Course content.
The minor “Serious Games & Virtual Learning Environments” offers you an in-depth exploration of the development of virtual learning environments and thus the future of learning. New questions about virtual reality, augmented reality, data visualization and audiovisual storytelling offer great potential for the conception and design of innovative learning processes.
The combined teaching of subject matter and game principles covers a broad spectrum of visual, auditory and performative approaches to future teaching methods. Serious & Applied Games develop specific game mechanics and motivations to address educational methods of knowledge transfer as well as visualization and image literacy. Practice-oriented topics invite you to shape the future of learning in a digital society.
The minor is taught in German and English and is offered by the majors Knowledge Visualization and Game Design. It is aimed at bachelor's and master’s students.

Skills acquired in the course.
–  Developing virtual learning environments, e.g. for therapy games, in educational or research-oriented contexts.
–  Gaining insights into the interfaces between knowledge visualization, serious & applied games and didactic mediation. Learning about the relevant didactic principles in theory and practice.
–  Reflecting on your own position and role in interdisciplinary, solution-oriented teamwork.
–  Developing points of view and strategies in the discussion of future knowledge transfer.
–  Designing your own project idea in collaboration with scientific partners up to the prototype stage.

Admissions requirements.
The minor “Serious Games & Virtual Learning Environments” is open to all ZHdK students. It is particularly recommended for those who
–  are familiar with the processes of artistic design and educational conception,
–  have experience and an interest in learning, didactics and education
–  can use graphic software (3D or 2D, e.g. Cinema 4D, Blender, Illustrator) independently
–  have experience or interest in working with game engines (e.g. Unity) or in game development
–  can critically and aesthetically grasp problems, ideas, topics and events and design innovative and original solutions
–  act in an inter- and transdisciplinary way from their own disciplinary perspective and communicate and work in an interdisciplinary team in a solution-oriented way.   

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German or English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German or English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German or English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying this minor.
–  The team of lecturers has many years of practical experience in teaching and research, as well as in the development of serious & applied games and knowledge visualization.
–  The project results create a foundation for further research-oriented discussion.
–  The project results can be the basis or preliminary stage for bachelor’s or master’s theses.
–  The topics are developed in a practical and scientifically relevant manner in cooperation with external partners. 

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.