Isabella Dobrescu and I are developing Playconomics - a uniquely integrated learning platform (featuring ebooks, educational videos, traditional assessments & videogames) that allows students to rigorously explore the inner workings of the world via genuine experiential learning in an immersive environment. The goal is to create the first Massive Interactive Immersive Courses that can stimulate student engagement and improve academic performance by motivating and inspiring learning.

Associated with this project, we have started the STEP UP initiative in Education that aims to develop and sustain an innovative, rigorous and interdisciplinary research agenda on Education. Think of it as a laboratory committed to identifying ‘what works’ in education and narrowing the educational achievement gaps. We are based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), with nodes at the University of Queensland and University of Adelaide. Funding from the UNSW Business School, UNSW Pro-Vice Chancellor Education and CEPAR is gratefully acknowledged.