Retain Model Worksheet

(Gunter, 2008)
Directions: After playing the game being evaluated, complete the
Discussion, Level, and calculate the Score similarly to the way it was on
the website and/or in the article.
Name of Game: Oregon Trail: American Settlers
Game Developer: The Learning Company Platform: iOs
Student Evaluator Name: Allison Gersonde
Element

Description

Discussion/ Level

Weight

Score

Relevance

i) Presenting materials in a way

relevant to learners, their
needs, and their learning
styles, and
ii) Ensuring the instructional
units are relevant to one
another so that the elements
link together and build upon
previous work.

This application presents

information in a way that is
relevant to learners over age 8.
The application presents
information through visual
animation and print. The
application does not provide oral
directions or reading of
information provided throughout
the game.
The elements of this game build
upon one another and the
instructional units are relevant to
one another..

15

12

Embedding

Assessing how closely the

academic content is coupled
with the fantasy/story content
where fantasy refers to the
narrative structure, storylines,
player experience, dramatic
structure, fictive elements, etc.

Transfer

How the player can use

previous knowledge and apply
it in other areas.

Adaption

A change in behavior as a
consequence of transfer.

Level = 2
The story content
contained in this game closely
relate to social studies content.
Through the use of this
application, students learn to
manage and needs vs. wants.
Level = 3
Players use previous
knowledge of life skills and are
able to apply the skills taught
throughout this game in
everyday life situations (money
handling, conservations of
necessities, and needs v. wants).
Level = 3
If students transfer the
knowledge gained through the
use of this app into real life
situations, they will be more

prepared to handle survival

situations.

Immersion

Naturalizat
ion

The player intellectually

investing in the context of the
game.

The development of habitual

and spontaneous use of
information derived within the
game.

Level = 3
Players must be
intellectually invested in this
game in order to progress from
one level to the next. The game
requires the player to constantly
make decisions based on money,
lumber, or energy available.
Level = 3
Through frequent usage
of this application, players
probably would spontaneously
use the decision-making and
survival skills habitually
throughout various areas of life.

18

Level = 3

Total
Other Notes:

62/63