[Interactive Training] Private Eyes

Encouraging the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools has become increasingly important for ensuring the safety of children and the quality of school environments. Not only does IPM help reduce the risk of human pesticide exposure, it also protects the environment, reduces asthma triggers and allergens, and saves energy.

GAME DEVELOPMENT. In early 2006, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension began development of an educational first-person role-playing video game called “Pest Private Eye and the Case of IPM in Schools,” which showcases IPM. The target audience is children in grades four through six, although it can be played and enjoyed by almost anyone.

The game teaches children and the educators who work with them about pests and the tools necessary to successfully control pests using Integrated Pest Management techniques. Through increased awareness of IPM, players will be more likely to consider using IPM methods in their own homes or schools and to encourage others to do so.

In Pest Private Eye, players take on the role of “Pest PI,” an IPM detective, and explore 3-D environments where they learn about pests and IPM techniques, solve IPM puzzles by picking up and using items they find throughout the game, and apply all they have learned to ultimately solve a pest mystery. Penny Poe, Pest PI’s assistant, helps navigate players through the game.

The game begins by teaching players about a variety of pests, including rodents, insects, spiders, birds and wildlife. Then, players go to Pest PI’s office, where they learn about IPM concepts such as sanitation, exclusion, sticky traps, sealing and caulking, and moisture control.

Finally, the player, as Pest PI, visits Eureka Elementary, where he or she must solve the problems found in the school by applying what has just been learned about pests and IPM.

INTERACTIVE IPM. Another important aspect of Pest Private Eye is the player’s interaction with other characters in the game, which encourages teamwork. The school principal provides Pest PI with an early overview of the pest problems the school has been experiencing and what control methods have already been attempted. By talking to other staff members in the school, the player finds out what specific pests have been seen and gains clues about identification. The player can then make a decision about which IPM strategies to use.

Pest PI also speaks with a pest management professional working at Eureka Elementary to get an idea of what control methods the company has been using for the school. After this discussion, the pest management professional gives Pest PI his phone number, enabling the player to “call” for hints throughout the game.

In the real world, this interaction represents the importance of building a strong relationship between pest management professionals and staff, and working together when approaching an account’s pest problems.

WANT TO PLAY? In 2007, UNL Extension conducted pilot testing of Pest Private Eye at Nebraska schools, after-school programs, 4-H and other camps, and public library summer reading programs. Through a post-game survey, UNL Extension garnered feedback from participants which was used to improve the game and create a final version. UNL Extension also gave presentations at conferences for public librarians interested in using the game, and they plan to make similar presentations for Nebraska educators in 2008.

The finished game has been distributed in CD format, complete with a case and user’s guide, to Nebraska schools and libraries, as well as to participants of the pilot testing. CDs are available for purchase by the general public for $15. An accompanying Web site for the game is located at http://schoolipm.unl.edu/pestpi/ and offers a Flash movie that expands on the game storyline and gives further information about IPM; a Web version of the survey; a message board for players; and other Web sites and resources about pests and IPM. A link to an online version of the game (http://citnews.unl.edu/pestgame/) is also available.

IN THE FUTURE. The game will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis as UNL receives feedback and as software technology advances. Updates might include adding more active rooms for players to explore within Eureka Elementary School and increasing the challenge level to accommodate wider audiences. Other upgrades might include creating versions featuring other sensitive environments, such as day-care centers, hospitals or nursing homes.

The author is an extension assistant in the Pesticide Education Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.