The University in the Second Millenium- part III of III

Does the model of higher education that almost all universities follow work in the information age? This video explores an alternative structure for university degree programs that might serve as a model for University 2.0. The model is drawn from role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft.

The video is speculative, drawing from the ideas of many visionaries. But the issues and problems discussed and solutions proposed are real.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• University
• 2.0
• games
• World
• of
• Warcraft
• MMORPG
• Dungeons
• and
• Dragons
• college
• education
• reform
• information
• age
• pedagogy
• degree
• program
• curriculum
• higher

[vonWolfehaus]

Also, what about free online classes that the likes of MIT provide? What role do you see that new development playing, if any?

[kridnix]

This is a good question. Remember that universities both teach and also certify that students have gained proficiency. So I see MIT's open course-ware initiative as providing excellent resources that will improve education and reduce effort (i.e. save money) for all schools. The problem with the current system is that it is hard to adapt a whole course to a different school. The fine-grained structure of an RPG-based university would, I believe, reduce the barriers to adoption.

[vonWolfehaus]

Excellent summarization of the ideas, but when I went to the link provided at the end I hit a Wall of Text. So I want to know how you envision XP will be gained: still through the same old quizzes and tests, homework and lab assignments? Tests etc. are ineffective for knowledge retention (as I'm sure you know), but labs work better because they're (more) relevant and engage more senses. So do you think we'll get rid of tests and move to lab-like classes?

[kridnix]

@vonWolfehaus I think that initially XP would be gained through the usual homework and test channels, but over time as faculty tried new ideas the ways to gain XP would grow. More and more schools are experimenting with offering credit for life experience, but this is hard to do in the current system. In my own courses I try to offer multiple pathways for students to succeed, but I am very limited by the fact I have to assign one grade at the end of the course.

[SuperAkihabara]

great videos! I've been thinking the same myself. My lab performs research on cognitive training using computer based tasks & games. but i think you hit the nail on the head, game mechanics will revolutionize education takes place. i love the idea of continuous education progress that is tailored for the individual, and I'm happy that something like Khan Academy has become so popular.