This is a classification of Immersive Learning Sims that I use with clients. It is a continual work in progress but I find it very helpful when considering learning requirements and an ILS design that could then be suitable for those requirements.
The classification is motivated by differences in what users will be able to see and do and how they may interact with the learning methods in the ILS. These will include: method of presentation, player controls, user interface and gameplay mechanics (turn based, real time, etc).
Variations in these characteristics produce ILS that look, feel and perform very differently. Each type of ILS may also lend itself to different application to different learning challenges, content areas, user profiles and training conditions. The taxonomy focuses squarely on 3D or pseudo 3D ILS applications – since that is what I am always asked for I guess. So for now, it does not cover Brain Training type learning games etc. It borrows heavily from game genre descriptions.
When I describe ILS to people I cover eight different types:
¨ Episodic
¨ Construction & Management based Sims
[...] Taxonomy [...]