Learning Deliberately: Walden, a Game-Based Curriculum

Abstract

This hands-on workshop will present strategies and examples of how to design game-based learning that treats games as multi-model texts in a broader ecology of learning. As part of the Walden, a game EDU project, an interdisciplinary team of educators, researchers, curriculum designers, evaluators outreach experts, and game designers have re-designed the core experience of the award-winning independent game, Walden, a game (https://www.waldengame.com/educators), to develop inclusive, classroom-friendly, and standards-aligned games-based learning modules. This workshop includes a hands-on demonstration of these new educational game modules and integrated curriculum. These lessons use the game as a text to prompt critical discussion and learning. The session reflects on what we learned when we applied a playcentric design method to the challenges of teaching during COVID-19 and beyond. Participants will engage collaboratively with the lessons and will take away best practices in the use and design of multimodal learning games.