Extending the limits of Weatherlings: a ubiquitous, educational, multiplayer, web-based game for mobile and desktop platforms

Abstract

UbiqGames is a project that aims to create ubiquitous, educational, multi-player games. Built under UbiqGames framework, Weatherlings is a web-based educational game, which allows players to collaborate in a networked virtual world, using a browser-enabled computer or handheld device. Weatherlings overcomes two of the most important limitations of educational games up to date: immobility and steep learning curves. It requires a small amount of initial time investment and can be played anywhere and anytime. Yet the first version of Weatherlings built in 2008-2009, lacked important features such as real-time integration which meant that the game could be further improved. This paper explains the extensions designed and implemented on top of this initial game in order to develop Weatherlings 2.0. This new version of the game designs, implements, and integrates real-time weather-forecasting games for US and Singapore with new modules helpful to the existing game; makes improvements on the existing features; builds tools to facilitate test results' analysis for teachers and others; and extends the previously defined framework for UbiqGames by adding important design decisions, features and guidelines from our experiences. This paper also discusses, analyzes and interprets the results of two test studies conducted in Singapore.