Replicate: Learning

Learning and Pedagogy
Understanding the role of the immune system in the body’s fight against viral infection is a standard concept in the Biology curricula of many high schools and colleges. Traditionally, the concepts have been taught in textbooks, lectures, diagrams, and films. For obvious reasons, hands-on experiments with viruses are impossible in a classroom setting. Thus, the study of viruses and the immune system response, has become an abstract concept for many students, despite its enormous impact on contemporary life and its starring role in epidemics.

Science and medical educators are realizing that the traditional didactic approach to teaching immunology has very clear limitations. Educators are turning instead to in-depth case studies and simulated problem-solving (Barrows et al, 1999). While Replicate! is not a conventional case-study, the gameplay does include many of the same elements. Case study problems are described in text or diagrams, but virtual environments allow designers to embed problems within the context of the game. Exploring a 3-dimensional simulation of the human body offers an engaging way to learn.

In our interviews with MIT researcher Stephanie Xie, we found that the complex terminology of virology and immunology frequently frustrates students. Replicate! does not replace a textbook or teacher, but supplements traditional instruction by giving students a context for understanding virology and immunology. Players literally visualize how viruses spread. This ability to visualize microscopic phenomena is a characteristic that scientists often notice within themselves - and lacking in students who have trouble with science. In this respect, the game encourages "disciplinary" thinking, allowing students to see how scientists see.

Finally, virology and immunology are especially well-suited to being represented in a game. Viruses and immune systems have been at war for millions of years. Replicate! recasts the contested nature of viral infection into a dramatic, fast-paced action game where the player tries to outwit the immune response.