Training for Trainers Game-based Learning Workshop (Creative Multimedia Department)

The first Training for Trainers (TOT) GBL Workshop, organised for academics in the Creative Multimedia Department of FSKIK (Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry) will be held on the 9th April 2012 and 16th April 2012. Herewith the topics to be covered in the training:

Dr. Tan Wee Hoe (9 Apr)

• The nature of games: digital versus non-digital games 
• Game-based learning versus learn-based gaming: Case studies of GBL and LBG practices
• Guidelines and strategies for using games in educational contexts 

Dr. Muhammad Zaffwan Idris, aka Dr. Zaff (9 Apr)

• Design Thinking in game and game-based learning 

Dr. -Ing. Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim, aka Dr. Mai (16 Apr)

• Playing games vs designing games
• Educational programming languages (game authoring and creation tools)
• Theory & Practices: Designing and developing a simple game using Scratch

I have been looking forward to run this workshop since January--after I conducted two sessions of workshop on exploring the potential of games and GBL for UPSI teacher trainers, technicians and supporting staff in FSKIK and staff of the Centre for Educational Technology and Multimedia (no longer exist) on 17 and 18 January 2012. 

The purpose of conducting this workshop is to nurture trainers in GBL practice among the academics of Creative Multimedia Department. I would like my colleague who have interests in GBL practice to become professional trainers through training. When this training reaches its maturity one day, a training module would be developed in parallel with the offer of Postgraduate Certificate in Game-based Learning. 

There are two highlights in this TOT: Dr. Mai and Dr. Zaff. 

In UPSI, Dr. Mai is an recognised expert in GBL--her research publications were cited in International Journal of Game-based Learning (IJGBL). When she pursued a doctorate in Germany, she developed a set of usability guideline for designing game authoring tool for children. (See her PhD thesis). In a broader sense of GBL, designing game is indeed a form of deep learning based on games, as opposed to learning through game playing. So I am eager to learn more from Dr. Mai in her session. 

Another highlight is Dr. Zaff, who received his Professional Doctorate in Design from Swinburne University of Technology. Recently I discovered that he has burning interests in designing innovative toys for education. As an expert in branding of institution of higher learning, Dr. Zaff's insight on games used in education is worth your serious attention. 

Another thing...

I will share a book chapter that I am writing now with the participants. So do attend this session and preview this chapter. 

For those who are not invited, no worry. I will get my newly appointed Research Assistant to record the audio (I decided not to show my face) for post-workshop sharing in this blog.