'Weed Wipeout': A computer game about weed management, suited to the changing learning environment

Abstract

Scientists, land managers, industry members and others involved with weed management need to be aware of the changing environment associated with managing weeds. Just as importantly, those involved with the development of resources to educate others about weed management need to adapt to the changing learning environment of their audience. 'Weed Wipeout' is a resource developed to suit the younger generation in schools. 'Weed Wipeout' is an interactive computer game developed by the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management (CRCAWM). In this game the player is required to make decisions regarding the most appropriate weed management techniques for different weeds on a farm. The feedback offered by school students and teachers who have played the game and the number of hits to the schools link of the CRCAWM's website where the game has been placed, indicate that this has been a successful development of a resource about weed management in a changing climate. This paper describes the impetus for this resource development, its developmental process, the game play and how the game has been received.