The Dungeon of Keys
Target Audience
Secondary Education Students in Game and Feature Film Animation Studies.
Learning Outcomes
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Navigation & Usage: Students will be able to configure the Graph Editor workspace by filtering specific attribute channels, normalizing view ranges to display disparate data types, and navigating time/value ranges to isolate keyframes.
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Control & Manipulation: Students will be able to construct custom acceleration patterns by converting default tangents to "Weighted Tangents" and breaking tangent handles to create sharp directional changes (e.g., impacts or contacts).
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Pattern Recognition: Students will be able to analyze a motion path solely by reading its function curve, correctly identifying behaviors such as holds, uniform velocity, and oscillation without viewing the 3D viewport.
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Application of Physics: Students will be able to synthesize the "Slow-in/Slow-out" animation principle by sculpting function curves that demonstrate appropriate weight, drag, and follow-through for a rigid body object.
Module Excerpt
Research Methods
The Dungeon of Keys eLearning module blends core learning theories to transform assessment into an immersive, cognitively engaging experience. By leveraging gamification and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), it drives intrinsic motivation and meaningful behavior change, shifting learners from passive recall to active participation.
Built on Constructivist Learning Theory, learners actively construct understanding through narrative discovery. Engagement is strengthened through SDT’s three drivers:
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Autonomy – branching choices give learners control
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Competence – challenges unlock progressively to build mastery
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Relatedness – immersive storytelling creates connection
This experience is brought to life through Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, embedding a continuous cycle of action and reflection:
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Knowledge checks function as active experimentation
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Immediate feedback supports reflection and improvement
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Quests and progression reinforce mastery
To deepen engagement, Narrative Transportation Theory draws learners into the story, reducing resistance and increasing investment. Meanwhile, Cognitive Load Theory ensures focus and clarity:
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Gamification enhances learning without distraction
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Rewards provide meaningful context
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Cognitive effort stays aligned to key objectives
Summary of
Theoretical
Framework
Key learning theories and their roles in shaping “The Dungeon of Keys” experience and learner outcomes.
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