Speak Up 2008: Gaming: Distraction or a New Way of Learning? (Central Library)
By Richard Eriksson on February 13, 2008 - 12:45pm
Speakers:
- Suzanne de Castell, Associate Dean of Education, Simon Fraser University
- Katherine Monk, National Film Critic, CanWest News Service
- Dave Warfield, Head of Game Design, Vancouver Film School
Moderated by Larry Kuehn, Trustee Vancouver Public Library Board
From the Speak Up 2008 pamphlet [PDF]:
The popularity of online games has never been greater than today. For some, games mean community and a new way of learning and being in the world while others fear some people may be leaving the real world behind and losing themselves in the virtual worlds of online role-playing. Our speakers will address the psychological and sociological effects of online gaming and the pros and cons of interacting in a virtual world. Come and discuss whether virtual personalities are
healthy or unhealthy, if gaming encourages isolation and addiction or greater sociability and creativity, and the phenomena of online communities like FaceBook and MySpace.
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From the Speak Up 2008: My Virtual World listing:
During this intriguing four-part series, expert panelists representing a broad range of perspectives on technology in the virtual and real worlds will address four key aspects of e-activity: Online Privacy, Gaming, Information Online and the Social Impacts of Our Virtual World. Participants are invited to share their thoughts about the role of technology in our world and how the rapidly advancing virtual world is increasingly intersecting with our daily lives.
