Unlocked Boxes: Virtual Escape Rooms for Online Courses

Concurrent Session 2
Streamed Session

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Brief Abstract

In the past, creating games for online courses was a challenge if an instructional designer or faculty member did not have programming experience. Escape Rooms are a new trend in the physical classroom.  Can they be used online? In this interactive session, participants will explore the topic and begin planning their own digital escape rooms!

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Beth Ritter-Guth, Northampton Community College

Beth Ritter-Guth is the Associate Dean of Online Learning and Educational Technology at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA. Her current work features the Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence programming in addition to ethical hacking, cyber law, gaming, gamification, and the digital humanities. She's earned multiple awards for the use of these technologies including the Teacher of the Future award by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Nobel Teacher of Distinction Award, the Campus Leadership Team Award by Campus Technology, and most recently, the Innovator of the Year by the League of Innovation and the Leadership & Innovation award from NJEdge. Her work has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Wired Magazine, USA Today and America Online.

Extended Abstract

In the past, creating games for online courses was a challenge if an instructional designer or faculty member did not have programming experience. New tools allow for the easy creation of games, simulations, and experiences that enhace the learning experience of students.  Escape Rooms are a new trend in the physical classroom.  Can they be used online? In this interactive session, participants will first try to escape a mini online room and then will learn how to build one on their own using free software and tools.