In my recent project, Surviving the Camps, I had the opportunity to design a game that explored the complexities of decision-making during the Japanese American internment camps of World War II. This experience combined my passion for educational technology, historical empathy, and instructional design, resulting in an immersive strategy role-playing game aimed at fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the past. Reflecting on this journey, I’ve identified key lessons that I’m excited to bring to my next position.
Creating Immersive Learning Experiences
One of the most valuable aspects of this project was the focus on creating a realistic, emotionally resonant learning experience. Designing Surviving the Camps meant putting players in the shoes of both detainees and administrators, making them confront moral dilemmas and navigate limited resources. This dual perspective not only increased the game’s depth but also allowed players to explore the ethical nuances of authority, resilience, and community under extreme circumstances. The key takeaway here is the power of interactive, narrative-driven learning tools to evoke empathy and facilitate understanding. Moving forward, I want to leverage my skills in crafting such experiences to design content that motivates learners to connect emotionally with complex topics.
Decision-Making and Reflection as Learning Tools
An essential element in the game was incorporating reflective prompts for players. After making choices that impacted the camp community—like distributing food or deciding how to handle morale-building activities—players were asked to reflect on their decisions. Questions such as, “How did your decision affect the camp’s morale today?” allowed players to evaluate the consequences of their actions and relate them to similar real-world ethical challenges. This experience has taught me the importance of integrating reflection points into learning tools. In my next role, I want to continue designing learning materials that encourage critical thinking and reflection, allowing learners to make connections that deepen their understanding.
Bridging Historical Context and Modern Relevance
Another significant challenge was designing a game that connected historical context to modern-day issues. Surviving the Camps aimed to not only educate players about the experiences of Japanese American internees but also highlight the contemporary relevance of these issues, such as civil rights, systemic discrimination, and resilience. Drawing these connections helped me understand the importance of contextualizing content for learners, allowing them to see the relevance of historical lessons to their lives today. I believe this approach is crucial for any instructional designer or educator seeking to make learning impactful, and I plan to continue bridging past and present in my future projects.
Versatility in Design Approaches
This project also pushed me to be versatile in my design approach, blending strategy, role-play, and educational objectives. The branching decision paths, the role-based gameplay, and the day-to-day management elements made Surviving the Camps a nuanced and layered learning experience. It taught me the value of combining different game mechanics to cater to varied learning styles and keep players engaged. In my next position, I aim to bring this versatility to the table—creating diverse, multimodal learning experiences that adapt to the unique needs of the audience.
Looking Ahead
The experience of designing Surviving the Camps was both challenging and rewarding, and it underscored my passion for educational design that is both meaningful and transformative. As I move forward, I am eager to apply these lessons to new opportunities—whether it’s crafting engaging online courses, developing simulations, or using interactive tools to foster critical thinking and empathy. My goal is to create learning experiences that leave a lasting impact, connecting learners to the content in profound ways and equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
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