Eleri Kyffin (University of Westminster)

“Mind what you have learned. Save you, it can.” ―Yoda

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This talk discusses using gamification and play to motivate participation and engagement in learning using the physical and metaphorical system of collecting and building references. Games are useful in encouraging active learning, scaffolding the learning process.

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A simple, popular building game (Jenga) has been adapted to engage students in learning how to build and to understand the different elements needed for an academic reference. This innovative approach to pedagogy uses play, where risk of failure is low to create a social, competitive or collaborative learning experience. Play and playfulness has a significant and positive contribution to learning.

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Eleri Kyffin is a Senior Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of Westminster She manages the professional librarian team who work with the media arts and design students at the Harrow Campus. Eleri takes a lead role in ensuring effective links between academic staff and the Library, and designs and delivers information skills programmes for all levels of learning, from basic induction to research.