UNC-CH Information Technology Services

Games4Learning event to explore World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft, an online game popular with Generation Y and Millenials, may be a way to teach important concepts outside the classroom.

Laura Christopherson, doctoral student in the School of Information and Library Science, will present “Games4Learning: Learning and Entertainment in World of Warcraft” to explore potential lessons from games designed for entertainment. No experience with WoW is necessary. The event will take place at Toy Lounge (in Dey Hall) on Friday, Feb. 29, at 2:30 p.m.

World of Warcraft (WoW) is an example of a commercial massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). It is not designed for educational use, but players experience “accidental learning,” particularly in such areas as leadership, problem-solving, and strategy development. WoW players also participate in highly sophisticated communities in order to accomplish game goals.

This presentation is a part of the ongoing Games4Learning initiative sponsored by ITS. Games4Learning offers opportunities for campus to learn how computer games can impact learning, what kinds of technologies might be incorporated into games, and what funding opportunities exist for curriculum-based game development and research. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join the Games4Learning list to learn about events, funding, and collaboration opportunities at http://learnit.unc.edu/Games4Learning.