Qi Sun
(New York University)
Short Bio:
Qi Sun is an assistant professor at New York University. Before joining NYU, he was a research scientist at Adobe Research. He received his PhD at Stony Brook University. His research interests lie in perceptual computer graphics, VR/AR, computational cognition, and computational displays. He is a recipient of the IEEE Virtual Reality Best Dissertation Award, with his research recognized as Best Paper Awards in ACM SIGGRAPH and IEEE ISMAR.
Title: Toward Human-Centered XR: Bridging Cognition and Computation
7/11/2023, 11:00h as 12:00h (BRT)
Abstract:
Virtual and Augmented Reality enables unprecedented possibilities for displaying virtual content, sensing physical surroundings, and tracking human behaviors with high fidelity. However, we still haven’t created “superhumans” who can outperform what we are in physical reality, nor a “perfect” XR system that delivers infinite battery life or realistic sensation. In this talk, I will discuss some of our recent research on leveraging eye/muscular sensing and learning to model our perception, reaction, and sensation in virtual environments. Based on the knowledge, we create just-in-time visual content that jointly optimizes human (such as reaction speed to events) and system performance (such as reduced display power consumption) in XR.
Ellis Bartholomeus
(Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, UPES – University of Tomorrow, Dehradun)
Short Bio:
Throughout her career, ellis bartholomeus has been intrigued with the value of play. She graduated from the Design Academy in 1996 as a product designer and realized that to have audiences own a message they needed to interact with it. Since then she has been designing play as a method/tool to amplify self-motivated learning and enable rich social interaction. Examples of saving wildlife globally, using games as a research tool to engage wide audiences, even to make players become AI trainers to demystify our oceans. Do you wish to learn how to create, design, make or host play to make impact, come and play!
Title: Apply play – to get ahead of the game
8/11/2023, 11:00h as 12:00h (BRT)
Abstract:
To talk about the magic of play and games, we need to find a common language and definitions. Many have been and are looking for the methods and reasons of how and why games trigger such great and often surprising effects. Gaming experts and I are collaborating with several universities and companies to build a body of knowledge on games and play as a tool. We determined that to reveal the magic happening in play, not only do we need to examine the game, we also need to study the context. How, where, when and most important: by whom is the game played, and why? Are all key to understanding the dynamics of the game. Who do you want to engage in your game and how to get close(r) to your player(s) and how to measure possible impact?
Question to you… do you play games? Do you know when and why? Have you noticed the untapped potential of play? – prepare your questions please, let’s play these!
Gonzalo Frasca
(ORT University Uruguay)
Short Bio:
When Gonzalo Frasca decided to research videogames 28 years ago he couldn’t find a supervisor at his Uruguayan university. His professors agreed the topic was not “serious enough”. Since then, Frasca became an internationally-renowned game designer and scholar who now focuses on play and learning. He is currently developing a play-based learning format at Kahoot R&D. His blog, Ludology.org, was cited by NBC News as a popular designation for academic researchers studying video games. For many years, Frasca also co-published Watercoolergames with Ian Bogost, a blog about serious games. In video game theory, Frasca belongs to the group of “ludologists” who consider video games to be simulations based on rules. They see video games as the first simulational media for the masses – which means a paradigm shift in media consumption and production.
Title: Videogames, learning and the challenge of leveling up.
9/11/2023, 11:00h as 12:00h (BRT)
Abstract:
Learning through play is an engaging and effective strategy. However, it is also extremely hard to design. In this talk we’ll review some of the most successful strategies for play-based learning and discuss Latin America’s potential for edtech.
