Rhetorical Peaks 2.0 Project
Overview
The Pew Internet and American Life Project report "Teens, Video Games and Civics" (2008) found that “civic learning opportunities (such as simulations of civic or political activities, helping others, and debating ethical issues)…parallel particular elements of video game play.” Over the last decade, a rich conversation about the role of gaming in education has developed and the DWRL has joined that conversation with "Rhetorical Peaks," an innovative game that explores key rhetorical concepts through a murder mystery structure. In early 2009, instructors began to roll out "Rhetorical Peaks" in their classes with great success, and we believe that the game represents a significant contribution to the teaching of writing and rhetoric. This year, we are looking to build on the successes of the Flash version of "Rhetorical Peaks" by researching and implementing the game in Second Life.
Research areas & questions
Project Members will work collaboratively to develop the relevant skills and strategies to undertake the following tasks:
Second Life
Project members will learn to:
- Develop basic virtual world communication strategies;
- Become familiar with sites of interest in Second Life;
- Explore how to develop community-building exercises for groups of players.
Game Theory
Project Members will:
- Develop a good understanding of the current version of Rhetorical Peaks;
- Research how to implement a trial-like structure for the game.
Pedagogical Practice
Project Members will:
- Develop strategies for teachers to implement the game in their classes;
- Research how to make the game suitable for different time lengths (unit-length, half-semester or full-semester versions, for example).
More information
You can find more information about Rhetorical Peaks, including lesson plans and assignments, at the main Rhetorical Peaks site
