Interest in so-called educational games has increased dramatically in the last decade. Not only are games growing in acceptance as learning tools in homes, schools, museums, and corporations, they have also become a target for educational researchers across the globe. Unfortunately, studies of their effectiveness have produced mixed results and new fundamental questions continue to emerge. 

Many of these questions take us back to the basics of developing computer-based learning environments, such as how to design effective learning environments, evaluate their effectiveness, and manage the tension between discovery and guided learning. So why the need to revisit these issues? What makes games different? Why do many believe that games provide new and important learning opportunities for players? We will ask these questions with a focus on the role of artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., modeling and adaptive algorithms) within game design. 

Because many educational games that are currently available in the marketplace do not adequately support the learner, such intelligent techniques may need to play a larger role in the future of educational games. Given the conference theme of Building Systems that Care, it is especially important to consider games that may be capable of stirring emotions in powerful ways through the use of narrative, sound, graphics, and challenge.
 

• The workshop proceedings are now available.
• A tentative workshop schedule is now available.
• We have now extended the submission deadline to May 1, 2009.
• The submission deadline is now set for April 16, 2009.  See the CFP for submission instructions.
• This website is now live (3/10/09).