are bound by the specific content. The individual teams try to fulfill as many tasks in the best quality as possible.

The development of this platform started in 2002 and was many times modified. The platform will be adjusted in the Envi Game project in order to be applicable mainly for the realization of the cross-cutting issue of an Environmental Education.

The basis for this project is an interactive game which will bring the opportunity for teacher to use different teaching methods for the cross-cutting issue of an Environmental Education. The game is the combination of outdoor activities and class education with tools from informatics and communication technologies. Seven individual games will be prepared according to the thematic fields which might the teacher choose to play with his class. In another case the individual tasks might be combined and a separate new game may be created.