Playing for Peace

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Peace Education on the Ground: Transforming the Lives of Students, Teachers, and Communities

Abstract

Conflict avoidance and mitigation skills are important components of peace education (PE) which can be taught using various instructional means. 21st century learning techniques like digital literacies, should be used to develop peace building competencies. Digital games and game-based learning (GBL) can be a component of a holistic, integrated, PE process. Games, simulations, and virtual worlds have the potential to develop digital literacies and peace competencies, to promote, advocate, and maintain a culture of peace. PE incorporating GBL, can help oppressed and marginalized groups to build cultural and social capital to fight oppression and bring about effective change. GBL develops both affective and cognitive faculties which are essential for perspective taking and empathy, the foundation for a peace building culture.

Author

• Noel Kuriakos, University of Maryland - College Park