Games, simulations and conceptual workshops are scripts for experience, small worlds of meaningful engagement with information and ideas, and with problems and solutions. This two-quarter academic program is intended to introduce participants to the design and effective use of interactive learning activities in education, in management, and in efforts toward social change and civic engagement.

New students are very welcome in Winter quarter. In the fall, program members learned and applied game design theory while playing, analyzing, and assessing a variety of games.  Students also developed  simple learning games individually and in groups, before completing a major game modification project.

We will be reading an introductory design text during winter, to develop a shared knowledge base with new program participants. We also will continue our engagement with research, theory, and game design, through reading and participation in collaborative activities – including the application of theory to play and analysis of existing learning, management and social change games. Program participants will form design groups to support each other as teams and individuals develop serious games (games with a purpose) on a topic of their choosing. During this process, each design team or individual will complete and present during a P2L Game Jam at least one major revision to their game.

By the end of winter quarter, we will have enjoyed opportunities to acquire broadly-based literacy in design thinking, and in basic planning, design, evaluation, reviewing and selection of games for learning and change -- and will understand the qualities of games and simulations that make these activities effective as tools. Through design work and accompanying assignments, including completion of an independent research project in a subject area selected by each participant, students may earn up to four credits in a specialty area such as management, education, social justice, recreation leadership, or social history.