Cyber World Induction for Students
October 3, 2007
New students at the University of Glamorgan are getting a helping hand to settle into university life, thanks to a ‘student experience simulation’ developed at the University.
‘GlamStart’ is a web-based simulation game available to all new students who must attempt to get through 10 simulated days in the life of a new student.
Martin Lynch, Team Leader of the Multimedia Development Team who developed and designed GlamStart commented, “We are very excited by this innovation and have been thrilled at the uptake. We have had over hundred students using GlamStart in the first few days.
“It is great that Glamorgan has taken a lead in developing this which will make the induction process as effective and student-focussed as possible.
“This project is evidence of the significance of computer games maturing as a phenomenon and that the power of gaming can be harnessed for learning purposes.”
Within GlamStart, players earn ‘Reward Points’ by attending academic events and studying, being sociable and having a job. The points are gained or taken away depending on the choices that students make.
GlamStart allows freshers interact with 14 in-game characters who supply answers to frequently asked questions on a range of topics such as how to get the most from their studies and where to go for help.
As an additional incentive feature, every month a prize coin is hidden in the game. The first person to find the coin wins £30 of printing vouchers to be used on campus.
GlamStart is unique. No other university has attempted to use simulation games to provide information to new starters on this scale before.
