Game Design and Virtual Worlds for STEM+Learning Online: Teachers as Game Masters

April 25, 2011 - 4:01pm | by Anonymous
Presenter(s)
James J. Jaurez (National University, US)
Larysa Nadolny (West Chester University of Pennsylvania, US)
Session Information
July 12, 2011 - 2:00pm
Date End Time: 
July 12, 2011 - 2:50pm
Session Type: 
Featured Session
Location: 
Crystal
Session Duration: 
50 Minutes
Concurrent Session: 
3
Virtual Session
Session Chair: 
Kathleen Ives
Abstract
Join two HP Catalyst grant winners to explore the role of the instructor in designing innovative game based learning experiences for students. You will see exciting applications of gaming and game design in open source environments, as we as a discuss of the practical applications for the modern classroom.
Extended Abstract

Join two HP Catalyst grant winners to explore the role of the instructor in designing innovative game based learning experiences for students and faculty as the role of teacher is expanded to game master. You will see exciting applications of gaming in open source environments, as we host an engaging discussion of practical game design theory, facilitation of faculty-student interactions, and transferring principles that lead to rich interactive educational experiences.  Depth of learning, motivation, and capturing the imagination of today’s learners drives this shift towards immersive game environments and new roles for teachers and students.

Larysa Nadolny was award associated membership in the HP Catalyst based up her work with science and ethics in the virtual world. SciEthics Interactive is a National Science Foundation funded project is designed to create virtual simulations with a science and ethics focus. Upper level undergraduate and graduate students will be able to experience real-world situations in the safety of a virtual environment.  The first project involving genetically modified salmon is completed, with two more innovative simulations to go. The first project will be shared at the presentation with access instructions.  

James Jaurez joins the conversation through the successful implementation of “student build games” for engineering courses at National University in conjunction with the HP Leadership and HP Catalyst Grants.  The expansion of this research into creating an online support collaborative to help initiate implementation of the Game Design Methodology (GDM) at other schools and organizations is the new focus for his grant team.  Ultimately, it is the belief of the research team that game design can be an exciting means for bolstering student engagement and outcomes across many academic disciplines and act as a bridge to real world experiences for the future of our students.

Lead Presenter
James Jaurez  James J. Jaurez is a an Assistant Professor with National University’s School of Media and Communication. He teaches courses in the Master of Science in Educational and Instructional Technology and in the Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment and Interactive Arts programs, which has lead him to pioneer a fusion of the two disciplines and collaborate on a Hewlett Packard Technology for Teaching – Higher Education – Leadership Grant. A PhD candidate through Nova Southeastern University, James’ dissertation work is in Epistemic Game Creation in the discipline of Computing Technology in Education. As a lead researcher for the HP grant, Jaurez is exploring the application of gaming to learning while leveraging the recreational elements of digital entertainment to enhance the rewards of learning. Now, in conjunction with grant Principal Investigator Professor Ronald Uhlig in the School of Engineering and Technology, he is taking wireless communications students and creating game designers out of them. These students are creating new games as part of their engineering courses. They are integrating information architecture and mapping technology into learning management systems, and creating entire games, then writing scholarly papers about their work. As board member for an organization called Learning for Life, Jaurez also uses video games to inspire juvenile court system kids in the area of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). His aim is to encourage academic and professional career paths in gaming, and inspire "at risk" youth to enroll in college. Jaurez also sits on the board of his local church and assists with outreach programs and ministries
   
 Larysa Nadolny Dr. Larysa Nadolny is an assistant professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In the College of Education, she is responsible for teaching courses on the integration of technology in education. Her research focus is on emerging technology and STEM, including virtual and augmented reality. She has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant for virtual worlds in the sciences, as well as associate membership in the HP Catalyst grant. You can find her publications, international presentations, and contact information on www.drnadolny.com.