Rural areas are often depicted as idyllic locations for the elderly. However, many elderly in rural areas experience social isolation due to a range of factors. “Matt’s Dilemma” is a 3D game education experience aimed at the teenage user to provoke discussion and reflection on the issues that can affect the elderly in rural areas.
Incorporating some game mechanics in a 3D game world using the unreal engine, the artefact implements strategies based on the VARK learning model, with a particular emphasis on kinesthetics and auditory approaches. Learners take on the role of an older farmer, Matt, who lives alone in a sparsely populated rural Irish valley. While carrying out tasks in the game world, the learner will progressively encounter issues facing this farmer and, in so doing, it is envisaged that the learner will develop a greater appreciation of the dilemma of social isolation experienced by the game’s central character.
According to recent reports (Connolly, Finn, O’Shea. 2012) there is a number of issues that may lead to rural isolation for the elderly, these include low levels of service provision, poor public transport and social isolation. The decline of basic services can impact negatively on the ability of rural people to stay in contact with their peers, friends and relatives.
The object of the game is that learners will develop appreciation of the issues facing rural elderly persons such as Matt. This presentation will demonstrate the game being played, and the reasoning behind the selection of the learner theories and the game mechanics implemented in the artefact.
Connolly, Finn, O’Shea. (2012) Rural Ageing in Ireland: Key Trends and Issues
Topics: Innovations and design in online & blended learning , Topics: Digital technologies in disciplinary contexts
