The University has launched a first-of-its-kind online simulation to help new students make the transition to university life.<\/p>\n
The simulation takes the form of a narrative based adventure game that replicates all the key elements of gaining a Kent degree condensed into as little as one hour. By introducing new (and prospective) students\u00a0to issues affecting transition into university, and permitting them to\u00a0take risks within a safe environment, it promotes more informed decision-making\u00a0on the likes of how best to study, how to make the best use of campus facilities and social networks, and when to seek appropriate support whilst at the University.<\/p>\n
Produced by Kent\u2019s award-winning\u00a0Student Success Project<\/a>, with programming skills input from Computer Systems Engineering student and Javascript Developer (Work Study Scheme), Joe Riley, assisting with gamification features, the game is divided into five separate \u2018quests\u2019 focusing on Welcome Week<\/a>, the first term and years one, two and three.<\/p>\n Players receive\u00a0progress feedback\u00a0by earning \u2018knowledge\u2019 and \u2018wellbeing\u2019 points along the way, as well as a badge for each completed quest. Together these will dictate the classification of the \u2018degree\u2019 received at the end, before they have the opportunity to be part of their very own\u00a0graduation video. With more than\u00a0100 million unique pathways\u00a0through the game, players can easily choose a different story path each time to see how different decisions result in different outcomes.<\/p>\n The game was written and developed by Alison Webb, Systems Development Manager in the Student Success Project, with input by colleagues from a wide range of department.\u00a0Alison Webb said: \u2018We\u00a0know\u00a0that many students have a range of concerns about going to university. These include those around\u00a0independent study and living, and how to make the most of\u00a0personal development\u00a0and\u00a0social opportunities. Through this game we\u00a0aim to help\u00a0them not only confront and navigate those concerns but to remind them that they are\u00a0not alone\u00a0in having them. We also aim to remind them of the\u00a0support services<\/a>\u00a0and mechanisms available to them during their time with us.\u2019<\/p>\n One Hour Degree does not require a login or user account and can be played by anyone with access to a web browser, on any device. It is available on the\u00a0Hello Kent website<\/a>\u00a0and Student Success web pages or directly via\u00a0www.kent.ac.uk\/student\/one-hour-degree<\/a>.<\/p>\n Play the game now:\u00a0www.kent.ac.uk\/student\/one-hour-degree\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"