Situated Learning in WoW: Exploring Random dungeons (PUGs)

In my ongoing quest to locate the pedagogical value of games (via game play, research and dialalogue), I have come across an interesting example of situated learning in WoW: The random dungeon, or “PUG.”
For those of you unfamiliar with the term, here is an excellent and educator friendly overview written by my edu-guildie, Grenhilda:
“A PUG [...]

“Authority” v. wikipedia (why teachers are picking the wrong fight)

Last week, one of my media course (ed PD) classmates talked about the ongoing struggle to help students make sense of the flood of information online. She cited a negative experience with wikipedia, which resulted in an energetic exchange about the merits (and challenges) with open online content.
It’s not about “authority” nor should it be
As [...]

Books: Media Meltdown – A Graphic Guide Adventure (in media literacy!)

As a media producer, educator and outspoken advocate of emergent media pedagogy (social and participatory media, Remix culture, Open Source publishing and production, Creative Commons open licensing and citizen media in all forms), I’m delighted to announce the launch of my (full disclosure) partner, author, Liam O’Donnell’s newest graphic novel, Media Meltdown. While I am [...]

Putting the social (justice) in social media pedagogy

For months, I’ve been trying to connect my wired educator network with ideas from critical pedagogy while looking to traditional academics (specialising in critical pedagogy, social justice and anti-oppression education) to share the key questions that might inform a meaningful assessment of web2.0 tools in relation to social justice, equity and diversity.
Here are a few [...]