Game to Learn conference brings eLearning experts from across Scotland to Abertay
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:20 pm
Educationalists, computing experts and others from across Scotland are at the University of Abertay Dundee today to discuss the latest advances in using computer games as a learning tool.
Abertay is hosting the annual conference of the eLearning Alliance Scotland, a body dedicated to promoting best practice and information sharing among organisations and individuals interested in using technology to enhance learning.
Almost 90 delegates are attending the “[url=\"http://www.gametolearn.org/\"]Game to Learn[/url]” conference today in Abertay’s National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education.
Thirteen organisations are giving presentations on topics ranging from learning by playing with Xbox and Wii, to experiences gained from working with Channel 4 Learning.
Other topics being covered include: how games can transform learning, why business can’t ignore the computer game, and gaming for health.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Pamela Kato, of the University of Utrecht, on the topic "Educating the World, One Cell At a Time". Dr. Kato is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of health psychology and video games.
She is currently developing a serious game simulation that takes the player on a journey through the body of young patients with different kinds of cancer.
The game was created in collaboration with video game developers and scientific and medical consultants and helps players stick to their prescribed treatments, giving them a sense of power and control over their disease.
Delegates will have the opportunity to try out online and installed games in a dedicated 'hands-on' lab in the Centre for Excellence.
Abertay computing lecturer and conference organiser Malcolm McTavish said: “We are delighted to be hosting this year’s eLearning Alliance conference. This is an exciting time for eLearning, as the technology matures and the Internet creates ever bigger opportunities for using games to bring education to life.
“Today’s conference gives our members a chance to listen to and meet some of the key people in the field, and try out some of the latest ’serious games’ to see for themselves how these games offer more than simple entertainment.
“It’s also an ideal opportunity to meet with others in Scotland’s eLearning community and discuss how we can all benefit from the application of gaming technology,” he added.
Abertay is hosting the annual conference of the eLearning Alliance Scotland, a body dedicated to promoting best practice and information sharing among organisations and individuals interested in using technology to enhance learning.
Almost 90 delegates are attending the “[url=\"http://www.gametolearn.org/\"]Game to Learn[/url]” conference today in Abertay’s National Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education.
Thirteen organisations are giving presentations on topics ranging from learning by playing with Xbox and Wii, to experiences gained from working with Channel 4 Learning.
Other topics being covered include: how games can transform learning, why business can’t ignore the computer game, and gaming for health.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Pamela Kato, of the University of Utrecht, on the topic "Educating the World, One Cell At a Time". Dr. Kato is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of health psychology and video games.
She is currently developing a serious game simulation that takes the player on a journey through the body of young patients with different kinds of cancer.
The game was created in collaboration with video game developers and scientific and medical consultants and helps players stick to their prescribed treatments, giving them a sense of power and control over their disease.
Delegates will have the opportunity to try out online and installed games in a dedicated 'hands-on' lab in the Centre for Excellence.
Abertay computing lecturer and conference organiser Malcolm McTavish said: “We are delighted to be hosting this year’s eLearning Alliance conference. This is an exciting time for eLearning, as the technology matures and the Internet creates ever bigger opportunities for using games to bring education to life.
“Today’s conference gives our members a chance to listen to and meet some of the key people in the field, and try out some of the latest ’serious games’ to see for themselves how these games offer more than simple entertainment.
“It’s also an ideal opportunity to meet with others in Scotland’s eLearning community and discuss how we can all benefit from the application of gaming technology,” he added.