Collaboration led by Elizabeth Goins and with Andrew Phelps

The goal of this research is to explore the design and development of a functional, scalable and open source role playing game prototype for use in conservation and preservation training. The prototype is a modification ("mod") utilizing an appropriate existing game platform - Elderscrolls IV: Oblivion. The intent involves the creation and development of a set of game narratives that achieve defined preservation and conservation educational goals and outcomes. Three different narrative strategies will be assessed through the incorporation of the game into college curricula and classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Delaware. Prototype scenarios include evaluation of the best methodology for creating conservation training games for several training purposes: graduate training programs, undergraduate outreach and volunteer training. Topic coverage includes controlling the environment, health and safety, and material identification. This work is funded by the DOI National Park Service (NPS) National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT).