Proceedings of the 10th International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis

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JDConsult: An example <strong>of</strong> immersion learning
Jeannette McDonald, Michael Thomas Collins
School <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Medicine, University <strong>of</strong> Wisconsin, Madison, USA
JDConsult is a novel approach to hands-on learning in a virtual environment. Our objective was to design a
simulation that provides veterinarians <strong>the</strong> opportunity to assess and advise a variety <strong>of</strong> producers with different
infection rates, business goals, and management styles. Using pilot funding from <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Wisconsin
Department <strong>of</strong> Informational Technology, and additional funding from JDIP, we created a game where learners
take on <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> a new veterinarian in a national consulting practice. As such, <strong>the</strong> learner visits different
farms across <strong>the</strong> country. The game was designed based on <strong>the</strong> Best Test Special Report paper published by
M.T.Collins, et al. in <strong>the</strong> December 15, 2006 issue <strong>of</strong> JAVMA. Learners look around <strong>the</strong> farm, get information
from <strong>the</strong> producer and <strong>the</strong>n make recommendations regarding management changes, testing, and what actions
to take based on testing. The owner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> practice gives immediate personalized feedback to <strong>the</strong> learner
and provides expert modeling. Use <strong>of</strong> animated avatars provides a more realistic experience and adds to <strong>the</strong>
gaming quality. By playing this game, learners visit different types <strong>of</strong> operations, are exposed to <strong>the</strong> myriad <strong>of</strong>
issues affecting control <strong>of</strong> Johne’s disease, and get first hand experience at advising producers. We will demonstrate
<strong>the</strong> features <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> game, share <strong>the</strong> technical aspects and considerations encountered in developing
<strong>the</strong> game, explain <strong>the</strong> iterative nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> development process, and discuss <strong>the</strong> pedagogical basis underlying
<strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> game. We will conclude with a discussion with <strong>the</strong> audience <strong>of</strong> potential uses and applications
for this educational game.
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