Applying a Playcentric Design Process to Creating a First-Year Experience Course

Abstract

Recent literature on the field of gaming and play in higher education has called for continued innovation and engagement with game-based curriculum and exploration of applications of game- and play-based learning in specific disciplines. In this chapter, the author describes the process of creating a first-year experience course based in game studies. Drawing from Fullerton's model of playcentric design, the author considered how to create a learning experience that simultaneously introduced students to the field of gaming studies and provided a solid foundation of academic literacies. This chapter includes a literature review of current research in the field of gaming and play in education; an overview of the curriculum the author developed for this learning experience, including highlights of learning activities, content, and materials; and discussion on building learning experiences around gaming and play.