Nerdtopia

Of course, as soon as I post my last missive this article would turn up from The Escapist. I’m not sure that Lee Sheldon is the Colleague that Schell mentions in his presentation but the odds seem good. There’s no real layout on how to use this system in a classroom setting,  and the experience points eventually it still relate to a letter grade. Though, I knew this was the natural progression, I’m still a little disappointed. I really expected there to be more to it. Sheldon’s courses aer game design so it makes sense that this system would work within the confines of that environment. What about the everyday classroom though? This is a line I’m still following on my own. I recently tried making a connection between school and the Legend of Zelda with my son. We got a little off track but I think the premise is solid.

What interests me about Sheldon’s interview is where he sees the potential progression into the workforce as this “gamer” generation applies the same principles to the workplace. Greg Tito, writer for The Escapist, likens the philosophy to a fast food employee. Once enough experience had been earned at the fry station, the employee could level up to burgers leaving third degree burns to the noobs.

I don’t want anyone hurting themselves so I warn you straight off that this is a 30 minute video but well worth it if you’re even considering a future in media arts. Even if you’re not Mr. Schells’ ideas, should they indeed come to fruition, are at once an astounding and terrifying glimpse of what our lives might become one day.

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