A New Perspective Using Game Design (Multi-Lesson Course)

verview & purpose

This course delves into the profound significance of play as a conduit for exploring, comprehending, and reshaping the world. With an emphasis on its personal and transformative nature, the course illuminates how play fosters unique individual connections with the world, fostering knowledge, innovation, and personal growth.

lesson / activity

Part 1

Opening Reflection

Materials

WATCH: ‍

Game, Play, and Being Human

The 4 P’s of Creative Learning

READ: ‍

What Games Do Well

Play and Self-Regulation- Lessons from Vygotsky

REVIEW:

Bernie DeKoven and Deep Fun

EXPLORE:

Peter Gray’s work

Activity

Simple System Analysis

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Part 2

Opening Reflection

Materials

VIEW:

Values at Play Designer Interviews

READ: ‍

Designing Games to Foster Empathy

EXPLORE:

Game Mechanics Defined

Parts of a Game

Activity

Values at Play Brainstorming

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Part 3

Opening Reflection

Materials

PLAY:

Walden Where I Lived Game Module

READ: ‍

Walden Where I Lived Lessons

A Year At Play in the Woods of Walden Pond

EXPLORE:

Walden for Educators

Museum of Me (curriculum for the game, What Remains of Edith Finch)

Activity

Playing Games

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Part 4

Summative Reflection

Materials

READ: ‍

Sicart’s Play Matters

EXPLORE:

Games for Change Student Challenge Teacher Resources

iThrive Games resources, including the Game Design Kits and the Game Design Toolkit PDF

CREATE (optional):

Play Anything Game Design Challenge

Activity

Design a Pitch Deck