Space Doc: A Game-Based First-Responder Medical Training and STEM Learning Application

Space Doc is a mobile, web-based STEM learning and medical training application set in a persistent world with a science fiction / science-fact context. You travel on a mission to Mars aboard a ship with 50+ team mates on a long journey with continual scenario dangers of every type that threaten mission success. You play as a first responder trainee and your team members are counting on you to help keep them alive. Those who are rescued through your efforts are"unlocked"in the game-based experience for future access while they teach and mentor you in relevant STEM topics and first responder procedures. Space Doc merges this game-based approach to STEM learning with realistic physiology systems simulation and permits novel use of mobile interfaces to maximum effect. Scores are based on both lives saved and knowledge acquired and players advance as experience adds up, unlocking more difficult dangers to deal with. Using a HTML 5 engine, tools and infrastructure that leverages ongoing work with DARPA"s ENGAGE Program, the technology provides both an Action and a Learning Mode and readily supports tailored learning and training, either based on proficiency (adaptive), or in scenarios customized for a particular game audience.