Games+Learning+Society 10 Conference

Discussant:  Rebecca Black

Dense Worlds, Deep Characters: Role-Playing Games, World Building, and Creative Writing
Trent Hergenrader
While much critical attention in game studies focuses on the relationship between digital games and narrative, games of all types can act as excellent storytelling engines that encourage students to explore new directions with their writing. Reflecting on his experiences teaching college-level fiction writing built around role-playing games (RPGs), the author explains how a combination of RPG rules and aleatory elements provide both structure and spontaneity for beginning fiction writers, but also pose significant classroom challenges. He argues that instructors can use the combination of quantitative and qualitative information found in RPG catalogs can be used as models for the collaborative creation of fictional worlds through the processes of critical world building and detailed character creation exercises, which he explains in detail.

A World Filled with Darkness, Dungeons, and Dragons: Using Analog Role Playing Game Creation to Enhance Literature and Writing Instruction in High School English Classes
Kip Glazer, Trent Hergenrader
Many K-12 educators interested in better engaging with students in K-12 classrooms have turned to game-based learning; however, these instructors often mistakenly believe this approach is limited to using digital games to teach STEM skills. This paper argues that non-digital game-based approaches can be effective in teaching literacy skills, specifically through the use of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). When students turn a work of literature into a playable RPG, they develop a well-rounded sense of context for the work and learn about the inherent possibilities in the narrative. This approach also allows students to engage in collaborative knowledge-building, to gain experience with digital online writing tools, and experiment with their own creative production in different media. Students gain a deeper appreciation for literature while also developing important literacy skills in a fun and engaging group project.

Finding the Journal of Odysseus: A Pervasive Game in class
John Fallon
"Finding the Journal of Odysseus" is an ARG inspired pervasive game designed to pair with my reading of Homer's Odyssey in 7th grade English. It uses ARG style puzzles and narrative to engage students in their reading of the Odyssey as well as to emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, technological and creative skill sets within a game-based learning context.  It is currently in its second interation in a 7th grade all boys classroom at Fairfield Country Day School in Fairfield, CT.