The presenter: Rick Blunt (professor at DeVry University).

This session presented research conducted at DeVry on the effectiveness of using simulation games as a supplement to college level business courses. The results indicated that final exam scores of students of all ages (except those above 40), ethnicities, and genders improved significantly with the addition of games such as Industry Giant II and Zapitalism.

The attendees posed many questions regarding the methodology at work, the statistical significance of the numbers, and questioned the specifics of the way the classes were conducted. Blunt provided some specifics, but was unable to answer some questions that delved into areas of the research that did not revolve around the cause-and-effect of gaming on scores. He explained that there is very little research similar to his that has been documented in academia and that the other factors are necessary to be examined, but currently the emphasis is on basic research that will support more funding as serious games gain credibility.

Blunt had great presence, a great sense of humor, and had excellent video clips of former students, who seemed to be happy, even excited!? about these business and economics classes. I hope to see more research soon.