The Use of Game Design, Social Learning Networks, and Everyday Expertise to Engage Youth with Contemporary Science

Abstract

Developments in information technology and digital media offer the opportunity to dramatically reorganize the curricular experiences available to students. This symposium explores elements of a next-generation high school biology course design, development, and implementation project that utilizes a social networking/media platform, facilitates youth participation in contemporary science, and networks youth with scientists and professionals. Specifically, we aim to study aspects of the platform that allow us to investigate learning related to: (a) the integration of game mechanics into the design of instructional materials, (b) youths' engagement in contemporary scientific practices, and (c) platform features that make youths' interests, expertise, and experiences visible so that they can be leveraged in instruction. We explore how to promote generative conditions for expertise development within these technology-mediated social learning networks and the effects of those experiences on student participation, identification, and learning of knowledge, skills, and practices.