joe pereira eclipsing expectations 2011 a narrative at war with a crossword an introduction to...
TRANSCRIPT
Joe Pereira Eclipsing Expectations 2011
A narrative at war with a crossword
an introduction to Interactive Fiction
Interactive Fiction• What is it?
• How to play IF - An example
• Learning with IF
• Q&A
Photopia - Adam Cadre (1998)
What is Interactive Fiction?
• An interactive narrative, where the reader is able to influence the pace of the story and how the story unfolds through input based on natural language
Characteristics of IF
• a text accepting, text generating computer program
•a narrative
• a simulation of an environment or world
• a structure of rules, with which an outcome is sought: a game
Montfort (2003)
Common elements of IF
• you are the main character(s) in an interactive narrative, usually narrated in the 2nd person, present simple• exploration/ collection and manipulation objects• solving of logical puzzles
This is game is ideal as an introduction to IF :
• short (20 minutes)• real life setting, familiar world/language• no actual puzzles, only simple object interaction• very interesting ending • multiple endings, replay value
Example of an IF Game9:05 by Adam Cadre (2000)
An experimental piece of IF
IF for (Language) Learning
Digital Game-based Learning (The Crossword)
•Flow•Stealth learning•Cognitive skills vs Content•Situated Learning
IF for (Language) LearningLiterature (The Narrative)
• meaning rather than medium, fluency
• process rather than product
• teacher role - facilitator
• though-provoking
• provides meaningful and memorable context for new vocabulary and structures
• insight into socio-cultural meaning
• stimulates imagination, critical and personal response
• Reading comprehension and fluency are developed. In IF, every word needs to be considered - nothing can be overlooked, otherwise puzzles will not be solved and new avenues will not open themselves up to the reader.
• Having access to a dictionary or working out the meaning of unknown words through context is a must
• Built-in assessment: Making progress through the game is clear evidence that the reader is understanding not only the words, but how the words fit into the world model.
• Authentic goal: Making progress involves using language for a real purpose - to finish the story.
• Autonomous learning: A teacher is not required as IF provides the context for learners to use language necessary to achieve immediate goals - with immediate feedback on success.
Advantages of using IF for Language Learning
Skills Autonomous Classroom
ReadingReading
comprehensionfluency
Reading comprehension fluency
Listening text-to-voiceCMC - Negotiation of
meaning
Speaking - CMC - Negotiation of meaning
Writing spellingtyping skills
spellingtyping skills
other spatial representations Misc. dynamics
Language Skills Work
Alone Whole-class Pair/Group
while reading - IF provides natural pauses for reflection and progression is a clear sign that sts are understanding the text.
Pre-reading - motivate the sts to read for pleasure: prediction activities (what will the story be about based on title, opening lines) - contextualisation activities aimed at activating sts schemata (knowledge of the world, their preconceptions) and so challenge stereotypes and facilitate an open-minded encounter with cultural diversity. Some sort of vocabulary building activity is recommended so that sts won't ask too much about unknown words during play.
post-reading - discrete language work (adjectives, vocabulary)
follow up speaking, writing, based on theme, cultural content, etc. Further literary analysis can also be explored such as: character motivation, examination of narrative plot structure (plot, setting, point of view).
IF as a class activity: Pre, During & Post
http://digitalplay.info/blog
Choosing the right IF for your students
• genre/theme
• short or long game
• single room or multi-location
• narrative vs crossword
• classic or current
Make sure you play it through first! Hints, walkthroughs, maps are available online.
Where to find FREE IF games
Interactive Fiction Database : www.IFDB.tads.org in conjunction with:
• Baf’s Guide: www.wurb.com/if and www.brasslantern.org
To play games you will need the game file(usually *.z5 or *.zblorb)and an interpreter - the program which runs the file. I recommend:
• Zoom for Macs Gargoyle for Windows Frotz for iPhone Twisty for Android
Alternatively, you can now play many games online:
Try http://parchment.toolness.com or www.iplayif.com (in conjunction with games from ifdb.tads.org)
• Infocom online :http://www.accardi-by-the-sea.org/Infocom/Online/
• Download all Infocom games : http://if.illuminion.de/infocom.html
• Recommendations and further thoughts on IF for teaching and learning at www.theswanstation.com
