More Than Just Gameplay: Making a Case for "Let's Plays" in Education

Abstract

In the following paper, we discuss the use of Let's Play video production in formal educational settings. We outline previous findings regarding the diverse skill set addressed by actively creating Let's Plays and discuss the methodology of StreamIT!, a project aiming to create teaching concepts and materials in order to playfully foster collaboration, digital literacy, communicative and creative skills in the classroom and inspire interest in technology. We outline our workshop procedure and discuss how Let's Play video production may accommodate constructionist learning approaches. Finally, we present a first implementation of the playful workshop concept in two sessions in a fourth grade class in primary school. While the workshop was well received by students, some remaining practical hurdles are identified and addressed.