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Clark Aldrich and Inquiry-Based Learning

I'm cranking away on Aldrich again tonight... here is a bit on Inquiry.

Like Prensky and Gee, Aldrich discusses many ways in which computer simulations can provide learners with opportunities for inquiry. In creating Virtual Leader he was interested in creating open-ended content through the creation of virtual sets that players could explore (Aldrich, 2004, pp. 105-106). Aldrich (2005) quoted Will Wright, creator of the Sims, as saying that “the more creative the players can be, the more they like the simulation” (p. xxx) and “this might be giving them a lot of latitude” (p. xxx). Conversly, Aldrich also quoted Wright as saying “one way kills creativity” (p. xxxii). Aldrich considered computer games to be “empowering activities” because the player is the key to success (p. 136); the process of trial and error is necessary on the path to success as well (p. 136). He also acknowledged that “no single game… appeals to everybody” (p. 149), but envisioned a world where “students everywhere… truly engaged (and ultimately created) wondrous new environments” (p. 271).

Again, I think I may need to return to this... but at least for now it makes a nice digestible blog post.

-Mark