Playing with a Learning Environment Subject Formations and Digital Culture

Abstract

In this paper we present the first outcomes of the research project SKUDI - Subject Formations and Digital Culture. The project aims at understanding self-construction processes of young people in digital cultures. Our starting point is the empirical study of the correlation between learning and playing. Do young people perceive interaction in virtual learning environments as playing or learning? The learning environment Der Schwarm is used to answer the question. We organized and evaluated a 1½ days workshop Theatre with the Flock, in which the participants explored technical aspects of Der Schwarm and finally staged a play. Project content, terminology, methods employed and results are shortly presented. Participants experienced the workshop as a playing process where they learned at the same time about abstract algorithms and technology.