Jonathan Savage

On the topic of computer games in education, I found this very interesting paper which applies some of the discussions about informal learning in various contexts (including computer games) to the construction of a ‘public pedagogy’. This quote is an introduction to what the paper explores:

However, informal learning, at least of the sort we see in today’s popular culture, does involve teaching in a major way. It is just that the teaching it involves is not like what we see in school. Teaching in informal learning, in much of today’s popular culture, involves three things: design, resources, and what we will call “affinity spaces.” We will give specific examples in a moment. But first, we want to point out that, since informal learning in popular culture today involves teaching in this sense, it is a form of public pedagogy.

This seems like a fine idea and one that is often missing from debates about informal learning, which often seem to imply that the teacher has to abdicate their role in order to allow more freedom for their pupils’ exploration of a chosen topic. That might well be the case for some, but there is a lot more going on than first meets the eye. I think that James Paul Gee and Elizabeth Hayes have done an excellent job here. Very incisive and compelling reading.