College of Education and Human Development
Entertainment Software Association Highlights Game Design @ Mason
June 19, 2013
The Entertainment Software Association Foundation highlighted the Game Design @ Mason program as an example of an inspiring program that is bringing technology and educational opportunities to communities across America.
The Game Design @ Mason afterschool program is spearheaded by Kevin Clark, professor in the Instructional Design and Development program and the director of the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University.
Said Dr. Clark, "The game-design program at Mason is really focused on increasing the numbers of traditionally underserved students – as well as students of color – in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."
The following is from the Entertainment Software Association Foundation's June newsletter:
On July 8, George Mason University’s Game Design @ Mason After-school program kicks off its summer session for middle and high school students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Supported by ESAF, the program teaches underserved students game design techniques, programming, and mobile application development while bolstering their performance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.
In addition to STEM skills, students develop strong leadership abilities through the program’s Leadership Development Model, which enables high-achieving students to become mentors for new students entering the program. After serving as mentors for several years, students can further their leadership and game design skills by becoming assistant instructors in the program. Their continued involvement creates valuable opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions and helps inspire younger students in the program to learn and eventually teach game design.
By using innovative technology like video games and digital media, GMU’s Game Design @ Mason After-school program motivates students to pursue careers in STEM-focused fields while teaching valuable real-world programming, design, and leadership skills.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools, the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, courses, licensures, and professional development programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- Game Design @ Mason: gamedesign.gmu.edu
Follow CEHD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD or Twitter at @MasonCEHD.