Developing 21st Century Writing Practices in Gaming-Related Affinity Spaces
Document Type
Presentation
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Developing 21st Century Writing Practices in Gaming-Related Affinity Spaces
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
In this session, we argue that gaming-related affinity spaces provide models for the development of situated and collaborative writing practices -- 21st century skills that have become increasingly important in a world of digitally written communications. We showcase practices including fanfiction, fan theories, and role play in communities that surround several popular games: Zelda, World of Warcraft, The Sims, and Neopets. Participation in these spaces drives player interest in textual analysis, argumentation, negotiation, creativity, and writing in a variety of genres. While standards-driven school writing tends to value individual “knowledge telling” skills (Bereiter & Scardamalia, 1987), each of these papers highlights multiliteracies, collaborative writing, and sophisticated “knowledge transformations” (Bereiter & Scardamalia, 1987) that help participants contribute to ever-expanding game spaces.
Recommended Citation
Fields, D. A. (chair), King, E. M. (organizer), Duncan, S., Lammers, J. C., Magnifico, A. M., & Steinkuehler, C. (discussant), (2011, April). Developing 21st century writing practices in gamingrelated affinity spaces. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA.
Comments
Presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans, LA