A bit of a challenge here. We have a remarkable new tool available to us – a software application that coordinates several media – phones, cellphones, email to cellphones, email, web pages and video – to allow us to weave an intricate tale through which a “player” makes their way in “real life.” The challenge is to figure out a way to work this “game” situation into a way kids can learn more about ethics.
 in-game characters |
The basic premise we’ll use is that ethics comes into play whenever you have to make decisions that affect the wellbeing or happiness of other humans. This happens all the time. Those situations where you see the “proverbial old lady” drop a twenty on the ground but not notice it – do you pick it up and return it to her or do you pocket it? Or let’s say your best friend tells you they want to copy your answers on the big math quiz in the morning. How do you face these decisions? How do you decide? |
| What we decided to do is ask some real teens to talk about such dilemmas and share their feelings and thoughts about the dilemmas – in front of a video camera.
We then weave this video into a set of interactions. The game leaves text messages on the player’s cell phone. The game asks the player to call phone numbers (try 415.541.5629 for starters – really – call it!). The game sends email. The characters IN THE GAME ask you to send them email messages, and they respond in character. |
 are real-life teens |
 facing real issues |
In the long run, what we expect is to have a number of teens talking with us about the same dilemmas. They will have faced the dilemmas in different ways. Solved them in different ways. Sometimes they will NOT have solved them. What we want is this variation on approach, solution, and outcomes. This way a game player can make a choice and there’s a pretty good chance we’ll have the right video to show. |
It’s all brought together by the “Ethics framework” which is a chart showing the thought process you might use when facing a dilemma. The goal of the game is not to teach the kids what to do, but instead to teach them some ways they can face the issues and come to their own conclusions.
Get more information about The Learning Ethics Game on the web at YouthMoves.org
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