Tools for creating interactive teaching environments

Although learning-by-doing is one of the most effective teaching and learning methodology, its application to some disciplines, such as history, is difficult even when using complex simulation environments. One possible solution is to combine learning-by-doing principles with gaming elements to create immersive and interesting virtual environments. Unfortunately, the level of programming required to create such environments makes it prohibitive for most educators. We describe the graphical interactive fiction toolkit, GIFT, system we have created that allows educators and writers to easily create interactive stories. While programmers will still be required for complex interactive environments, we believe GIFT can lower the entry bar and allow much richer set of interactive environments to be produced.