Real-Time Research: Findings and Awards

Eric Zimmerman · Constance Steinkuehler · Kurt Squire · Seann Dikkers

Fri., June 12, 11:00–12:30, Play Circle Theater (2nd floor, West)

While research on many aspects of games and learning continues to progress rapidly, there are so many vital questions that remain unanswered. At the same time, few models exist for the successful collaboration of academics, designers, educators, and others. Real–Time Research is a two–part session that addresses these questions through a playful and somewhat improvisational investigation of what it means to do games research.

In the first session, attendees will collaboratively design one or more research experiments that will take place at GLS itself. Working within the constraints of the limited time and subjects available at the conference, student and technical resources will be made available to facilitate any needed research over the course of the conference. The second Real–Time Research session will be a review of the collected data, a wrap–up and debrief of the experience, and a discussion of the lessons learned.

With only 2 days to conceive, execute, and analyze an experiment, the expectations of Real–Time Research is not to make groundbreaking scholarly advancements in the field. Instead, the intent of these sessions are to explore the ways that scholars, designers, and educators might collaborate together, as we not only discuss but enact new forms of and questions for research. And who knows? We might actually uncover something genuinely new.