NHL Stenden hosts first RUN-EU Short Advanced Programme on Serious Gaming

Developed by NHL Stenden professor Ivo Wenzler and his Serious Gaming team, in collaboration with professors from Polytechnic of Cavado and Ave (Portugal) and Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (Austria), the 4-week blended design-based course focused on the use of serious games in dealing with change and sustainability.

Throughout the week in Leeuwarden, students worked on a challenge connected to responsible water management. They developed a concept for a serious game and created a prototype that was tested during the final carrousel sessions. A total of 6 projects were presented on Friday ranging from tangible board and card games to virtual versions.

Short Advanced Programmes offer students a unique opportunity to participate in challenge-based courses which focus on the acquisition of future skills. SAPs also allow them to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams broadening their professional and personal perspectives.

Student experiences

Jorge Baptista, a final year Bachelor student in Game & Multimedia at the Polytechnic of Leiria (Portugal) summed up his experience as follows: “I loved the SAP. Learning how to use serious games for a serious and good purpose (educating others and encouraging responsible behaviour) was very motivating and fulfilling for me.”

For Yujing Zhang, a PhD student from Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the team work was especially worthwhile: “I haven’t worked in multidisciplinary teams much before and really enjoyed learning with and from each other.” Fernanda Thomé, a student of Industrial Design at the Polytechnic of Cavado and Ave (Portugal), also noted the importance of the cultural exchange: “We didn’t learn just learn about serious gaming and its application, but also from everyone who participated.”

Up to date overview Short Advanced Programmes

Short Advanced Programmes are continuously being developed and published on a rolling basis. Several of these will also be hosted at NHL Stenden. For an up-to-date overview, see www.run-eu.eu/study-programmes.