Evaluators: Danielle, Rebekah, and Alicia
What is Roblox? Roblox is an online platform for players to create games or play games other people have created, explore virtual worlds, and socialize with friends (or strangers).
Rules – Roblox has a set of Community Standards for all players as they interact with the many games and other players that are accessible on the platform. These community standards are broken into three categories; Safety, Civility & Respect, Fairness & Transparency, and Security & Privacy. Overall, Roblox encourages its community members, known as Robloxians, to “treat everyone with respect, both on and off of Roblox.
Objective – Roblox’s objective is to “build the metaverse: a space for people to adventure, experience, and explore.” It is a global community and Roblox wants to “ensure everyone feels welcome and safe and is treated with kindness and respect.”
Evaluation of the game using Gee’s 16 principles:
- Identity- Players are able to build their avatar according to their own preferences. With Robux, players can purchase add-ons that further individualize their avatar. Due to the nature of virtual games, players can be anyone they want to be while playing Roblox!
- Interaction- In Roblox games, there is a chat function where players may interact with one another. Each game is different, but in some of the games I tried playing, there were rules presented to me along the way. As I approached new stages or levels, new challenges were introduced.
- Production – While there are many games available for play, some players choose to create and publish their own.
- Risk Taking – Most games on this platform have a “checkpoint” feature, which allows players to reattempt portions of the game by trial and error. Users have the ability to take risks knowing there isn’t too much to lose.
- Customization – Players can customize their avatars, they can create their own groups to play games, and they can create their own ”place” in the Roblox Studio. This “place” is similar to minecraft, where players have their own land and structures to personalize. The studio is where users can learn how to alter, edit, and design in their space and eventually their own game. Some games have different characters you can choose to play and you can customize their outfit in that specific game.
- Agency – The players who choose to create their own games for others to play gain a strong sense of ownership and control over their own creation. For example, in “Theme Park Tycoon 2”, the owner has control over what they are doing and creating within the boundaries of the game. There are many creative features to adjust and explore within the game.
- Well-Order Problems- There are levels or “stages” in games that are built on by prior stages. In Cotton Obby, for example, you learn to navigate on the first platform and all following platforms become more and more difficult to navigate. The skills are being built upon in each stage.
- Challenge and Consolidation – You die in every game but there is the option to restart at the checkpoints you have passed.
- “Just in Time” or “On Demand”- There is very little in the way of instruction or direction when you start a game, though in some of the games played, a character will tell you the directions for the level/stage you are currently working on. In other games, you can click a button that will allow you to read about game play upon your request only.
- Situated Meanings – In “Scuba Diving at Quill Lake,” there are many places to explore and new vocabulary to learn throughout the game. Players can choose different areas to explore. Each area has specific landmarks, gear, and vocabulary for players to understand. The vocabulary is repeated and reinforced through images and actions within the game. This makes it very applicable and meaningful for players to explore and understand.
- Pleasantly frustrating- Elements of this game can be frustrating, like not having control of your character or not being able to complete the task. You do “die” during the game, but then you come back to life and can try again. If a game is too frustrating, you are able to exit the game and find a different one to play. Some are much easier than others.
- System thinking – Roblox has its own in-game currency called Robux, you can earn by creating games or by purchasing a gift card or subscription, which can be used to buy membership access to the Builders Club. With this, players can customize their character, known as an avatar, and improve their experiences in the game. Players engage in an exploration of Robux and what they create on the platform. How can they make money from what they create?
- Explore, think laterally and rethink- Players can explore a variety of games, experiences, and skills. Since there are secrets hidden in games, players are encouraged to explore the entire map or capacity of the game before moving on.
- Smart tools and distributed knowledge – Within the Roblox Studio, users design and interact with smart tools to create their own space. Users can design using Geometric or Physical planes, where you can account for collisions and other technical considerations.
- Cross functional teams – Players can play games with other users they invite, or with anyone on the platform. Depending on the game, players have certain tasks to complete or roles to assume.
Performance before competence – Players can play any game on the platform before they ever decide to attempt to create their own game. Most games are exploratory and require players to navigate and explore the content before interacting with the game specifically.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Assessment
Reflection:
What are the barriers to the game?
- The game has a Roblox Studio where each user can customize their own “place.” No navigation tutorial is provided.
- Most customizable options or games require players to make a purchase.
- Lack of prior knowledge about the game.
- Only offered on computer, ipad, or cell phone. On the cell phone, you can’t play certain games.
- You have to move the camera with a mouse and utilize the keyboard/space bar to walk and jump.
- Anybody can talk to you in Roblox unless you specifically block users in settings.
Who may be excluded?
- There are many free games available on Roblox, but there are also games that come at a cost which can be exclusive
- This game is attractive to all genders (in one class of 26 second graders, 10 boys and 8 girls play Roblox on a daily basis as opposed to Minecraft where 8 boys and 1 girl play daily). Also, when signing up, the gender selection is optional.
How does the game foster creative and critical thinking?
- Players can create their own games.
- Choose your own adventure- There are endless games available to players! This allows for players to choose their preferred level of challenge.
- Youtubers and other content makers make movies and simulations of their houses on Roblox.
- There are secrets hidden throughout different games.
- When players choose to create their own game, there are many creative features to choose from. The creator has the freedom to design his/her own game. The challenge is to make their design more desirable and attractive for more players to join and participate.
What skills are being activated?
- If a player chooses to create their own virtual game, they will be required to code
- Communication – with other players in the game or members of the roblox community.
- Creativity
- Resilience
How will I know if learning is taking place?
- Leveling up – Players show they have gotten better at a game or have improved certain skills when they level up in a game.
- Collaboration – Players develop interpersonal skills as they participate and strategize in games with others.
- Coding – Users with effective code have playable games. Also, users show learning by troubleshooting their code.
Changes my students would make to Roblox:
- If you get stuck in a game – there should be a way to keep going.
- How people can troll in games.
- The ability to choose different characters.