In recent years Derek Robertson has become one of the most significant players in relation to the growth and acceptance of the practice of using game based learning in education. Since 2006 Derek, via the Consolarium initiative, has partnered local authorities and teachers throughout Scotland to explore the impact of computer games in the classroom and in so doing he has contributed to the growing body of work that is helping to change the discourse about the position and practical application of games based learning in classrooms. Using commercially available games that sit within learners cultural domains Derek has shown that games made for entertainment have huge potential to be used to help educate. He passionately believes that the major console players are already making educational games and that we need to frame our thinking in such a way that we become more critical of the digital resources that are used in schools and aware of the cultural world in which young learners situate themselves.

This highly interactive session for teachers will frame his work, ideas and methodologies within the developing concept of Signature Pedagogies that one may associate with game based learning and in order to make sense of these he will show real initiatives where games are being used to enrich, enhance and in some cases transform the educational experience of learners. 

Suitability: CPD
Curriculum: All