The Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies Professorship in Digital Learning is a critical linchpin in the School of Education, Health and Society’s efforts to build interdisciplinary synergy among various technology initiatives. Desirable candidates will be influential, inspirational, and collaborative, inviting faculty and students to think and act differently as educators and researchers, and have knowledge of and experience with multicultural populations. A successful candidate will be one who can work independently within EHS, AIMS, and as an ambassador to other constituencies.

Required qualifications include: earned doctorate in a field of study represented in the departments of the School of Education, Health & Society; ABD applications accepted with completion by the date of appointment; established interest in interactive digital learning in educational contexts with expertise in one or more of the following areas: e-instruction (mobile, web, distance), social media pedagogy and theory, online content creation/critique, mixed-reality simulation environments, or gaming (games for change, game-based learning); be knowledgeable about and responsive to the different ways technology has changed society; keen interpersonal and communication skills; a documented record of collaborative experiences.

To apply, send a cover letter describing interest in the position, a CV, and a list of 3-5 references to: Dr. Bruce Perry, Chair AIMS Professorship Search Committee, 207 McGuffey Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056. Electronic submission of application preferred. Email contact: perrybe@muohio.edu. Application screening begins October 1, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.

Chartered in 1809, Miami University (www.muohio.edu) offers nationally recognized degree programs, both undergraduate and graduate, in arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and fine arts to more than 20,000 students each year at our main campus in Oxford, at our regional facilities in nearby Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, and at our Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. Regularly cited as one of the top public universities in the nation, Miami is consistently praised for practices leading to student success: personal attention from faculty, participation in significant research, opportunities for leadership, and support for study abroad. Residing in the greater metropolitan areas of both Cincinnati and Dayton, Miami plays a leading role in the growth of the region. The School of Education, Health & Society (www.muohio.edu/ehs), one of the University’s six academic divisions, includes five departments: Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, Family Studies and Social Work, Kinesiology and Health, and Teacher Education. Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies (www.aims.muohio.edu) is an innovative degree-granting program driven by emerging interactive technologies and a cohort of collaborative faculty who build “horizontal” curriculum and research across campus.

The PDF announcement can be downloaded here: http://www.lgrace.com/armstrongprofessorship.pdf

Hey,

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There have been brand ambassadors for retailers on several large campuses, wearing the latest mall fashions in an effort to encourage their college classmates to do the same. What’s particularly interesting here is the idea that the primary job responsibility is not necessarily taking notes, but recruiting others to take notes. I recall an old academic guard that considered test files a form of cheating or at least an issue in academic honesty. I wonder how that changes when its institutionalized into a paying system. I’m hoping it was a mistake to send this invitation to a faculty member.

Bye, Bye Birdies: A super casual shooter
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bye-bye-birds/id504325261?mt=8

Bikini Beach Zombie Massacre: A zombie shooter lightly modeled after 1960′s film, with sexual undertones.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bikini-beach-zombie-massacre/id506730655?mt=8

My Child Knows Chinese: A series of games for toddlers to learn Mandarin Chinese
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-child-knows-chinese-transporation/id505605682?mt=8

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-child-knows-chinese-numbers/id505303524?mt=8

All of the games were made Game Jam Style, in less than 48 hours. As a rule, the initial game had to be submitted to Apple within 48 hours of putting pen to paper. Let’s see how it goes. Bye, Bye Birds has 5 starts right now – thank you friends.

Department of Art/Graphic Design Program: Tenure-track Assistant Professor. Responsibilities include teaching and advising in graphic design at the undergraduate level, with opportunity for graduate teaching; creative work and research requirements consistent with tenure expectations; and service requirements such as committee work, facility supervision, and/or administration of the program.

Candidate should have a strong interactive focus. Advanced skills in interactive design are required, including work in various types of interfaces (web, tablet, smart phone). Required expertise in computer programs for graphic and interactive design, and programming skills. MFA or equivalent required for start date of 8/2012 (MFA as of 12/2012 considered). Desire: Professional experience in the field, teaching experience, working knowledge of time-based/video software, and contribution to diversity.

Opportunities for Our New Professor Include:
-help to build a new MFA program in graphic design.
-assist with the continuing evolution of the undergraduate BFA and a new undergraduate minor.
- work closely with the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies, a transdisciplinary program at Miami University that examines how digital
media is disrupting traditional disciplines.
-access to cutting edge technology and equipment, such as the rapid prototyping lab (a 3D Printer, 3D Scanner, Laser Cutter, Plasma Cutter, and Prototyping Mill), as well as the John Smale Visualization Center (a suite of 3D and visualization tools including an immersive virtual reality cube (CAVE-like system), hologram wall, immersa-desk, portable 3D projection system, and more.)
-lead students in collaborative projects with real world clients, such as Hulu, Nestlé, and P&G.
-summer travel opportunities in various locations throughout the world.
-enjoy the creative energy that comes from being housed in an art department

Send a letter of interest including contact information with email; vitae; contact information for three references; examples of recent work and examples of student work (in a digital format); statement of teaching philosophy via email to Helen Armstrong, armstrh@muohio.edu.

For more information about the graphic design program please visit http://www.graphicdesignmiami.org. Screening of applications begins January 8, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.

Miami University is an EOE/AA employer with smoke-free campuses. Right to Know‹Consumer information http://www.miami.muohio.edu/about-miami/publications-and-policies/student-consumer-info/index.html. Hard copy upon request.

Zombie Racing from Miami University Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies

Zombie Racing is a Miami University Student designed game by Jacob Berding. The game was developed by Operation Video Game and is a brother to Horse Owner. The game allows you to own a zombie. You can train and feed your zombie before the big race, where you compete with 5 other zombies for track domination. Give your Zombie a name, number and choose its zombie type. Train in 3 mini games for skill points that improve your zombies speed, acceleration, and stamina. There are 16 tracks that have 3 different themes and 4 different lengths to create endless play. Race between your classes, or on your way into work. All the races last less than a minute!!!

Critical Gameplay is simply about raising questions that encourage critical reflection on gameplay experiences. A Critical Gameplay game is valued in intellectual profit.

The tutorial, levels 1, 2 and 3 depict the Nanjing Massacre, the largest historical atrocity whose fact and fiction are continuously debated.

This version of the game includes a similarly themed game-toy, called Bang! This mini game allows the player to kill other players, but by killing them the player must endure a long interruptive experience which forces the player to review the fictive history of their victim’s life.

Virtual Horse Racing 3D

Virtual Horse Racing 3D is first on our list because of the 3D simulation environment. The game provides multiple types of betting styles to give the player the true horse betting experience. Also, the simulation is not only exciting to watch, it provides a slow motion view when the first horse is crossing the finish line. This is a unique experience that allows the user a glimpse into horse racing.
Price – $1.99

Horse Owner

Horse Owner is our top pick for customization. This is the only game that we could find that provides the player with the ability to train and customize their horse and then race it against other horses. The style of the game is unique to any other horse racing game and provides a simple design while maintaining the horse racing experience. The game includes a variety of factors that play a role in the races, including terrain, stamina, acceleration, and speed. Even a horses race types are included in the game. The three race types are Front Runner, With the Pace, and Off the Pace. This creates a real world horse racing experience that I am drawn into every time I race. It also provides 3 mini games that the player has to complete successfully in order to gain skill points to improve your horses’ abilities.

Price – $.99

The Racing Post

The Racing Post is a fantastic resource for betting. It not only does provides real information on the races, it allows you to place real time bets on your phone through a William Hill account. There is also a live prices and radio from William Hill that allows you to get the most up to date report on the races. The app provides video, individual horse forms, and race cards. This is a great app for someone who loves to place real bets without waiting in line.

Price – Free

MyHorse

MyHorse was another fantastic horse game that provides the player with great customization. You can compete in competitions, take care of your horse by grooming and feeding it, and you can even visit your friends’ stable. Its only down fall in my opinion is it doesn’t include horse racing. It has great gameplay and beautiful graphics, but even though it is free you have in-app purchases that you must pay in order to play the game.

Price – Free

Equibase Today’s Racing

Equibase is a great resource for horse racing information. It provides result charts with replays to get the current and previous days race results. Know each day, which horses are entered for every race on every track. Also, you can get a look into what future races are on the schedule. The only downside on the app is that it only provides you information, you cant place bets or simulate races, but it does the best job at organizing race information.

Price – Free

Also of interest and true to form for our Armstrong Institute for interactive Media Studies students – the two students who made the game aren’t traditional game majors. They are both marketing students who were simply interested in how play could be used to help their future careers in business.

Take a look at their work and feel free to comment. More info is available at the following URLS:

http://Students.LGrace.com
http://Miami.LGrace.com

6th International Conference on the Philosophy of Computer Games: The Nature of Player Experience

We hereby invite scholars in any field of studies who take a
professional interest in the philosophy of computer games to submit
papers to the 6th International Conference on the Philosophy of Computer
Games, to be held in Madrid, Spain, on January 29th-31st 2012. Accepted
papers will have a clear focus on philosophy and philosophical issues in
relation to computer games. They will refer to specific examples from
computer games rather than merely invoke them in general terms.

The over-arching theme of the conference is The Nature of Player
Experience. Over the past decade, the topic of player experience has
attracted attention from a multitude of disciplines and practices
focusing on computer games. For this conference, we are soliciting
proposals that examine the philosophical underpinnings of player
experience from a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to
those mentioned below.

- Imagination and interpretation
- World, space and experience
- Technology, process, and experience
- Experience of time in computer game play
- Embodiment and player experience
- Emotions and player experience
- Perspectives on aesthetics and player experience
- Perspectives on ethics and player experience
- Methodological and epistemological considerations on studying player
experience

We invite abstracts of maximum 1000 words including bibliography. If
your submission falls under one or more headings, please indicate which
ones. Deadline for submissions is 17:00 GMT, October 1st, 2011. Please
submit your abstract in PDF format through
http://review.gamephilosophy.org. All submitted abstracts will be
subject to double blind peer review, and the program committee will make
a final selection of papers for the conference on the basis of this.
Some papers may be accepted for alternative forms of presentation, such
as poster sessions, workshops, or demonstrations. A full paper draft
must then be submitted by January 1st, 2012 and will be made available
on the conference website. There will be an opportunity to revise the
paper after the conference. Notification of accepted submissions will be
sent out by November 15th, 2011.

This conference will be organised in conjunction with Madrid Game Conference. The conference website is under construction at
http://2012.gamephilosophy.org and will be updated with more detailed information during September 2011. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the program committee at gamephilosophy2012.pc@gmail.com.

Olav Asheim
Euridice Cabanes
Gordon Calleja
Patrick Coppock
Olli Tapio Leino, program committee chair
Anita Leirfall
Daniel Parente
John Richard Sageng

This work in progress is the 8th game in the Critical Gameplay project. The game seeks to challenge the game design pattern of matching and categorizing. Players are tasked with matching objects, with people, then people with people, and finally people with a single representative object. Each time the player successfully matches, the pair is removed from the screen. Each time a player fails to match, the item is stacked. If the player stacks too many items, the game ends.

There are a few catches. There are 4 races that must be matched. Each race has several characters within it. There is another collection of characters that cannot be matched with anything else. They are not a part of the 4 races. These other characters have no pre-established stereotypes and contain a mix of characteristics from each of the other 4 races. There is nothing to be done with these characters. You can choose to push them to the side and allow them to stack, or you can put them in the middle and hope they don’t cause your game too much trouble.

Unlike elfs, orks, gangsters, good guys and bad guys, there are times when there is no match, and that’s okay.

The game was completed in 8 hours using a previous draft Critical Gameplay project on diversifying sets instead of matching. I really couldn’t get that game to come together in an interesting way, but I think this game offers a bit more fodder for discussion.

The concept is an execution of this common pattersn – symbol to represent people, people reduced to an iconic concept (brains, soul, money, work). Where are the problems, why do we keep doing it (simply because it’s easy?), and what happens to those people who don’t fit in that scheme?

Here’s a little about Critical Gameplay:
ow do games effect the way we problem solve, socialize, or even view the world? When we shoot do we learn to destroy obstacles instead of work around them? Does the binary world of enemies and adversaries teach us to ignore the gray in the everyday? Do games encourage us to ignore consequence and wait for second chances at the same problems? Are we forgetting how to play with each other, because playing against each other is more fun?

Critical Gameplay is a collection of “strategically designed” video games. Each game asks what common game mechanics teach us. The games in the collection are designed to help reevaluate our perspective on gameplay experiences. As Critical Cartography changes the way we perceive the world, Critical Gameplay seeks to offer alternate perspectives on the way we play.

Critical Gameplay does not attempt to answer these questions. Instead it seeks to open the dialogue with demonstrative experiments in gameplay. It attempts to fill the space of what if, with something tangible – a game. What if that avatar did have a history before you destroyed it? What if you couldn’t read the game world by stereotyping characters? Critical Gameplay is simply about raising questions that encourage critical reflection on gameplay experiences. A Critical Gameplay game is valued in intellectual profit.

The Latest Exhibitions:

Games from Critical Gameplay have been shown in North and South America as well as Europe. For more information please visit the schedule page for location and venue information.

On April 17th, 2009 the first Critical Gameplay exhibition hosted approximately 70 visitors in a public gameplay environment. Four Critical Gameplay games were displayed at 1100 West Cermak Gallery, Chicago, U.S.A. The space was designed to facilitate discussion about the games and the dilemmas they propose.

The games of Critical Gameplay will be displayed in academic and art venues throughout 2009, 2010 and 2011. As new Critical Gameplay games are created, older games will be distributed. Visitors to a Critical Gameplay exhibition or event will generally have the opportunity to take a copy of the games home.

The goal of Critical Gameplay games is “intellectual profit.”

More information at http://www.CriticalGameplay.com