We commissioned filmmaker Nic Askew to make a series of short films that explores the underlying thinking of our six principles of connected learning: interests, peers, youth as producers, networks, shared purpose and academics. Together, the six offer a framework for learning anchored in research and a deep understanding of how people learn, but they also tap the new possibilities of the internet, social media and the information age. This particular film (below) examines a fundamental human experience and key component of connected learning, 'play,' and explores whether it has been underestimated and whether, as a state of being, it holds answers for the reimagining of education.

The film asks:


‘Might we have underestimated the value of ‘play’?’


‘How would your life look if seen through a playful state of mind?’


‘Might confidence sit at the heart of an extraordinary education?’


'Might a playful frame of mind stand to transform the experience of education?'


‘Might a playful state of mind enable the strength of our true human spirit?’

The interview subject is game designer and DePaul University professor Katie Salen, executive director of a non-profit called Institute of Play that is focused on games and learning and leader of the team that founded Quest to Learn, a 6-12th grade public school in New York City, as well as CICS ChicagoQuest, a 6-12 charter school that opened fall 2011 in Chicago.

Other films in the connected learning series:


'Essence'


'Engaged'


'Everyone'


'Mentor'


'Creative'

To participate in weekly webinars and be a part of a growing community exploring the connected learning principles, visit: connectedlearning.tv.

Connected Learning: 'PLAY' from DML Research Hub on Vimeo.

Banner image credit: tinkerbrad http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinkerszone/4233219505/