BIOGRAPHY

Matthew Slaats is an artist focusing on the connection between technology and interactivity. Primarily he is interested in developing experiences which allow for a meaningful social connections between participants and their contexts. This work has lead to research being completed in the area of Ubiquitous computing and Augmented Reality Gaming.

Matthew earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and have honed his work through involvement of a variety of media. He has worked in theatre design, website development, video and performance. With shows in New York, Madison, Green Bay, and Switzerland he continues to work with the interesction between the digital and the real worlds. www.matthewslaats.com

ABSTRACT

With the development and adaptation of new technologies, the possibilities for embodied learning within real environments continue to expand. The use of hand held computers, wireless Internet, and global positioning systems are allowing students to explore contexts, which provide for a wide range of meanings and insights. Educators are now able to break out of the classroom, taking advantage of the vitality that only the real world can provide.

This workshop will focus its attention on technology being developed for learning in the area of Augmented Reality Gaming. It will discuss the integration of mobile devices into areas of simulation for exploring social interactivity, context sensitivity, connectivity and individuality. Presenters will provide a platform for how the layering of reality with virtual content can enhance and concentrate our interaction with the real world, allowing for meaningful play.

WORKSHOP: Augmented Reality Games

With the development and adaptation of new technologies, the possibilities for embodied learning within real environments continue to expand. The use of hand held computers, wireless Internet, and global positioning systems are allowing students to explore contexts, which provide for a wide range of meanings and insights. Educators are now able to break out of the classroom, taking advantage of the vitality that only the real world can provide.

This panel will focus its attention on technology being developed for learning in the area of Augmented Reality Gaming. It will discuss the integration of mobile devices into areas of simulation for exploring social interactivity, context sensitivity, connectivity and individuality. Presenters will provide a platform for how the layering of reality with virtual content can enhance and concentrate our interaction with the real world, allowing for meaningful play.