I have been thinking over the past few months about the potential of the internet to serve as a medium for collaborative youthwork media design. The big idea which has been of great interest to me is the development of a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game which is specifically designed to be a catalyst for serious reflection on the real-life choices at-risk youth are making. I think that this is something which could be used to amplify the purpose of computer centers from being merely tools for homework or gameplay, to being a medium which serves as an agent for social apprenticeship.
I have several ideas on this based on studies which I have been doing both at New York University and here at Project 1:17. The greatest challenge for me is both the time and the know-how of how to pull off such an idea. However, I have great trust in the resolve of people who are interested in doing something great without any expectation of personal compensation (!)
So, this is an experiment which I am doing - Who's interested in talking about developing a game for at-risk youth that will help to provide imaginative strategies for coping with the challenges of living in marginal communities???
15 comments:
This idea of a virtual world in which youth can try out different scenarios is an interesting one. You've mentioned it in class before, and I thought, even then, that it would be great idea in principle. My problem is, if this is an interactive one, in which youth from other places can interact with our youth, how do we keep problems such as bullying, etc., from arising? Will this world be "policed" in the sense that certain words aren't allowed (other than curse words of course) or the like? While this is an amazing idea, and has the ability to be truly beneficial, I also see the possibilities for a new outlet of hostility, especially if the youth can make such desicions as whether or not to do harmful things to themselves? What other scenarios, besides whether or not to do drugs, will there be? Will there be missions to complete as teams/individuals? Will the leader be given the opportunity to look over the choices made by each member of the group (their own group) and keep on eye of the progress of the person? I guess I have more questions than comments, but all in all, I think this can be a great thing, as long as all angles are weighed and considered, and as many counter-actions are in place. Another question, would this be like a chat room sort of world, with that form of communication going on between the avatars? If so, would the youth be granted opportunities for private conversations? If they can have private questions, is there a way for a youth to block this option, so every communication is out in the open, for everyone (including the leader) to see?
I think this time my comment was more like three cents...hmmm...let's just say here's my two cents again!
Just to clarify, I meant that besides kicking out curse words, will it also kick out other words?
bold intended use of the medium fella - don't know enough about MMORPG but let me know if I can help in anyway...
Will the censorship Melissa advocates really make a difference? Just as kids have made up a new internet language, don't you think they are smart enough to make up other signals and words that will cause harm? Would it be more beneficial to get everything out in the open so that the fellow travelers who are bit older could gently lead kids into a better understanding of what they should be?
My main concern with this virtual world, is the potential for bullying. I've heard so much about youth being bullied online, and a lot of times parents and leaders aren't aware of a problem until the bullied person reacts in some negative way (ie. depression, attack, etc.). However, there is also a benefit to this, as it could be another life choice within the world...if it is done in a controlled manner. The youth can choose how to react to someone by either bullying, or supporting a person in different situations. I'm just trying to weigh all the angles...I'm trying to see benefit, but I also don't want this to be another channel for someone to get hurt.
While I have no game design experience, I would happily test any such game. Might even keep my wife from nagging me, since it would be to better the world an' all. ;O)
People will always use tools for purposes other than the intended ones. Undoubtedly, if such a game exists, somebody somewhere will use it inappropriately, possibly even hurtfully. But then, isn't the point of the game to teach people how to react in such situations? At some point cavaliers need to spar with unblunted swords--and face the possibility of being cut.
Overall, I think it's a great idea.
Melissa I'd really like to comment on your concern about bullying. But I'm not exactly sure what you mean when you say bullying. Do you mind elaborating on it a little please?
Hi Melissa and Chris,
Check out the main page. I have created a separate posting to continue disucssion about the bullying.
Steve
There have been quite a few tv news stories that discussed the fact that internet chat-rooms seem to be the new outlet for bullying. The "obvious yet disguised" internet language the chat-room world has created, is somewhat hard to detect, until youth, especially, start acting out due to what was said. Many parents claimed that their children became depressed, and started reacting in other negative ways because of this. I will try to find more information.
DK,
Sorry for the delay in response. I try to catch a few minutes to respond to blogs here and there...
Thank you for your posting. I hope that you feel comfortable to comment regularly on this blog.
I know that you are doing a lot of work that is similar to what I'm doing, and we could all really benefit from your insight and comradery!
I'm going to post a link to your website on the blog if that's alright? I'll wait for your comfirmation.
In the meantime, just joining into the conversation and debates would be really helpful.
Looking forward to further collaboration.
Steve
Hi Curtis,
Welcome to my blog. Sorry for taking so long to respond!
Exactly! I think you're point is right on the mark - people will appropriate media in many different ways - that's the beauty of difference! ...and in all honesty, I think that this is something which should be encouraged - as long as this is part of a reflexive experience, that there is conscious reflection on the action which are being played out.
As I said in the bullying post, this particularly becomes a problem when someone jeopardizes the safety of others. It is one of the prime responsibilities of a youthworker to ensure that their teens continue to remain safe (and FEEL safe) - as this is a critical factor in their embracing new social/personal possibilities.
Thanks for your encouragement! And please, feel free to continue to join in discussions. That's what this blog is here to do!
Steve
Larry,
I think you're totally right! You sound like you should get into youthwork! ;)
Steve
Larry,
Great comment. Sounds like you could be a youthworker! ;)
Steve
so is this like grand theft auto but instead it's "christian" syle?
i think this a topic frequently discussed and tried out, but mostly has been unsuccessful. the world of gaming has been ever developing and eye catching for a long while. and christians, whether trying to reach the "lost gamers" or trying to get in, have made christian versions of popular games. both online and also console games. all the way back to the original nintendo and windows 3.1! but most of these efforts have flopped.
actually, before coming to project 1:17, i looked online for multiplayer online games. something like everquest but with a christian spin, and of course free. i was looking for something to do, something fun, and something safe. these should all be priorities when thinking about developing something for youth. the reason chat rooms and other interactive environments are so popular is b/c there's a sense of ownership, entertainment, and safety. i believe before anyone can begin to think about coming up with something new, they need to do some research. they need to get out and look at what's on the top list and see why they are there.
here's a couple of sites that are super big and should be looked into, though mind you, they are "secular."
habbohotel.com
myspace.com (of course!)
neopets.com
everquest.com
note, these are not necessarily all game type hosts, but they are multi user interactive mediums. and youth love them!
also, you should take a look at what's already available. check out these sites:
therebelplanet.com
n-lightning.com
kingscall.org
there are more, but b/c of websense i can't be sure the links are right.
but anyways, this is an often discussed topic that i think we should look into some more.
hey steve! let's have a class on programming!!! php? visualbasic? etc, etc, etc.... i'm up for it!!
Steve!!!! Long time no see!!! Amen and (as Aaron Moore says) Hollerluia! (Sorry, Aaron - I had to steal that one!) This is something dear to my heart - not necesarily game-designing in particular, but using existing media and stretching the boundaries to get our message out there. Why should certain industries be the driving force behind technological development - the Message we have to so much more vital and life-saving. I agree with Jenn (the above comment) on the proliferation of secular "community" sites, but I think with the right people, an alternative could be developed that would exceed even these sites. I look at the myspace's of people I know and that go to the Army and I realize, I don't really know them like I thought I did - it's as if they're a whole different person on the 'Net. Why can't we provide an alternative that, through hard work and prayer, could become the main choice? Keep me posted on this, I'd love to be involved!!
Mary Parks
Soldier
Philadelphia Pioneer
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