| |
UNI Graz is task leader for Neuroscience in the Network of Excellence Project “Gaming and Learning Alliance” (GaLA) and therefore, responsible to link serious games with neurophysiological processes.
One main point will be to explore the user’s engagement in serious games and its underlying cortical correlates measured with methods such as electro-encephalography (EEG) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). There is evidence that an increased engagement in a virtual environment or game can spur motivation and can also improve the training/learning outcome.
As the purpose of serious games is that the users spend their time trying to meet the challenges of the game, they are also suitable for the implementation of Brain-Computer Interfaces. Serious games therefore encourage continuous improvement through learning rather than immediate success.
Besides control, the monitoring of brain activity during gaming can be used to adapt the pacing and subject matter of the game to the affective state and arousal of the user. If brain activity indicates frustration or arousal, the game could adapt to become easier or slower. Global brain activity can also provide the user with feedback about one's current affective or arousal state, so that the user can determine whether he or she is in the right mood for learning, optimizing learning success. This aspect could also be used for the implementation of Neurofeedback.
As learning is very divers ability implemented in the brain in various ways, it is necessary to investigate which variables modulate the learning success. Research into the neuroscientifc preconditions and consequences of learning serves as a means of quality control as well as a pathway to innovation in SG with the goal of increasing the efficiency of learning.
|
