Uro island i - game-based e-learning in der urologie

Game-based learning promises higher motivation of learners compared to traditional learning forms by a high interactive, rule controlled and competitive presentation of learning contents. Game-based learning not only fosters the application of cognitive but also of affective and psycho-motoric capabilities. Here, we present Uro Island I a game-based e-learning application for the "assessment of pathological urine observations" which utilizes the genre of adventure games in medical education. Therefore, didactical elements and sequences for adventure games were developed to convey medical knowledge according to specific content and context. In a usability test (n=14) it was shown that learners could essentially work well will Uro Island I and only the extensive length of dialogues was judged negative. The game elements for knowledge mediation were given various basically positive ratings corresponding to complexity of medical contents or learners experience with digital games. Game fun was preserved despite medical game contents so that most learners would play further modules of Uro Island I. We developed Uro Island I as an adventure game for urological education which showed the possibility to effectively convey a complete urological teaching unit in this format. Complex medical facts could be represented in specific game elements und sequences for adventure games under preservation of game fun.