///////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ___ ___ ___ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\ \ /\__\ /\ \~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/::\ \ /:/ / /::\ \~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/:/\:\ \ /:/ / /:/\ \ \~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/:/ \:\ \ /:/ / _\:\~\ \ \~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/:/__/_\:\__\ /:/__/ /\ \:\ \ \__\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\:\ /\ \/__/ \:\ \ \:\ \:\ \/__/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\:\ \:\__\ \:\ \ \:\ \:\__\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\:\/:/ / \:\ \ \:\/:/ /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\::/ / \:\__\ \::/ /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/__/ \/__/ \/__/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __ _ __ _ _ ___ __ __ _ ____ ____ /__ /\ |\/||_ (_ | |_ /\ |_)|\ | | |\ |/__ (_ / \/ | |_ | \_/ \_|/--\| ||_ __) |_|_/--\| \| \|_|_| \|\_| __)\_/\__|_|_ | | VERSION 1.1b ///////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Thanks Jörg Seyfferth for the ASCII art: http://www.network-science.de/ascii/ This FAQ is for the Games, Learning & Society Conference, which is being held June 23rd - 24th. It will be held in Madison Wisconsin, at the Monona Terrace Convention center. http://www.glsconference.org ///////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ I Introduction A. Versions II. FAQ A. General Conference Questions B. Presenting at the Conference C. Accommodations and Transportation D. Registration E. About Madison III. Contact Information ///////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ SECTION I Introduction ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the FAQ for the Games, Learning & Society Conference! Please consult the conference website for general information, registration for the conference and proposal submissions. Questions not addressed in this FAQ should be sent to info@glsconference.org. A. Versions ---------------------------------------------------- 1.1b Made corrections to the date of speaker notification. 1.1 Updated information about wireless internet access. 1.0b Question added for teachers seeking continuing education units. 1.0 Information erros were corrected. 0.9b Spelling errors have bene corrected throughout the document. 0.9 This version includes many more questions expanded into subcategories. 0.8 The original version was created by Dan Norton with basic questions but cool art. ///////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ SECTION II FAQ ---------------------------------------------------- Questions answered in this FAQ. A. General Conference Questions ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Q: What is the GLS Conference? A: The Games, Learning & Society Conference. From the Overview: The Games, Learning & Society Conference to be held June 23-24, 2005 in Madison Wisconsin will explore issues of how videogames and digital media are impacting learning and society. Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Academic ADL Co-Lab, the GLS conference is designed to foster substantive discussion and collaboration among academics, designers, and educators interested in how videogames - commercial games and others - can enhance learning, culture, and education. Speakers, discussion groups, and interactive workshops and exhibits will focus on game design, game culture, and games' potential for learning and society more broadly. 2. Q: Where and when is the GLS Conference? A: The Conference will be held in the Monona Terrace Convention Center, in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, on the dates of June 23rd and 24th. Additionally, there will be a dinner party off site at the lovely Quivey's Grove. 3. Q: How much does it cost? A: Registration fees for the conference are not yet set. Early Registration (before May 1st) will be cheaper and is strongly encouraged. 4. Q: When you say "student discount", what constitutes a student? A: You need to be enrolled in an accredited University working toward a degree in order to be considered a student. 5. Q: How large/small is the GLS conference? A: We will cap attendance at 250, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will consist of academic researchers, game designers/developers, and K-12 teachers. 6. Q: What is the dress code for the conference? A: Since the conference will be a mix of academics, designers, and teachers, dress will be casual/business casual. It might get chilly inside the Monona Terrace facility so it is recommended that you bring a light jacket or sweater. 7. Q: What if I have special needs requirements? Who should I contact? A: We are glad to make any arrangements as needed. Please contact us at info@glsconference.org and we will assign someone to help you get answers to your questions. 8. Q: Will wireless internet service be available inside the conference facility? A: Yes! You may purchase wireless internet service when you register for the conference. You will receive an access number which may then be used once you arrive. 9. Q: When will the full conference program be available? A: Proposal acceptance and invitations to appear will be distributed on or about April 11th, 2005. As confirmed speakers are lined up, we will post program updates and abstracts to the SPEAKERS tab of this website. 10. Q: Will there be the opporutunity for K-12 instructors to earn continuing education units? A: Up to 1.5 units may be available. Please contact Marjee Chmiel at muchmiel@wisc.edu for more information. B. Presenting at the Conference ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Q: I am speaking at the conference and/or showing something at the exhibit and need to talk to someone about technical stuff. How do I get in touch with the right person? A: We will work with speakers individually based on each speaker’s specific needs. We will likely post more information on this as we get nearer to the conference date, but for now, please contact us at info@glsconference.org and we will assign someone to help you get answers to your questions. 2. Q: I have materials that I would like to send ahead to arrive the day before the conference begins. How do I do that? Will I be able to post handouts/materials online? A: We will likely post more information on this as we get nearer to the conference date, but for now, please contact us at info@glsconference.org and we will assign someone to help you get answers to your questions. 3. Q: What opportunities are available for sponsors? Who should I contact? A: If you would like your company represented at the Games, Learning and Society Conference, please contact Judy Brown (judy@academiccolab.org), Director of the Academic ADL Co-Lab: 608-263-9270. Alternatively, you may contact Karmen Lofton (karmen@academiccolab.org) at 608-263-6657. C. Accommodations and Transportation ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Q: Will there be parking available at Monona Terrace? Do I need a car in Madison? A: If you are driving to Madison, there are 600 on-site parking spaces in a cashier-operated parking structure at Monona Terrace, accessible via East Wilson St. and the eastbound lanes of John Nolen Drive. Monona Terrace is also walking distance from nearly all downtown hotels, so a car will not likely be necessary while you’re here. Parking can be difficult in Madison, especially downtown during the daytime, so conference participants are encouraged to use public transportation and/or leave their cars at their hotels during the day. Transportation will be provided by conference organizers to the Thursday night excursion. 2. Q: So that I can book my travel, what are the official start/end times for the conference? A: The conference program will begin at 9:00am Thursday morning, June 23rd, with a small reception the night before at the Hilton. The conference will officially close on Friday evening, June 24th. at approximately 4 pm (though this time may change as the conference schedule is finalized). 3. Q: When I called to reserve a room at the Hilton, I was told that it's full. Where should I stay? A: If the Hilton is full or you would like to stay somewhere else near the conference, we recommend the following hotels near the event. The Best Western Inn on the Park www.innonthepark.net is located just a few blocks away on the capitol square with a conference rate of $89. The Madison Concourse Hotel www.concoursehotel.com is also on the capitol square, on the opposite side of the capitol building. The Edgewater Hotel www.luxehotels.com/index.cfm?PropID=192 is about ½ mile north of the facility, across the isthmus on the shore of Lake Mendota (and closer to the UW-Madison campus) but is still within walking distance from the event and offers a business rate of $179. The Howard Johnson Hotel http://www.hjplazamadison.com/ is also within walking distance and is located about ¼ mile northwest of Monona Terrace just off bustling State Street and the UW-Madison campus. Madison also offers several top-notch bed & breakfast options, including the Hotel Ruby Marie www.rubymarie.com just down the hill from the capitol square, and two historic mansions near campus: Collins House www.collinshouse.com and the Mansion Hill Inn www.mansionhillinn.com. D. Registration ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Q: I would like to register at the student rate. What is your definition of a student? A: To register at the student rate you will need to be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited academic institution. Proof of current student status may be requested by the conference organizers at any time. 2. Q: Can I register for just one day of the conference? A: We will not be offering one-day registration, though you are invited to participate for one day at the full conference rate. 3. Q: What is your refund policy? A: If you cancel a registration before June 15, a full refund minus a $50 handling fee will be given. No refunds can be given after June 15th. A substitute may be sent in place of the original registrant, but the individual participant or company/organization is responsible for coordinating and communicating this to the Academic ADL Co-Lab. 4. Q: I wish to bring an extra guest(s) to the Thursday night event at Quivey’s Grove. Is this possible? A: Yes, additional guests may be brought for a fee of $55 each. You may request extra tickets when registering for the conference. If you have already registered, please contact info@glsconference.org with your additional requests. D. About Madison ---------------------------------------------------- 1. Q: What’s the weather like in Madison in late June? A: Madison is generally gorgeous in the summertime, with daytime highs in the upper 70s-mid 80s, nighttime lows in the 50s-60s. Early June is typically rainy so be prepared for some precipitation, especially near the lake. Because of the range in temperatures, winds off the lake and variability of air conditioning, wearing layers and carrying an umbrella are your best bet. As we get closer to the conference, we'll put a link on the Web site for Madison forecasts. 2. Q: Where can I play games while I’m in Madison? A: There will be games available to play the GLS conference itself. There is also a place called Aftershock on Williamson St. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~locations/PlaceSearch.php3?code=wimadaft) which specializes in classic arcade games. 3. Q: I'm arriving a day (or more) early and/or leaving late. Any recommendations for what to do with my free time? A: There's lots to do, depending on your interests and whether you'll have a car. Within walking distance of the Hilton and Monona Terrace, every Saturday morning around the state capitol, there is a fabulous farmers' market, the biggest in the country, in a stunning setting. Even if you're not looking to buy a dozen ears of sweet corn, you'll have fun joining the thousands of Madisonians who walk counter-clockwise round the market. If you like architecture, be sure to visit the State Capitol. You'll enjoy shopping, dining, and people-watching on State Street, which connects the University campus and the capitol. At the Hilton and Monona Terrace, you'll be right on one of the best bike/jog/walk paths in the city, which curves around Lake Monona to a great park on the other side. You can even rent a bicycle at the bike shop on the corner of John Nolen Drive and Williamson streets, which are just northeast of Monona Terrace. If you wander down State Street toward the UW-Madison campus, be sure to make your way over to Lake Mendota, the larger of Madison’s two major lakes. Once there, stop at the Memorial Union (the student union) to buy an ice cream cone (the famous ice cream is made on campus) or a beer (Gray’s Rathskeller Ale is only available here) and sit on the terrace overlooking the lake at the back of the union; many nights during the summer, there's great live music (free) on the Union terrace. (Be warned: to buy a beer at the Union, you'll need to bring a student with you or purchase a guest pass.) You might want to take a stroll or jog or bike on the lakeshore path, which runs west for a couple miles from the Memorial Union. The Elvehjem Museum of Art on campus is well worth a visit. There are many public golf courses in the city--the most challenging is University Ridge. A short drive away from the University is the Henry Vilas Zoo, a small but attractive and varied zoo. Best of all, its free. At the west end of campus is the famous Frank-Lloyd-Wright designed Unitarian Meeting House, well worth a look and tour. And if you're a Wright fan, you'll want to visit his home, studio, and school at Taliesen, in Spring Green, Wisconsin, an hour west of Madison. If you'll have children with you who like water parks, an hour north of Madison is Wisconsin Dells, filled with more (outdoor and indoor) water parks than you can count, including one that's touted as the largest in the country, Noah's Ark. If you're looking for the truly bizarre, you might want to tour the House on the Rock, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, an hour west of Madison-- a madman's endless collection of things, from rare and beautiful to pure kitch. Just southwest of Madison, in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is Cave of the Mounds. Devil's Lake State Park, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, 45 minutes north of Madison, features a beautiful lake, hiking trails, and striking cliffs (well, striking for the mountainless-Midwest). Also in Baraboo is the International Crane Foundation, a fascinating place to tour if you're interested in the restoration of endangered species. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an hour and a half east of Madison, offers great culture, history, dining, and neighborhoods. On the shore of Lake Michigan, the new addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a stunning piece of architecture. For details about any of these places and many more, check out the Madison Visitors Bureau web site (www.visitmadison.com) or Wisconsin's office of tourism web site (www.travelwisconsin.com). SECTION III Contact Information ---------------------------------------------------- For general questions about GLS, please visit: www.glsconference.org contact: info@glsconference.org SPONSORS: The UW-Madison School of Education - http://www.education.wisc.edu The Academic ADL Co-Laboratory - http://www.academiccolab.org For questions or suggestions about the FAQ: info@glsconference.org