Augmented Reality Games
EDUCAUSE 7 things you should know about Augmented Reality
"Augmented reality adds information and meaning to a real object or place. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality does not
create a simulated reality. Instead, it takes a real object or space and uses technologies to add contextual data to deepen
students' understanding of it. To the extent that instructors can furnish students with a broad context for understanding the real
world, students are more likely to comprehend and remember what they are learning. Through exposing students to an experiential,
explorative, and authentic model of learning early in their higher education careers, augmented reality may help shift students from
passive to active learning modes and thus become more successful learners."
Local Games Lab at the University of Wisconsin
Site of the Local Games Lab, which "makes and researches what we call 'local games' that are set in real-life neighborhoods and
ecological habitats." These Augmented Reality Games use digital technologies, including PDAs, to enhance learners' "immediate
experience of walking around in real-life locations."
Alternate Reality Games (ARGs)
EDUCAUSE 7 things you should know about ARGs
"Alternate reality games (ARGs) weave together real-world artifacts with clues and puzzles hidden virtually any place, such as
websites, libraries, museums, stores, signs, recorded telephone messages, movies, television programs, or printed materials. ARGs
are not computer or video games, but electronic devices are frequently used to access clues. Players can meet and talk with
characters in the narrative and use resources like postal mail, e-mail, the web, or the public library to find hints, clues, and various
pieces of the puzzle. ARGs open doors into the future of students’ professional lives, where they will be expected to solve complex
problems by taking necessary raw materials from multiple resources, thinking critically and analytically, and putting their
individual skills, interests, and abilities at the disposal of a group dedicated to a common goal."
EDUCAUSE ARG
At the 2009 Educause Learning Initiative Annual Meeting, attendees participated in an ARG created for the occassion. Read more
about the mysteries surrounding Rufus Bluth and watch a webcast about the creation of this ARG on the Educause website.
Make an Alternate Reality Game! on Slideshare
10 steps to inventing an ARG.
Read about some of the better-known ARGs:
Majestic
The Beast
I Love Bees
Also worth a look: the 1997 film The Game starring Michael Douglas is based on a real-life ARG-esque treasure hunt that
started in Los Angeles in 1973.
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