Czechoslovakia 38-89: Assassination, an immersive learning experience












            ******************************************************************************************

            * Czechoslovakia 38-89: Assassination, an immersive learning experience
            ******************************************************************************************
            Computer games traditionally never crossed paths with education to any serious level as ga

            previously always been deemed a leisure activity with no place in the classroom. Modern ga
            such as those at Charles University in Prague, have challenged this status quo. Along with
            Academy of Sciences, the developers from Charles University (Faculty of Mathematcis and Ph

            Faculty of Arts were both involved) created Czechoslovakia 38-89: Assassination (Českoslov
            Czechoslovakia 38-89 is an educational game which is intended to teach students (primarily
            15-17) about the experiences of 20th century Czechoslovak history. The gaming format allow

            immerse themselves and ‘experience’ the history in a way that traditional textbooks are no
            doing. Educational gaming therefore has the potential to add a new dynamic to educational 

            this is something that Czechoslovakia 38-89 has achieved. According to the game’s develope
            of the game is to educate and aid the development of crucial skills such as comprehending,
            analysing through the portrayal of the varied experiences of different social groups in Cz

            in the 20th century.
            The concept of educational gaming is an interesting and somewhat contested one, between th
            appreciate the benefits of the immersive experience which attempts to make learning more i

            those who believe educational games may lead to students losing their desire to learn in t
            textbook manner. In the case of Czechoslovakia 38-89 it is clear however that the vast maj
            responses have been positive. The Czech (language) version of the game was released in Jun

            currently being used in Czech high schools. Students who have played the game have spoke h
            as they consider it to have significantly assisted their learning of the history they are 
            Through authentic storytelling in both real (interview style) and comic form,  Czechoslova

            engages students who may otherwise feel quite uninterested in history. Of course, this is 
            traditional textbooks could be replaced entirely, but rather that they could be supported 
            enticing method of learning. 

            In a presentation showing off the game’s mechanics and focus, Jakub Gemrot (one of the gam
            demonstrated the game. The level demonstrated showed a scenario where the player is requir
            select items in an apartment and attempt to make intelligent, informed decisions on what t

            items. The level is set during the Nazi occupation of Czech territory during the Second Wo
            therefore requires the player to decide which items would have been incriminating during t
            makes the students involved apply their historical knowledge in order to evade prosecution

            This experience is far more immersive than any textbook would be capable of doing as the l
            game often begin following conversations with ‘eyewitnesses’ in the present shown in an in
            The levels therefore are intended to appear as memories of the ‘eyewitnesses’ giving their

            allowing students discovering the history to identify more closely with those who experien
            Czechoslovakia. More opportunities to learn through this method may well better engage and
            students who find only textbooks quite draining.

            The success of Czechoslovakia 38-89 is apparent through the awards the game received alone
            the first prize at the Games Learning Society Showcase in 2015 as well as being nominated 
            the Serious Games Showcase and Challenge in 2014. Currently, research is being conducted t

            the true learning benefits of the game and based on what earlier reports suggest, it shoul
            positive. It is likely that in years to come more games like Czechoslovakia 38-89 will ent
            assist and engage the learning of students.

            Currently Czechoslovakia 38-89 is available only in Czech but an English version is being 
            should be available by autumn 2016.

                                                                                                      
            Will Chamberlain studies BA History at the University of Essex, UK, and is currently study
            enjoys travel, sport, history, and experiencing new cultures. As well as this, he enjoys w
            gain experience and improve his skills in journalism, as well as meet other aspiring write