News
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Becoming skilled through gaming
A new research initiative which aims to tackle the barriers to vocational training for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including those with sensory impairment, has been launched by Nottingham Trent University. GOAL.NET will use a series of interactive computer games to develop basic vocational skills such as travel training, communication support’ CV writing, job search, work experience, health and safety training, employment rights and benefits advice.
The two-year project is being led by David Brown, Professor of Interactive Systems for Social Inclusion at the university’s School of Science and Technology, and a pioneer in developing applications for use in special classrooms and training centres. It will also include four other partners – the BID Services with Deaf People and Greenhat Interactive Ltd, both UK-based; Zgura-M, based in Bulgaria; and Greece-based E-Isotis.
In addition to developing and trialling the computer games with selected schools in the partner countries, the initiative will also look at the best ways of delivering the information, such as through the mobile phone.
GOAL.NET will use technologies and processes developed by Professor Brown’s team for the EC funded Grundtvig 1 project – Game-On – aimed at promoting social inclusion for offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. GOAL.NET will be funded by a €294,000 Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Award, part of the European Commission’s new Lifelong Learning Programme.
Professor Brown said: “The work we’ve undertaken here at the university for Game-On is specifically relevant to the new GOAL.NET. Our aim is to try and tackle the challenges that a number of disaffected groups in society face by engaging them in a medium that they will hopefully have easy access to.
“In the past we’ve developed programmes to teach basic skills and aid personal development for pupils permanently excluded from school, those who are drug or alcohol dependent and people with severe literacy and learning difficulties. The expertise and knowledge learnt here will be used to help achieve GOAL.NET’s objectives.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
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