State of Play: A history of Playful Learning in 10 Video Games

State of Play: A history of Playful Learning in 10 Video Games

In this session I will explore how playful learning in higher education has evolved and become increasingly embedded in universities over the past twenty years. I will discuss my own research and experiences, highlighting video games that have influenced my practice or thinking.

About the Speaker

Professor Nic Whitton has a varied academic background starting with a degree in Business Management from the University of Newcastle followed by several years working in the not-for-profit sector.

She returned to education in her late twenties, undertaking a Masters degree in Information Systems at Edinburgh Napier University followed by a part-time PhD while working in a range of learning technology and academic development roles.

After completing her PhD in the potential of collaborative video games for learning Profesor Whitton worked in the School of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University until 2018. This was followed by a five-year stint as Director for the Centre for Academic Development at Durham University before moving to Northumbria in September 2023.