World of Warcraft: Modeling the Ladder to Success in the Classroom

Paul Bielema

Examples of scaffolding are found throughout the videogame World of Warcraft. Scaffolding provides gamers with the structure and assistance to be successful in the gaming environment. The features of scaffolding utilized in this game are an excellent example of what could be in the “World of Education”.

Unlike the 2D, one- or two-player games developed in the 1980s and early 1990s, World of Warcraft brings about a radical new perception in gaming. Similar to EverQuest, World of Warcraft offers vast open-ended worlds with thousands of people online, a sophisticated artificial intelligence, and a multitude of ways people can interact and enjoy the game. It was developed with a rich amount of detail and versatility. This versatility, in gameplay, leads me to believe World of Warcraft may be the ultimate guide for developing gaming software that enriches students’ education in a way not previously possible. The learning developed is individualized, however it invariably lends itself to group interaction.

Scaffolding is defined as the process where learners solve problems beyond their abilities with strategic assistance from others (Wood, Bruner, & Ross, 1976). This strategic assistance involves engaging the learner’s interest, keeping focused on the goal, limiting choices, providing pertinent information to compete a task, and managing frustration (Wood & Middleton, 1975). These features of scaffolding are clearly evident in the World of Warcraft. At the first level, characters are given just enough abilities to be manageable for the various encounters they may have. At this stage, players are learning their abilities, discovering the dynamics, and analyzing the various components in the game. The game incorporates many forms of positive reinforcement for in-game accomplishments. This can lead to higher levels of motivation. Reinforcement for scaffolding comes from many sources including other players, outside blogs, official websites, guidebooks, and more.

World of Warcraft also provides the opportunity for scaffolding and learning through small and large group cooperation. Small groups could be two people trying to complete some task. These small groups usually have a basic amount of communication between them, usually typed text. Players complement each other’s abilities in a way similar to real world groups. Large groups can contain up to 40 people. In groups such as this, the goal is usually to defeat a major boss. Group management is essential here. Players know their characters normal jobs and are typically assigned specific tasks for each fight based on their abilities. Official communication is normally done with online microphones and programs allowing voice chat, while text often occurs simultaneously.

References

Wood, D., Bruner, J., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17, 89–100.

Wood, D., & Middleton, D. (1975). A study of assisted problem solving. British Journal of Psychology, 66, 181–191.