Likening Role Playing Games to real world situations, the journalism school at University of Minnesota has adapted the RPG Neverwinter Nights for pupils to practice their interviewing techniques. It's a rather novel application of interactivity to real-world skills, aimed at teaching critical thinking, argument development, knowledge management and etiquette. From Opposable Thumbs:
With the help of designer Matt Taylor, the game environment was changed into the fictional town of Harperville. Students are then assigned to cover the story of a train derailment and toxic spill. By exploring their surroundings and starting conversations with the residents, students collect information with which to write their story with. But just like in real life, you can get a "No comment" from your interview subjects; if your in-game attitude is too rude, conversations will end with an abrupt "Excuse me, I don't like your attitude."
Via Yahoo
