Embedded Files
The Capital & The Other project consists of two (2) phases, beginning with the development of a table-top game to test and iteratively refine the concept and its mechanics. This will be followed by the design of a multimedia-based Extended Reality (XR) prototype to enhance immersiveness and effectiveness from lessons learned during the previous iteration. In addition to attending the 2025 STLI Teaching & Learning Symposium, published copies of the table-top game will be gifted to identified stakeholders of W&M to enhance the visibility of the intervention, as well as to facilitate explorations for possible collaboration on similar projects.
Game Design and Development
At its core, the game design logic revolves around simulating the complex interplay between intersectional identities and economic outcomes, providing students with a tangible, interactive model of societal dynamics.
Adhering to established learning game design principles, Capital & The Other balances cognitive load, provides immediate feedback through resource management, and offers multiple pathways to understanding. The inclusion of chance elements via dice and event cards simulates real-world unpredictability. Furthermore, the integration of Padlet prompts for structured reflection prompts aims to provide students the opportunity to regularly step back from the gameplay and consolidate their learning.
Game design
Game Box
Game Board
Event and Capital Cards
Capital Tokens
Player Markers
Profile Sheets
Padlet Reflection Prompts
Playtest Session
The course professor, Dr. Nara Sritharan, identified five (5) students willing to playtest the game on Saturday November 16 at the Hive Events Space in the Earl Gregg Swem Library. The objective of the playtesting session was to collect preliminary data from student feedback and observations on the game design and learning experience. Although three (3) rounds were initially planned, the students requested an additional fourth round. Pre, mid and post-game evaluation instruments were administered and audio-visual recording equipment from the Reeder's Center was used to document the day, as well as provide supplemental data for further analysis. Due to technical difficulties during the session, only one (1) Padlet reflection prompt was administered. The session took just over 2 hours.
Playtest Session Data Analysis
Once evaluation feedback has been collated and organized, analysis of the results will be completed with reference to selected VR literature in order to triangulate insights on possible design, development and further evaluation frameworks for the Capital & The Other VR prototype. A progress report will be compiled and submitted to STLI and other stakeholders once this activity is complete.
Pre, Mid and Post-Game Surveys
The pre-game evaluation instrument assessed players' initial readiness and expectations across several key areas.
Gameplay Reflection Prompts
In the initial design two (2) reflection prompts were planned. The prompts asked players to reflect on the relationship between economics and identity across gameplay elements. However, during gameplay, players were only able to access one (1) reflection prompt through the Padlet platform.
Observation Notes
During gameplay, the course professor, Dr. Nara Sritharan and the game designer, Sethu Nguna, took notes by making use of an Observation Guide. The observation guide focuses on monitoring student problem-solving approaches and peer interactions during gameplay, providing insights into how participants engage with the learning material.
Session Audio Recordings
The playtest session took place over 2 hours and was recorded in order to allow for additional engagement and sentiment analysis of the elements focused on in the surveys, prompts and observation notes.
Capital & The Other Virtual Learning Experience
Once the data analysis from the playtesting was completed, the design and development of the VR prototype began. This component of the project will be documented on an ongoing basis through VLxD Journey.
This project was implemented through generous support from the William & Mary's Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation
Report abuse