Context Type

Description

Creation

This type of context provides opportunities for learners to create something.

This context type allows the learner to make decisions in the development and subsequent operation of a simulated environment or situation. Simulations often try to replicate real-world environments. This type of context is often "problem-solving" in nature.

Unlike a simulation context, this type of context does not allow the learner to make decisions regarding the development of a simulated environment, but the learner can freely explore within a simulated environment or situation. This type of context is often "problem solving" as well case-based.

Story

This context type presents a story, and story elements such as characters, plot, setting, and conflict are used as “anchors” or themes to help facilitate specific, discrete outcomes.

Reference Exploration

This context type allows the learner to freely explore and access reference-type information.

Tutorial

(Directinstruction)

This context type generally presents "new" information (usually in a linear or stepwise format), and either provides a certain degree of practice using the information in some way, or applies the SKA to specific example(s).

Information Presentation (No-Practice Tutorial)

This context type simply provides the learners with the linear presentation of information and examples. That’s it.

Generally, this type of environment does not present "new" information, but provides practice and feedback over specific skills (often knowledge, defined concepts and rules).

Game

This type of context usually engages learners in competition, cooperation, puzzles, or strategies, often for the sake of entertainment. Other contexts may employ this context to because of the motivational advantages of games.

This context allows learners to communicate with other people via text, audio, binary files, and/or video information.

Real

Contexts in this category could fall into any of the above groups, or none. The distinguishing characteristics for these contexts are simply that they constitute real-world situations and settings (home, school, work, play).