The scaffolding mechanism in serious games

Abstract

This paper discusses the notion of scaffolding as it relates toserious games and presents a scaffolding mechanism to aiddevelopers of serious games. Scaffolding is based on theVygotzkian Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) conceptwhich refers to the distance between the actual developmentlevel as determined by independent problem solving and thelevel of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance, or in collaborationwith more capable peers. The scaffolds can be designed toeither be embedded in the game or detached from the game.The serious game scaffolding mechanism assists the player-learner in attaining the learning and game objectives. Theelements of scaffolding in the current use of the scaffoldingconstruct in serious game and their application areuncovered in this paper. A conceptual model of scaffoldingelements, exploring the relationship between individualscaffolding elements is proposed. Emphasis is laid onadventure games, as research reveals these to be the mostwidely played among children.