Productive Play: An Examination of Workplace Skills Embedded in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games

• In Event: Using Digital Media for Learning: From Dora to Facebook to Games and Beyond

Abstract

While literature addresses the potential affordances of video game play for the practice of 21st century skills, an emphasis on workplace skill sets is lacking. Although literature suggests massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMOs) as containing practices similar to workplace literacies, much of this is either based upon anecdotal evidence (e.g. Brown & Thomas, 2006; 2008) or high end practices not accessed by moderate gamers. This project, involving at-risk teenage males who are moderate gamers, investigates practices associated with MMO gaming, and intersections with workplace skills. Findings suggest a rich breadth of workplace skills embedded in gaming practices that could potentially serve as preparation for future learning (Bransford & Schwartz, 1999), or motivating routes toward career preparation.

Author

• Elizabeth M. King, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater