Connected Learning: Play

The folks from Digital Media and Learning Research Hub (DLM) commissioned a series of short films that explore the underlying thinking of their six principles of connected learning - interests, peers, youth as producers, networks, shared purpose, and academics. I learned about the films through a DLM blog post Making + Playing + Understanding = Learning (A nice little formula for adventure programming I think...). The post included one of the films, Connected Learning: Play (and links to the other five films). The film "Play" did of course catch my eye. It is essentially an interview with Katie Salen, a game designer and executive director of a non-profit called Institute of Play. After watching the 7-minute film, a number of questions came to mind that I thought would be worth sharing and reflecting upon as an adventure educator. Give this film a look (click on the image or click the word "Play" above) and let me know what you think. 

Reflective Questions for the film, Connected Learning: Play
Adventure Education Level: 

• How would you define Katie's idea of a "play space?"
  
• In what ways do we already provide play spaces in our adventure education programming?
  
• How do we intentionally create play spaces in our programs? What does a good play space require? 
  
• How would you facilitate a play space? 
  

Personal Level: 

• How would your life look if seen through a playful state of mind? 
  
• How do you engage (your soul) with the world? 
  

What are some of your answers? What are some of your questions about the film? Share in the comments. 

All the best, 

Chris