The Fine-Tuning System (FTS): a scaffolding regulator that generates and fades learning support in serious games¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 5 studies (4 review, 1 causal), q1–q3 · 0 of 5 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The Fine-Tuning System (FTS) is the paper's proposed mechanism for calibrating scaffolding in serious games to learners' changing needs. "The FTS works with a scaffolding regulator which facilitates the generation and fading of support", and the adjustment "can be made by the player -learner, teacher or an internal decision process". The system couples fading with game progress and knowledge gained, distinguishing expert from non-expert peers and triggering peer-tutoring collaboration. It is grounded in the ZPD and the fading concept, and is intended for classroom serious-game use with children.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A scaffolding regulator feature must be introduced into the serious game so instructional support can be calibrated
• The game should be designed with sufficient learning support for all the ZPDs in the target group

Constraints¶

• Fading can only go as far as the potential/target competence, since the target scaffolding level should be within the target learners' learning bandwidth
• The system has not yet been empirically tested; the authors state future work will test it

Target Learners¶

• Children aged 10-11 in classroom serious-game settings
• Dependent learners in problem-based game-play

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Problem-solving through scaffolded game-play
• Completing tasks independently after scaffolds fade

Claims¶

• Blanket Scaffolding In Serious Games Contradicts Scaffolding Notion [+M]
• Expertise Reversal Effect Redundant Support Harms Experts [+M]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Obikwelu, C, Read, J, and Sim, G. (2013). Children’s Problem-Solving in Serious Games: The “Fine-Tuning System (FTS)” Elaborated. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning Volume 11 Issue 1. https://www.ejel.org