There is a game-based learning gap.  This gap exists between how games are designed and the day-to-day needs of educators interested in facilitating game-based learning.  Game design is routinely driven by either higher education research or industry trends.  Where are the voices of educators?  Is it possible to map the #gblgap?  The number of hours a typical game designer spends in K-12 classrooms is far fewer than the 1,350 an average teacher does each year. Similarly, seldom are educators invited to share, learn, and create with game designers and leading researchers.  The Games+Learning+Society (GLS) Center is committed to identifying and closing the game-based learning gap.  We need more games designed expressly to meet educators’ teaching needs and - ultimately - students’ learning needs, too.

Over the next few months the GLS Center will begin a series of conversations about the #gblgap.  The GLS Center is uniquely positioned to facilitate conversations for better understanding the #gblgap, and for also seeding collaborations and creations to better meet the authentic needs of educators across grade levels, settings, and disciplines.  Some of these conversations will occur online via social media, others will happen in person at various events and conferences.

Join the #gblgap Conversation:

Friday, May 8th: Ohio University Playful Learning Summit

Saturday, May 16th: Clemson University Playful Learning Summit

Wednesday, May 27th: #edtechbridge Twitter chat at 7 PM EST

Tuesday, July 7th: Playful Learning Summit at GLS11

Be sure to check back often as we post information about additional #gblgap Twitter chats and webinars.

Have questions or want more info? Contact Remi Holden ([email protected]) or Beth King ([email protected]).