Improving Time Management for Students through the Use of an Educational Game

Project Title

Improving Time Management for Students through the Use of an Educational Game

Project Leader

Prof David Rossiter

School / Dept

SENG / COMP

Project Duration

Jan 2004 - Sept 2004

Project Description

Time management is a major problem encountered by students entering university and it impacts greatly on their learning. For instance, they do not always start working until the deadline is near, resulting in a rushed and poor quality assignment. They have to stay up late, attending early morning lectures with minimal attention or even missing them completely. This project aimed to cultivate an appreciation of effective time management which was achieved through an entertaining but educational game-style simulation.The time management program was similar to the popular ‘Sims’ set of games. Students interacted with the main (simulated) game character ‘Sim’, helping it to perform the major daily tasks they themselves were required to do. In working through this simulation, they learnt how to plan their time effectively.

Project Outcome

• The major outcome of this project was the educational software which teaches time management in an original and engaging manner. Project website : http://www.cs.ust.hk/time_management/
• Essential parameters in time management are embodied as different entities and attributes in the game.
• A conference paper named, “Improving time management for students  through the use of an educational game” on the project was presented at the Teaching & Learning Symposium 2004.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Final Report
• Project-end Review by Project Leader

Adaptation

Full Project