Decisions with consequence

When you can, create choices or decisions that have a consequence. i.e. that they matter. This sounds obvious but it is not always easy to do as an author. 

OpenLabyrinth makes it easy to set up cases that are not linear and that have many branches. But that in itself does not automatically generate meaningful choices. Think about key decision points in a case, where the choice made will have later consequences in how the case plays out. 

An early yet excellent example of this is the renowned Sarah-Jane case from SGUL. This case is deceptive - there is no fancy multimedia at all, but can be very challenging to complete successfully. Give it a go!

Another interesting example is 'Harriet has a fit' - this is a 3 part case, designed for group work. But the case only makes sense fully when you complete all 3 main areas of the case. 

The consequences of a decision can also be quite simple in changing a score or counter within a case. For example, you can give the learner feedback about costs of lab tests or prescriptions, using a simple Counter. 

We have even gone as far as taking this all the way up to a full out board game: 'Medical Careers' tracks your scores for health, money and reputation, just like the original board game, depending on which choices you make in your medical career.