Push Start

While researching intersections between composition and videogames, I found that, although a lot had already been written, the vast majority seemed to be theorizing why it should be done. Largely lacking from most accounts were specific examples of how videogames had been used in a composition class and whether or not that use actually lived up to the theorizations. I guessed at the start that the reason for this lack was the general difficulty of the undertaking. Subsequently I decided that a resource was needed for teachers who wanted to learn more—this

is how I conceptualized the purpose of my project.

In this first section, I hope to start laying the groundwork of why I want to use videogames in my composition classroom. At the same time, I want to recognize and acknowledge the complexity and expansiveness of the concept. Even this entire website won't hold onto everything I need or want to say. That is why I "Push Start." All of this is and can only be a start, a place to move out from and explore.

A Brief Overview

This website is broken into a few main sections:

• 1. Push Start: In this introductory section, I want to give the context for my research (through a few anecdotes) as well as some principles and problems that run throughout the project

  2. 5 Levels of Videogame Integration: In this section, I describe the different methods of integrating videogames into learning environments with a focus on how these methods could be used for Composition classes

  3. Gaming Lesson Reviews: In this section, I evaluate lesson plans for integrating videogames into Composition classrooms. I try to use these plans not only as examples, but also to develop suggestions about how they could be changed.

  4. Sources/Resources: In this section, I collate all of the works cited for the entire site in one location. I also provide a quick annotation for each. (Under Construction--Coming Soon-ish!)

  5. About: Here you can learn a little about me and also about the impetus for the project, including why it represents work in Digital Humanities.

  6. Feedback: Please, if you have any suggestions (or if you'd be so generous to share a lesson plan of your own),

  7. do get in touch with me either through the feedback page or by email.