Abstract

The Computer-based Corpsman Training System (CBCTS) was developed by ECS, Inc. for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. Game design elements complement the instructional design elements to produce an award-winning learning game. Notable design features include a well-designed tutorial, opportunities for decision making, time to reflect and replay a scenario, and implicit and explicit feedback. While game and instructional elements work very well together in CBCTS, suggestions are made in this chapter to increase instructional guidance to gain learning efficiencies without jeopardizing gameplay. These suggestions will benefit all learning game designers striving to improve their own games. Game designers are cautioned that additional elements may increase the design and development resource requirements, and instructional and gameplay trade-offs have to be considered. Some of these trade-offs are briefly addressed.

Introduction

The Computer-based Corpsman Training System (CBCTS) is a learning game that provides combat corpsmen realistic training to prepare them to apply their skills in a combat situation. CBCTS was developed by ECS, Inc. for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM). The game supports training for Navy combat medics who are assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps. CBCTS is used at the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center and School as part of the curriculum to prepare combat medics.