Game Design as a context for Learning in Cultural Institutions

In this chapter we analyse two different trends that have informed technology for learning in cultural institutions during recent years: (1) one more established trend supporting the information consumption metaphor, and (2) the recently emerging trend that invites visitors to participate in the process of culture creation. We then discuss game design as an example of participatory activity and we identify its learning dimensions. In particular, we elaborate on the role of technology in providing a scaffold that can help museum audience to construct games which can function as “public artefacts” and can be added to the museum’s assets, enhancing audience engagement and community building.

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