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Meaningful Play 2018 at Michigan State University

Paper Information

TitleDriving the Bus: Designing Educational Alternate Reality Games for Reusability
Presenter(s)Kathryn Frew, Elizabeth Bonsignore, Derek Hansen, Kari Kraus, Anthony Pellicone and Skylar Hoffman
SessionAlternate Reality Games
TimeFriday, October 12, 10:30a-11:30a
LocationMSU Room
FormatPaper Presentation
DescriptionBecause alternate reality games (ARGs) are so time- and cost-intensive to produce, educational ARGs must be designed for reusability. We present a design framework for reusability centered on the objectives of adaptability, extensibility, and replayability. We then illustrate the use of this design framework with a case study of our ARG The Tessera, a ghost story designed to teach teenagers computational thinking skills and dispositions. By including narrative-driven calls to action and in-game communication for adaptability, an extensible participatory narrative, and the ability to replay levels to collaborate with and coach peers, The Tessera enables players to "drive the bus" of their own learning.

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