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New Tool For Educational Game Design


Via: Educational Video Game Design - A Research/Design Methodology

In November 2008, as a speaker for the "Serious Game"s track at the Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS) 2008, René Saint-Pierre presented the results of his doctoral dissertation on Educational Video Game Design, completed in 2007 at the University of Quebec, Montreal.

He believes that the creative methodology of his dissertation could be useful for school curriculum, extracurricular activities (such as museums and cultural centers) and business contexts, contributing to build Educational Video Game Design capabilities for art, science and technology professionals.

Here is the link to the online version of his dissertation briefing:
http://www.clikmedia.ca/CM/.

At MIGS 2008, René presented his method to assist artists and designers in the complex process of conceptualizing educational video games. It is oriented towards professionals who work in culture, education, science, art and communications domains as well as in research and experimentation.The presentation exposed the variety of multimedia production formats that respond to the demands of diversified audiences. He also "presented" the player at the heart of a dynamic system where he/she is an actor who can intervene on the components of a play area with a storyline.

Finally he demonstrated how playing video games can enhance some affective, cognitive and communication processes therefore opening avenues to the emergent evolution of learning and knowledge.This presentation was the window display of René St. Pierre’s research for his doctoral thesis. It consisted of four capsules that describe the potential of educational video games while presenting the theoretical and practical concepts that are prerequisites to understanding and practicing multimedia design.


About René Saint-Pierre

René Saint-Pierre has been developing and applying a research/design methodology involving digital technologies for more than twenty years.

His early exploration involved computer-assisted musical orchestration (MIDI), theatre, performance and other multimedia events.

He then offered his services to the cultural and corporate sectors by participating in the design and production of audiovisual documents, media arts installations, interactive terminals, CD-ROMs and websites.

In 1999, he completed his Masters in Communication at UQAM and in 2007, he obtained a Doctorate in Art Studies and Practices from the UQAM School of Visual and Media Arts.

His thesis proposed a research/design methodology for the design and development of educational video games. He is currently involved in post-doctoral studies to further develop and share his research hypotheses with the international community of researchers and practitioners working in the emerging market of "Serious Games".