Alternate Reality Games for

Orientation, Socialisationand Induction

[Names]

By the end of the session participants will

Have experienced an ARG first hand

Recognise the components that make up the game

Be aware of the ARGOSI design framework and customizable artefacts

Have developed challenges for their own learning outcomes 

Overview[times] Introduction

[times] Playing the game

[times] The ARGOSI framework

[times] Developing challenges

[times] Conclusion

What are ARGs?Emerging game form - 2001Viral marketing toolReal world and online - variety of mediaNarrative unfolds over timeBuilt by the players - user-created artifactsCollaborative challenges‘This is not a game’ Typically niche but with high engagement

Why ARGs for education?

It’s a gaming environment Provides challenge, context and purpose Creates engagement and mystery

They’re collaborativeThey support active learning Problem-based, experiential, authentic

They’re lo-fidelity Encourages use of range of technologies Less development effort to produce and extend

They use ‘actual reality’ Enables orientation in the real-world Uses the best of each medium Links to community and other organisations

The ARGOSI projectARG to support student induction – one year JISC funded project Integrated gaming environment Meet InfoSkills learning outcomes Create social networks Improve student orientation confidence Engage in, and enjoy induction

Induction Lack of context Information overload ‘Pub’ focussed Little orientation to the city

ARGOSI structure

Narrative

Challenges Community

Narrative structureOverarching storyline Regular plot points when challenges released

Customisable sub-plots Related to learning outcome sets

ChallengesOnline and offline

Individual and group

Different levels of difficulty

Linked to InfoSkills learning outcomes Use Library catalogue to find specific items – call

number challenge Identify SSOs – door stickers Use online reading lists – hidden book

Range of ways to provide evidence

CommunitySocialisation

Online and offline

Shared goal

Forum collaboration