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A recent BBC News article reveals an interesting use of Bioware's Neverwinter Nights game engine. Frustrated with student literacy and math scores, computer science teachers at West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield, England modified the game's engine to produce an educational simulation. Since that time the student success rate in key skills has increased to 94%.

"We ripped the game apart and rebuilt it to deliver educational content," he added.

Players are invited to pick a character and go on a quest in which they have to make decisions about what to take and how to progress using mathematics and their literacy skills.

Mr Oldman explained: "For example, before they set off in their galleon they have to fill it with the things they are going to need. This requires them to work out the area of the ship and how much they can manage to bring.

"Some students managed it, others sank on the way and never progressed to the next level.

"They would come knocking on the staff room door and wouldn't let us go until we had taught them how to calculate area."

In the two years since the project began, about 700 learners have played the game at West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield, England, achievement of key skills has trebled to 94%.

BBC News: Computer Game To Boost Key Skills

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