This seminar will examine the psychological, sociological, and educational benefits of superhero fantasies. Topics include identity formation, imagination, morality, and pro-social behavior.
Description:
This seminar will break down the psychological, sociological, and educational benefits that come from popular superhero stories. The discussion will include an examination of popular heroes and what they can teach us about our emotions, our fears, and our behaviors. We will discuss superheros as the new mythology, serving many of the roles of classic literature and ancient myth. We will examine how superheroes influence a child's identity formation, imagination, and can even encourage pro-social behaviors. Educators, child development professionals, parents, and anyone who loves the world of superheroes are welcome to join the discussion.
This presentation introduces concepts of Gamification and its use in our education system.
Description:
Gamification is the technique of using elements from classic and modern gaming to solve problems and learn in more exciting and complex ways. With the mechanics of gamification students are motivated to engage in desired behaviors by providing paths to mastery and autonomy in a way they have become accustomed through gaming technologies. This method takes advantage of humans' psychological predisposition to engage in gaming. By drawing techniques from table-top and modern video games parents and teachers might be able to take the “boring” out of learning!