When you hear the word “gaming,” what do you think about? For many people, gaming evokes images of couch potatoes and gory violence; of time wasted and disapproving parents. But we’re moving toward a world in which people will hear “gaming” and think “learning.”
In our research on Digital Media and Learning, we at FrameWorks found that most experts in the field emphasize the power of experiential, hands-on learning. Hands-on learning inspires critical thinking and creativity. And video games are all about hands-on.
It’s with this research in hand and with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, we are excited to announce the launch of SWAMPED! a series of new interactive tools intended to help advocates communicate the need for public funding of education and health issues. So far we’ve launched two games, one on Early Childhood Development + Budgets and Taxes and another on Education + Budgets and Taxes, with a third on Health + Budgets and Taxes currently in production. These tools shows front-line communicators how to take control of their messaging strategies, ensuring that communication goals can be advanced through the “swamp” of public opinion.
We are proud to be not only advocating for, but also participating in the changes happening in learning. Are you ready for gaming and framing?
Try your hand at SWAMPED! and let us know how you are using these new communication tools in your work.