The University of Westminster has concluded two weeks of vibrant activity, innovation and inspiration as it played host to the annual Playful Computing Conference and the Festival of Play. These events, held at the Harrow and Marylebone campuses, brought together educators, students, industry leaders and creative minds from across the UK and beyond to explore the future of computing education and the power of play-based learning.
The Playful Computing Conference took place on 24 June at the University’s Harrow Campus and welcomed 140 attendees. The flagship event organised by Digital Schoolhouse in partnership with leading names in the video games and edtech industries, featured keynote talks from world-leading educators and industry experts and interactive workshops that demonstrated innovative, play-based approaches to teaching computing and STEM subjects. Along with this there were a range of panel discussions on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mixed reality and creative technologies in the classroom, as well as networking opportunities with representatives from companies such as Nintendo UK, PlayStation®, SEGA, Ubisoft and Outright Games.
The conference ran across four strands and multiple rooms, offering a diverse agenda designed to empower teachers and inspire the next generation of digital creators.
This was followed by the Festival of Play that took place on 1 July at the University’s Marylebone campus. The creative computing event saw 300 students between the ages of nine and 14 in attendance and was in association with Electronic Arts. The festival provided hands-on workshops and interactive games, giving students a taste of video game development and creative computing. There were also a range of talks from industry professionals that offered insights into STEM careers and the technology behind video games, as well as professional development sessions for teachers, equipping them with engaging methods to bring computing lessons to life.
Digital Schoolhouse, delivered by UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) and supported by the video games industry and the government, uses play-based learning to engage students and teachers with the computing curriculum. The programme bridges the gap between education and industry, empowering young people for a digital world.
Dr Doug Specht, Head of the School of Media and Communication, said: “Hosting the Digital Schoolhouse Playful Computing Conference and Festival of Play here at the University of Westminster is a big deal for us. These events fit perfectly with what our university stands for; creativity, collaboration and using technology to make a real difference. Opening up our campus for these events creates a real two-way exchange. Our games curriculum is energised by the fresh ideas and diverse perspectives our guests bring, and at the same time, we get to share our own expertise and passion with the wider community, making the connection truly beneficial for everyone involved. We're looking forward to working even more closely with Digital Schoolhouse and seeing what new doors open up for all of us in the future.”
These events directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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