transforming your social programs through edu tainment

Transforming Your Social Programs through

EdutainmentJeromy Koffler

Director of Student ActivitiesUniversity of Portland

October 2009

Purposeful student engagement leads to more successful student transitions into college and better retention rates.

Our goal is to promote life-long learning

We often consider: Will it be fun? We need to also consider: What will they

learn?

Premise

“A form of entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse.” --Wikipedia

“The act of learning through any medium that educates as well as entertains.” --American Heritage Dictionary

What is Edutainment?

Disney’s True Life Adventure Series (1948) National Geographic Documentaries (1973) Elysian World Project (1975)

Origins of Edutainment

Sesame Street Dora the Explorer Mythbusters

Television as a medium

Museums Art Galleries Children’s Discovery Centers Libraries Zoos & Aquariums Botanical Gardens, Forestry Center Farms (pumpkin patches, corn mazes, etc.) Even the Tillamook Cheese Factory!

Location-based

Hands on learning Semi-spontaneous play that enhances

learning ESL classes that are using song lyrics Oregon Trail Computer Game!

K-12 does it well

Bowling alleys, Skating rinks Arcades, Mini-Golf Sports facilities (batting cages, fitness

centers) Sports bars Retail entertainment centers: Game works,

Disney Quest, ESPN Sportszone

MORE SOCIAL, LESS LEARNING

But what about for adults?

Watch & Respond:A Mini-Lesson from the X-Files

Web 2.0, social networking, blogs, wikis One Day University Northfield.org & Community Bank host

“ManZone” (health screenings and info) Itunes University Faith-based Torah program: Loving your

neighbor by “keeping it real” Save a Life Tour: Drunk-Driving simulator

http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/feb/11/learn-and-live/

The Evolution of Teaching & Learning

Band Talent Show Speaker Ropes Course Comedian Game Show Coffeehouse Performance Dance Lessons Skit Icebreaker/Energizer Activity Movie Youtube film creation Magician Demonstration

Moving from passive to active

Recent UP examples: The Values Game!

PlayFair & The “University Social Scene”

Portland Taiko inspires Freshmen to “find their rhythm”

Meghan Gardiner’s Dissolve

Crossing the Line

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Orienteering Campus Tours

Student Government edutains . . .