Monday, March 3, 2008
1:30 PM-5:00 PM
Abstract:
Games are often described as one of the most representative activity that can generate optimal experiences. They are also said to be not only an experience machine but also a learning one. So exciting avenues arise when one considers how teachers could benefit from these key concepts to optimize the learning experience in a traditional classroom or more effectively in an e-learning setting. The objective of this workshop is to present fundamental thoughts about how Csikszentmihalyi’s flow model and game concepts can lead to more effective and satisfactory course developments.
Objectives:
The objectives of this workshop are to present the fundamental elements of game design and transfer this knowledge in online learning environments. What can learners benefits from such enhanced environments? What can teachers expect from apply such valuable knowledge? What are the necessary steps in order to make the transfer viable?
Understand the relevance of game design for online learning environments
Motivate teachers and system developers to use game design perspective
Discuss game design features explicitly using industry concepts and academic frameworks
Relate current game designs to online learning examples
Develop a game design concept from initial idea to a full game design concept, using iterative design processes and prototyping
Outline:
The workshop intends to tackle the following issues:
- game design fundamentals: system, rules, procedures, challenges, resources
- parallels between games and online learning environments
- flow theory as a bridge between learning and gaming activities
- game design process
- game design documentation
- working out an example
- tips and pitfalls
- short exercices
- perspectives
- references
Prerequisites:
Anyone interested in how to improve their online learning environments and apply principles and methods from game design.
Intended Experience Level:
Intermediate
Instructor Qualifications:
I'm a University professor and the head of the new graduate studies program in Game Design in Canada. It is the first program in Canada to be available to university students after their bachelor degree, that focuses exclusively on the conceptual stage of game development. We are on the second year of operations and responses from the students and the industry have been tremendously positive so far.
As a psychologist, I'm responsible in the Game Design program for all contents related to players' experiences and interactions. What do players feel, think, do when they engage in games? What do they expect from such virtual environments? What and how do they learn the underlying system?
As a professor using online environments to support learning, I'm interested in catalyzing the processes using available technologies and stimulating conceptual approaches.
Therefore the combination of my theoritical background, conceptual knowledge and practical experience make my proposition a worthy addition to this exciting upcoming conference.