The 5th Irish Symposium on Game-Based-Learning (iGBL) will be a two-day event hosted at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire on Thursday 4th June & Friday 5th June 2015.
Now in its fifth year, iGBL is an international conference that provides a forum for academics, students and practitioners to disseminate research, exchange ideas and best practice on the use of games and gamification for enhancing teaching and learning. The conference has always aimed to be as inclusive as possible, bringing together teachers, students, industry and researchers who share a common interest in using games for learning in education and industry. The conference offers the opportunity to present, discuss and network with other like-minded practitioners, as well as providing a great opportunity to learn more about the different developmental approaches, educational applications and organisational opportunities for games.
The iGBL2015 will present an energetic and compelling programme with a focus on new developments in games, game-based learning and serious games. The theme for iGBL2015 is “Boosting GBL through Creativity” with a focus on the creative influences that enrich the gamers’ experience. To complement this wider perspective, this conference is expanding beyond the use of games and gamification to embrace the broader gaming environment. This expanded theme incorporates the creative influences associated with gaming and learning, such as game design elements, narrative, animation, user interface, characters, etc. These creative aspects of the gamers’ experience contribute significantly to the appeal and effectiveness of game-based learning.
Holding fast to iGBL’s history of inclusiveness, contributions are welcome within a wide range of topics and areas with representatives from both industry and academia. Completed research projects, such as action research, case studies and work-in-progress/posters are also welcome. Research-based submissions may include theoretical and/or empirical studies employing qualitative or quantitative methods. Proposals for workshops and interactive posters are also invited.
New this year, iGBL 2015 is introducing a student presentation and/or demo session with industry sponsored prizes. . This student competition is open to any student or recent graduate who have a contribution to GBL. The students will present their ideas during a presentation and/or demo session at the conference.
All accepted abstracts will be included in the conference proceedings, with the possibility of future publication in a themed journal issue or book.
Conference Themes
The IGBL 2015 sessions will be divided into three themes:
| Theme | Topics may include but are not limited to: |
| 1. Pedagogy, Educational and Social issues | · Pedagogical/learning theories for game based learning· Evaluation of game-based learning· Assessment in game-based learning· Integrating games into the curriculum· Social and collaborative aspects of game-based learning
· Gender/age/cultural issues |
| 2. Creative Issues in Game Development | · Designing games for learning· Best practices in game development· Alternative controls/ interfaces for games· Technologies, tools and platforms for developing games for learning· Technologies for mobile and multi-user games for learning
· Prototyping and/or playtesting · User interface and User Experience in games · Narrative/role-playing in game-based learning · Developing Characters & animations for learning games |
| 3. Gamification and Serious Games | · Gamification in industry· Serious games· Organisational issues when implementing games· Research Projects/ Case Studies |
Submission types
Prospective authors are invited to submit a proposal for one of the following four categories:
- Presentations (20 minutes, 5 minutes questions)
Presentations should be no more than 15-20 minutes in length with 5-10 minutes for questions. These may be present research studies on a relevant theme, work-in-progress, or case studies of GBL in action.
- Student Presentations or Gaming Demonstrations (5 minutes, 5 minute questions)
Undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to share research projects, coursework, case studies and work-in-progress around GBL to gain feedback on their work/ideas-to-date.
- Posters
Posters are a useful way of sharing information visually, such as research findings or innovative case studies of GBL in action. Submissions are invited for both traditional and electronic posters (for example using PowerPoint or Prezi). We ask that you submit a 300-500 word abstract describing your poster/electronic poster.
- Workshops (0.5 – 1 hour)
Workshops involve active participation and discussion with the focus on participants developing skills and/or practical ideas for implementing games/gamification in their own settings.
Workshops may be computer-based (in a laboratory environment) or may be classroom-based. However ALL workshops must include a significant practical element, with participation among attendees. When writing your abstract, please give indicative timings to outline the structure of your workshop.
Instructions for Authors
Authors are required to submit a 300-500 word abstract by 10th April 2015 (extended to 22nd April 2015). Submissions must be made via the online form (Submit via this online form). Please ensure that all required fields are completed.
Abstracts must include the proposed title for the submission, the full names and affiliations of all authors, and the contact details of at least one author. In the case of multiple authors, please specify the author(s) who will be the presenting at the symposium.
All submissions will be peer-reviewed through a double blind process. This review process will take approximately four weeks and notifications will be sent to authors by 1st May 2015. After the presenting author has booked their place at the symposium, the presentation will be fully accepted for inclusion in the programme and book of abstracts.
Important Dates:
- Abstract Submissions (for presentations, student competition, posters, workshops): 10 April 2015 (extended to 22nd April 2015)
- Author Notifications: 1 May 2015
- Final Submissions (for presentations, student competition, posters, workshops): 8 May 2015
- Conference: Thursday 4 June & Friday 5 June 2015
Organisation:
This conference will be hosted by the Department of Technology & Psychology in association with the Department of Entrepreneurship.
The Department of Technology and Psychology is part of the IADT Faculty of Film, Art and Creative Technologies. It offers highly innovative programmes across a range of disciplines in psychology, applied computing and digital media including:
- BSc (Hons) in Creative Media Technologies
- BSc (Hons) in Creative Computing
- BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology
- MSc in Cyberpsychology
These programmes combine technical skill and knowledge with an understanding of the context within which creative technology operates in society. In all of our areas of activity there is a strong emphasis on the human dimension to technology
Venue:
The symposium will be held at the IADT campus in the Carriglea building. The entrance foyer of the Carriglea building will be enhanced with displays of student work and external exhibitors.
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