Seamless integration of game and learning using modeling and simulation

In this paper we show our approach to make two steps towards integration of modeling and simulation and intelligent tutoring for game-based learning environments. The first step is to construct a framework for developing game-based (and also non-game-based) learning systems, which is based on fundamentals of Intelligent Tutoring System construction and on a full-fledged simulation system (JAMES II), and which allows component-based design and re-usage of existing components. The second step is to develop modeling and simulation-based learning games which seamlessly integrate game and play (immersive didactics). We show the viability of our approach in two case studies - a racing game that can be used to learn geographical facts, and a game about marine science in which school students learn about the interrelations of an ecosystem.