Facts + Community engagement + Games

di Gameworks (DIGW) “dig-dub”

It started with an idea: DevInfo belongs to everyone

Aim To help adults and children exchange information, media, and analysis about the state of humanity, in an interesting and fun way. Play – Create – Connect

Play

Create

Connect

Why “learning by creating games”? Learning can be creative and fun (even with serious topics) Young people can make a real difference in the world right now Communication and collaboration are essential It doesn’t feel like school

Highlights MacArthur Foundation-funded Digital Media & Learning Grant (July 2009-June 2010) New web interface development (Sept – ongoing) Collaboration with M-Ubuntu in S. Africa (Jan. 2009) Collaboration with JAMSTAT (May, 2010)

South Africa

Jamaica

Let’s look at a game or two….

What’s next? Generate wider and more robust global participation Support deeper inquiry into data sets Develop larger “buffet” of games Integrate more closely with di tools Foster connections between information and social action, through collaboration with Fractor and other initiatives Facebook version Mobile versions

But we see DIGW as part of an even broader vision of evidence-based decision-making

Assumptions Improving the condition of humanity depends on people taking thoughtful action. Thoughtful actions are based on good decision-making, which in turn are based on good, relevant evidence. We propose calling this “evidence-based decision-making and action.” If we want consistently valuable actions, they must be taken in the context of evidence-based decision-making. Each step is complex, and groups and individuals need support in order to do it well, in the form of tools and learning opportunities.

Portfolio of Projects (1) Content-general projects di GameWorks (information organization and synthesis in the form of games) The Big Question Research Project (focus on grass-roots information collection) Peace Chat (focus on decision-making and leadership growth for youth) Take Action! (focus on collective action and reflection on action)

Portfolio of Projects (2) Content-specific projects HUMANIZE (immersive role-playing simulations focused on human rights) Empower the Congo (action to support women’s rights and other humanitarian issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) Youth 4 Conservation (focus on action and artistic expression around environmental issues) Community Agriculture Network (social networking with focus on sustainable agriculture)

More… Follow links on devinfo.org, or go directly to: Contact: Jeff Kupperman