Teaching African-themed video games design through participatory culture framework.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/dve7zv38

Keywords:

Game Studies, Participatory Culture, Digital Storytelling, African Video Games, Pedagogy

Abstract

This article reflects how the participatory culture framework and inquiry-based assessment model were used in the development of African-themed video games for a game design course at a South African university. The study employed the participatory culture framework in a classroom environment that supports learning through tradition and digital settings. To assess the effectiveness of the framework, Porter’s (2009) theoretical framework for digital delivery, which includes identity, accessibility, distribution, interaction, and economics, was employed to elicit valuable feedback from students’ reflections. Three video games with African themes were examined as a case study to demonstrate the framework’s effectiveness as a tool for inclusive education. The study concluded that the framework enabled students in developing social skills and prioritising community involvement over individual expression. 

Author Biography

  • Oluwarotimi Randle,, Arts Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Dr Oluwarotimi Randle is a game designer and academic in the Faculty of Humanities, University of Witswaterand and His research interests include computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, information systems, board game development, video games research, gamification for educational purposes. Furthermore, his research includes the utilization of Machine learning techniques (supervised and unsupervised) within board and video games. Dr Randle’s current research is focused on the utilization of Video Games as tools for providing indigenous knowledge through African themed cultural video games. Dr Randle leads a vibrant group of students focused on African themed video game development and education. Dr Randle has been a lecturer for over 13 years and has conducted extensive research on the utilization of Machine learning on indigenous African boardgames (AWALE) especially at a competitive level against the myriad software. He leads the Games Artificial Intelligence and Culture Lab which includes four academics, 13 masters students and several post-doctoral researchers.

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Published

26-05-2025

How to Cite

Randle, O. (2025). Teaching African-themed video games design through participatory culture framework. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning, 20(1), 29-49. https://doi.org/10.17159/dve7zv38

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