Although researchers at ATC21S believe it is best to test collaborative problems through actual collaboration, PISA test takers will be paired with a virtual partner dubbed «Abby.» (scientificamerican.com)
Instead of short - answer questions or lengthier explanations, the test taker will record outcomes of games, solve jigsaw puzzles and perform experiments with the help of a virtual partner that the test taker can communicate with by typing in a chat box. (scientificamerican.com)
Veteran strategy game designer Brian Reynolds (Civilization II, Rise Of Nations) and his team at Zynga East took the habit - forming FarmVille formula and its farming / livestock mechanics, and expanded on it with varmints to clobber, quests / goals to complete, virtual partners to marry, families to raise, neighbors to visit and invite, badges to earn, and more in FrontierVille. (gamesetwatch.com)