2015

During my ongoing literature review I often discover interesting facts about things I’ve never thought about. Sometimes I can connect these facts with my own observations: The result is mostly a completely new idea why things are as they are. Maybe these ideas are new to you, too. Therefore I’ll share my new science based knowledge with you!

This week: This time, I think about a few of the highlights of the year 2015.

The year 2015 is over and so it is time to take a look back at a few highlights and events of the last year. In general, 2015 was unusually warm and another indication that global warming is real. Extreme weather phenomena, shrinking glaciers and a rising sea level are results of the climate change and a first insight into our near future. In December, the UNFCCC adopted the Paris Agreement–an agreement to address the climate change by reducing emissions–and showed the whole world that we have to act now [1]. Hopefully, the 55 countries that account for at least 55% of global emissions will sign the agreement during the year 2016 so that it enters into force.

My personal highlight of 2015 was my second journey to Iceland [2]. It was absolutely amazing to explore the unique nature of Iceland and to experience geothermal activities, huge waterfalls, as well as the impressive highlands. Standing in the middle of this spectacular environment and being exposed to the elements rewarded me with an overwhelming feeling of freedom. It always amazes me how certain landscapes and environments can provide me with a feeling that is similar to the feeling of being at home.

The year 2015 had also some highlights in terms of computer games. For instance, I finally got my hands on a force feedback racing wheel which greatly increases the immersion of racing games [3]. Driving a virtual race car using this steering wheel feels almost as if I would be sitting in a real car. Furthermore, I really enjoyed being able to selectively control the arms of B.U.D. in Grow Home [4] and to learn new facts about the Iñupiat people by playing Never Alone [5]. In general, I was able to observe and discuss many motivational and educational effects of computer games throughout the year 2015.

Lastly, I made some good progress towards my Ph.D. as I did an important survey to examine the educational effects of game mechanics that encode a particular knowledge in a serious game. In addition, I was working on the improvement of the serious game to enhance its educational effects during the second half of the year. The improved version of it could have the potential to generate a lot of more data that can provide insights into the method of encoding knowledge in a computer game and show the positive effects of using computer games as educational enviroments.

Despite those amazing highlights, the year 2015 also had a lot of downsides and bad events. In the end, 2015 was ‚ok‘ on my side, but it was not really a great year. Luckily, the new year has begun and so there is a new chance to experience a great year.

Happy New Year!

I wish all of you a great 2016!