In the Library, with the Wrench
Don't let the length frighten you -- I promise, it moves quickly.
Using McGonigal and Colby in particular, I want this podcast to draw attention to the pedagogical potential for using the internet to play games. The goal of these games is to help the players hone analytic and writing skills through the games' challenges, while at the same time providing them with the opportunity to establish communities of collaboration through the internet. My goal is to shed light on the possibilities available to instructors for making use of this innovative teaching tool, as well as the potential for fostering a shared online space for collaborators to work with each other to solve mysteries or puzzles.
To ease story confusion, the students are (in order of mention): Cassie, Bobby, Amy, Monica, Frankie, Scott, and Lina.
As for professors, we have Talbot Mackenzie, the head of the English department, and of course, Professor Jane McGonigal, who is unfortunately deceased.
"River Flow" sound effect by Special FX4
Comments
Weird Email from Erin
Hey guys, I got this weird email from Erin a little while ago... I'm wondering if maybe there's a little more to this podcast?
From: Amelia Bennett (aeb89@fauxu.edu)
To: English Dept. Listserv.
Subject: Listserv Problem
All:
Due to an unfortunate (and as yet unexplained) problem with the listserv we are currently having a bit of an email mix-up on both the faculty and student lists. Because of this mix-up we’re still sorting students and faculty back onto the appropriate lists, so faculty may receive emails directed toward students and vice versa; we apologize for the inconvenience and we ask for a little patience while we work the problem out.
Thanks!
The English Department Staff
Another Strange Note
I found this note in my office today:
From the Desk of Jane
N --
You can't believe it -- someone just slipped a threatening note under my door. Old school, huh? It was a huge rant about my new class and how I stole the idea and people always steal his/her ideas and I would pay, etc.
What a narcissist.
Coffee at the usual time? I’d love for you to give me some input on the new class – you’re so good a these things!
-- J
I got another one!
Sunday March 20, 2011
12:15 am
Dear Class,
I know, I know – you’ll all be extremely disappointed to hear that I’ve decided to postpone the assignment on rivers and the puzzle of dams, which was originally due Monday.
Instead, please read the chapter on creating community space in virtual space – a problem with which, as an online class, I’m sure you can empathize. Brainstorm ways to create an atmosphere of free and collaborative thinking with your colleagues based on the ideas put forth by Brooks about virtual space.
Cheers,
Prof. McG :)