Tasks-Interactions-Environment for Simulations and Serious Games (TIE-SSG) Framework: Exploring Practical Applications

Abstract

Simulations and Serious Games (SSGs) are increasingly recognized as effective and flexible tools for supporting
education. Despite their potential, selecting and appropriately using SSGs within learning pathways remains a significant
challenge. To address this, the Task-Interaction-Environment for Simulations and Serious Games (TIE-SSG) framework was
developed. This framework is designed to evaluate and integrate SSGs based on their fidelity levels, while adhering to
instructional scaffolding principles to achieve specific learning goals (Frøland et al., 2025). This paper introduces strategies
for utilizing the TIE-SSG framework to evaluate and seamlessly integrate SSGs into educational curricula, particularly for
healthcare education. It outlines a step-by-step guideline that emphasizes three key phases: (1) prerequisites, (2)
assessment, and (3) integration. Supporting tools and templates are provided to standardize evaluations and facilitate the
alignment of SSGs with learning objectives. The practical application of the TIE-SSG framework is demonstrated through a
case study on teaching phlebotomy. The case study illustrates how the framework supports the systematic integration of
SSGs into educational curricula. Specifically, the approach enables the comparison, selection, and alignment of SSGs with
student learning objectives, ensuring their effective use in achieving desired educational outcomes. By providing a structured
approach to evaluating and integrating SSGs, the TIE-SSG framework facilitates evidence-based decision-making in
educational contexts. This systematic method helps educators align SSGs with learning goals, enhancing the overall
effectiveness of their use in curricula. The framework offers a robust tool for addressing the challenges of incorporating SSGs
into diverse learning pathways.