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ARIS - Location-based Games and Stories - Why BC Educators Need to Get Involved!

In the fall of 2016, the Ministry of Education of British Columbia, Canada enforced a new curriculum developed for students in kindergarten to grade nine. With this new curriculum and its implementation, came questions and inquiries from administrators and educators on how to effectively and cohesively incorporate the big ideas, curriculum competencies, and new content in the context of public, private, and distance learning classrooms. The new curriculum , across the grade levels, contains consistent themes and integrated threads framed with intentions of individualized and inquiry learning. Story-based learning, place-based learning, and a meaningful use of technology can be found across the curriculum requiring educators to thoughtfully consider the how and why of instruction.   THE PARTS: Story, Place, and Technology Story intersected with learning is not a new phenomenon. Research indicates that engaging with a narrative is highly beneficial for learners. The use of story
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An ARIS List - What Exactly is It?

Before Pokémon Go, there was ARIS games ( A ugmented  R eality and  I nteractive  S torytelling), a software tool for designing location-based games, stories, and art. But what exactly is ARIS? The following list describes what the newly inquiring ARIS user needs to know: * At the time of this writing, ARIS users require iOS 8.0 or later. * ARIS software is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and requires a wi-fi connection. * The ARIS app is free through the Apple App Store and is based on an open source platform. * ARIS uses mobile technology, GPS technology and QR codes , to allow virtual players to be linked to physical places. * ARIS is simple to use with online tutorials and a forum to help guide the user. * Educators can create learning activities on a range of topics, while students can learn basic game design including goals, rules and challenges within their design. * Games include a quest, characters, and interactive scripts on a zoomab

An Imagined (Yet Well-Informed) Interview with David Gagnon

David Gagnon - Program Director of Field Day Lab and Director of the ARIS program Disclaimer:  The following transcribed  interview with David Gagnon is derived from research conducted on the ARIS program through a variety of online resources. Liberties have been taken to give a voice to the interviewee, however, researched-based facts and inferences comprise the majority of the content. The intent of this interview is to offer the reader an informed analysis of the ARIS program in order to guide educators deciding to implement ARIS into their learning spaces.  Jessica: Today I am meeting with David Gagnon, a man who is dedicated to the research and development of mobile technology intersected with learning theory and practices. He currently is directing a team of researchers and creative developers at the Wisconsin Centre for Educational Research at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. David began his exploration and examination of the afforda

A Personal ARIS Reflection

While researching and analyzing ARIS, the layers of this venture have proven to be impressive. What I appreciate about ARIS and the Field Day Lab initiative is that this is about the authentic and meaningful use of technology. The goal is not fortune, but rather development. The community of practice that is present at the University of Wisconsin is telling of the dedication to grounded research directing forward thinking. In reflection of BC educators using ARIS as a tool for instructing the new curriculum, I am hopeful that enough may be willing to explore this new territory. The time and effort needed to use the ARIS App effectively is likely daunting for many. However, as the new curriculum is leading students to engage in competencies of creative thinking, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and social and cultural responsibility, ARIS is one way that educators, too, can be engaging in these same competencies. For my own venture pursuit, ARIS is a tool that could

ARIS Related References for the Scholarly