Last week we met up for our first (and potentially only) project retreat with an almost full team of academics and learning designers from our 6 institutions (Northumbria University, Coventry University, Anglia Ruskin University, Durham University, University of the Arts London, and University of Sussex).
During this weekend we co-designed the framework and resources our RE:PLAY fellows will use during their module re-design process. We already have some active Fellows doing data collection as we speak, ready for their re-design post this initial run.
In groups we explored islands of play where each group took one playful learning approach and created an island and accompanying advertisement poster, highlighting the opportunities and pitfalls of each of the 8 playful approaches: (Whitton, 2023): 1) roleplay (taking alternate identities); 2) simulations (modelling the real world); 3) traditional play (e.g. card games, toys); 4) digital worlds (e.g. video games, virtual worlds); 5) playmaking (designing play experiences); 6) hybrid play (e.g. alternate reality games, escape rooms); 7) gamification (using game mechanics); and 8) playfulness (facilitating playful engagement).
We then proceeded to explore what a module re-design could look like from the perspective of a RE:PLAY Fellow utilising a co-design process, by brainstorming the re-design process, and the resources needed to complete it. This was followed up by a day dedicated to planning and designing resources that RE:PLAY fellows will need – and future proofing them for wannabe playful practitioners that want to develop their own playful learning approaches. These resources are now under development so watch this space if you are interested in using them in your practice.
It was great to meet everyone, and to get the wheels in motion. Even in our off-time we incorporated play with our bring-your-own-boardgames social. Thank you to Hazlewood Castle, Yorkshire for having us – and special shout out to Peter the Peacock for welcoming us to his realm.
