Description
Students enrolled in Dr. Kris Alexander's Intro to Game Design course at The Creative School are learning the difference between playing and creating - from dissecting games to hearing from unique guest speakers. Over 300 students enrolled in this course from across many disciplines across Toronto Metropolitan University, including over 32 different disciplines, explored how video games influence culture, community, and creativity. In this course, the boundaries between digital narratives and reality blur as students engage in thought-provoking assignments and discussions that challenge traditional viewpoints in a live virtual simulation learning environment.
When focusing on the elements of video games that extend beyond playing, the opportunities that come with learning video game design are endless.
Spanning across disciplines such as medicine, engineering and finance, video games, in an academic context, serve as a dual-purpose conduit to facilitate learning and educate individuals through critical thinking. From his recent TED Talk, Dr. Alexander noted:
“Video games, by design, are a complex blend of audio, text, video and interactivity that can intensify focus,” said Dr. Alexander. “And because of their enjoyment factor, these components of video games can help with something our students desperately need in the classroom: motivation.”
To combat the negative stereotypes surrounding gaming, Dr. Alexander uses the term "Pixels with Purpose." Games are not always mindless distractions; the tiny pixels on screens can be the agents of change in our digital world, telling diverse stories and leaving a tangible impact.
Students stumble upon knowledge in unexpected, unscripted moments. This spontaneous learning mirrors the real-world chaos and unpredictability, preparing students to navigate the twists and turns of life with ease.
“I am not just teaching game design,” Dr. Alexander adds. “I'm also using the mechanics of video games to trick students into learning effective storytelling, user engagement, and even graphic design, exploring complex concepts like history, sexism, racism, corporate culture and tokenism.”
Dr. Alexander’s research focuses on how video game design provides a model for developing active engagement within higher education. By incorporating game mechanics, educators can harness the inherently engaging and motivating nature of games to create proactive student learning.
Food & Drink
Food and drink aren't permitted in the theatre. The exception is a show with a bar or concession running — when there is one, we'll say so on the event page.
