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LeAnne Wagner
wagnl555@newschool.edu
www.leannewagner.com

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Learning Through Play: A Study of Big Games and Situated Learning
My thesis is focused on how people can learn and connect through play, specifically through the play of big urban games. Big games are traditionally described as large-scale, multiplayer games that include some form of real-world interaction, for example, using the city streets as a game board. Through my thesis research I am analyzing big games for their strengths and learning cues, while simultaneously testing notions of interface, public space, and mobile media integration. By identifying the strengths and mapping learning goals to them I believe a game that encourages situated learning and community engagement can be created. The potential to create an experience that helps the player better understand and absorb the culture of a neighborhood and the people in it is where my research interests lie. Ultimately, I will consider the game to be successful if players learn something meaningful about their neighbors and environment from their neighbors and environment while playing.

Parsons New School Design and Technology
Faculty: Adam Chapman, Ethan Silverman

last update: 1.27.09