sig+researchers


 * Researchers and Groups Directly involved in the ALT Games and Learning SIG**


 * IEC, University of Bolton**

Paul Hollins, Scott Wilson and David Sherlock have an involvement in games and learning, though not as the main focus of the research team. David and Scott are developers who have some games writing experience. Paul is a former games industry guy,


 * IEC were involved in the [|ARGOSI] alternate reality games project.
 * Scott has written some basic HTML5 games like [|Monster Math].
 * David has created some HTML5 [|game samples].


 * Katie Piatt (Learning Technologies Developer), University of Brighton**

Katie has been involved with various colleagues at Brighton developing Alternate Reality Games and quizzes. She has been working in the field of Learning Technologies for 10 years, with experience in development, implementation and evaluation. Her research focuses on methods of student engagement. Current projects include investigating the integration of social media with traditional environments and the introduction of game-based learning principles as part of this ALT special interest group.


 * 1) University of Brighton LearnHigher Fellowship "[|The Never Ending Uni Quiz]" (Personal award - 2008)
 * 2) Centre for Learning and Teaching Fellowship "[|studentquest]" (Personal award - 2007)
 * 3) European Conference on eLearning - Murder Mystery Conference Alternate Reality Game


 * Becka Colley, (Dean of Students), University of Bradford**

Becka has an interest in enhancing the student experience, and in particular how games and game based learning, can support this process. A keen geocacher, Becka is currently developing a geocaching based welcome activity for new students. The aim of this game is to introduce students to the campus and surrounding area in a friendly, group based environment. This will encourage the formation of new friendships as well as helping students to develop and enhance their group working, problem solving, time management and communication skills.


 * Andrew Walsh, Academic Librarian, National Teaching Fellow, University of Huddersfield**

http://www2.hud.ac.uk/staffprofiles/staffcv.php?staffid=903

Andrew is a researcher practitioner, whose research has largely focussed on improving the teaching of information skills, especially via the development and introduction of innovative and original means of information literacy instruction. Andrew is particularly interested in information literacy, the use of active learning within library sessions, the application of mobile technologies within the library environment, and taking advantage of appropriate Web 2.0 technologies to make his life easier. He is currently studying for a PhD within the School of Education and Professional Development at the University of Huddersfield.

He has undertaken numerous projects to improve teaching and learning, especially concerning mobile learning in libraries. The winner of the UC&R (University College & Research) group “Innovation Award” in 2009, the “LIRG (Library and Information Research Group) Research Award” in 2009 and runner up for the Information Literacy Group “Information literacy practitioner of the Year” in 2010, Andrew is a serial innovator always ready to share his experiences to enable others to develop their own services, and perhaps most importantly, avoid his mistakes. As such he publishes widely in trade publications as well as peer reviewed journals, has authored books on Active Learning and Mobile technology in libraries along with various book chapters, and is in demand as a keynote speaker internationally.

Most recently, Andrew has initiated, and is leading on, a social game based learning project suitable for both mobile and desktop use. Called “Lemon Tree” this was the first game of its type in UK libraries to be launched (October 2011), and aimed to increase the use of library resources through a mixture of online social networking and game style rewards.

Andrew is a University teaching Fellow and a National Teaching Fellow.

Paul has, over the last decade, written and presented extensively around games based Learning and the use of Multi User Virtual Environments (MUVE) in education. Prior to working in academia Paul was Director, responsible for licencing, of an international digital Games publisher and was directly responsible for the delivery of a number of AAA games (as well as one or two real turkeys).
 * Paul Hollins Director Institute Educational Cyberntics / JISC CETIS**

Mark's PhD is in Learners' Experience of Presence in Virtual Worlds, which he managed to complete in 2010 despite his Mass Effect obsession. He has recently seen himself referred to as one of the "elders" of virtual world use in UK education, though that might be just a reference to his actual age. His work in games and learning dates back to 2006 and the Kaleidoscope project Learning Patterns in the Design and Deployment of Mathematical Games, and he has worked with Warwick Medical School on the use of games for training of medics, medical students and promoting health.
 * Mark Childs, Senior Research Fellow, Coventry**

Alex has had long experience as both practitioner and researcher of course design and development for higher education; he also teaches innovative Digital Media games-based courses in Museum Studies and Historical Studies. His interest in games and learning covers student engagement, effective research skills and museum education and gaming; and is currently focussed around the use of non-digital games and pervasive contextual games. In researching online immersive games, he has suggested key features which can be transferred to higher education to ensure high engagement and community development. Alex was part of the team behind the first charity Alternative Reality Game, //Operation: Sleeper Cell;// and runs the //Great History Conundrum// game-based research skills course for first year Historical Studies students. He blogs at: []
 * Alex Moseley, Educational Designer / University Teaching Fellow, University of Leicester**