While concerns about game addiction have become prevalent over the past several years, games can also have benefits in therapeutic and educational settings.
Description:
My primary focus will be on specific gaming examples, both table-top and digital, that can help with outlined issues such as social anxiety, depression, building empathy, and others. I will also discuss gaming as it relates to self-care and general wellness. A conversation on the stigma of mental illness and how gaming can help and hurt will be opened up to the audience for discussion if time permits.
The practice demographic is primarily adults, but the concepts discussed are also very relevant to teenagers. I will provide a copy of the slides, as well as a list of works cited in the presentation that people can look up if they want more information on the topics presented.
Growing Your Own Geeks: Game Culture And Your Store
Summary:
Explore the world of “Gateway Games.” Learn how to spot gateway games and how to market and sell not only the games, but also the interpersonal experience inside each box during this session.
High School Subjects - Using Great Games in Your Classroom or Library
Summary:
Come learn from the experts about games that directly align to high school courses.
Description:
For more than 10 years, the Genesee Valley (NY) Game Library has supported classrooms with great games, lesson plans, and best practice for teaching with and designing games. Come learn from the experts about games that directly align to high school courses. You will leave this session with a resource list, example lesson plans, and tips for implementation including a handout for administrators and parents about how games and game design bring high school course content to life for students.
Discussion points on how to start, fund, and grow a middle school gaming club. We will discuss how to collaborate with teachers and administrators to make the club both an asset in the School.
We'll be walking through how to add game elements to most any topic to add fun and increase learning. As part of this session, you'll also work on developing one topic of your choice!
Description:
If you teach or have work projects that you'd like to gamify (either adding game elements to it or turning it outright into a game), this is the session for you! We'll be walking through how to add game elements to most any topic to add a bit (or a lot!) of fun and to increase learning. As part of this session, you'll also work on developing/gamifying one topic of your choice so you have something right as you come out!
Before our full day of gaming retail-focused business seminars and panels, come secure a good seat and meet the ION team while we all enjoy coffee, tea, and delicious pastries!