5th European Conference on Games Based Learning
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
20-21 October 2011

ECGBL 2011 explores the extremely interesting agenda of games-based learning, in an attempt to consider digital games in their deeper nature, as artifacts that incorporate inner human needs for communication and interaction, and the inextricable links between learning and play.
The application of interactive and collaborative digital media in the learning process has already been acknowledged as one of the major trends in the state of the art for instructional design and technology-enhanced learning. Digital games, in particular, with the help of the research and practice community and conferences such as the ECGBL, have already gained attention and produced important results as tools in our ever lasting quest for improved, holistic, blended learning approaches, in a social and affective context. Still, design, development, application and evaluation of digital games for learning bring up a multitude of new issues and perspectives that call for further research and field-level applications.
The RECALL project will be presented during the conference by Prof. Costas Murlas from University of Athens. More information about the event will be availble here soon.

The project was presented during the annual conference “Amea” 2010 by Ms. Maria Saridaki from University of Athens.

The Greek Partner – University of Athens presented the project during one of the important international conferences in Athens – Linardatou 2011. The project was presented infront of the audience and informal contacts with potential beneficiaries was made.

After the incredible success and remarkable attendance experienced in 2009 & 2010, the 3rd e-Learning Expo is being held on October 8 & 9, 2011. The e-Learning Expo is the main and exclusive national event in Greece for promoting, presenting, and exhibiting e-Learning products and services. This year, it will take place at Aegli Zappion in Athens. During this multidimensional event, participants may attend technical presentations, open discussions, demonstrations of educational software, exhibitions of e-learning approaches, educational games and electronic learning equipment.

e-Learning Expo is being supported by the companies and organizations who have leading roles in the rapidly growing market of e-learning. In 2009 & 2010, more than 70 exhibitors participated. E-Learning Expo attracts the attention of more than 3000 participants including e-learning experts, policy makers, teachers, parents, educational consultants, ICT industrial partners, and general public.

This was very appropriate opportunity for presentation of the RECALL project concept. Informal contacts with potential piloters were established.

The RECALL project was presented during the 4th European Conference on Games Based Learning which was held in the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University, in thew capital of Denmark – Copenhagen between 21-22 October 2010. Informal presentation of the project concept was made as well as leaflets were distributed.

During the project development process the team of GHI organiser several meeting with disabled people in order to gather their feedback about the current version of the Route Mate. Based on that the GHI team prepared a list of recommendations which was sent to the application developers.

During the Third Partners meeting, the Coordinator Mr. David Brown organised a study visit in the OakField School for disabled people. There the partners met with its Principal and the teaching staff. The partners were impressed about the facilities and number of assistive technologies available in the school premises. Some of the schools staff and students will be involved in the forthcoming testing of the Route Mate applications.

The Fourth International Partners meeting will be held in Athens, Greece between 17-20 October 2011. The University of Athens will be the host partner and organiser of Joint Dissemination event during the meeting. More information will be available soon.

The Third partners meeting was held in Nottingham, UK in the period 22-24 March 2011. It was hosted by the coordinator Nottingham Trent University who organised very dedicated meeting as well as social activities and accommodation. The main topic of the meeting was the evaluation tools presentation – an Expert review. The partners agreed on the Heuristics/Usability Characteristics for use in Expert Review having in mind the User Testing Methodology using External scientific evaluator’s guide. CPPC presented the first version of the Independent Expert Review and User Testing Forms. As a part of the administrative activities – the partners agreed on the proposed steps by the Coordinator (NTU) regarding the preparation of the Interim report. MCA as a Valorisation Leader presented a short summary report what have been done during the first interim period regarding realised valorisation activities and proposed of a scheme for organisation of the monitoring forms compleiton as well as their related evidence.

People with learning disabilities – Εστία Ειδικής Επαγγελματικής Αγωγής (ΕΣ.Ε.ΕΠ.Α) ESΤΙΑ, Centre for Special Vocational Training, Εργαστήρι Ergastiri, Κέντρο Θεοτόκος , Theotokos Foundation, Μαργαρίτα (all accredited by EKEPIS)
Hearing and sensory impaired people – Specialised Centre for Vocational Training and Rehabilitation of the Unemployed Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young People (K.E.E.S.E).
Trainers and carers -The National Accreditation Centre for Continuing Vocational Training (EKEPIS), Theotokos Foundation, 1st Special Elementary School of Ilion, 2nd Special Elementary School of Acharnes
Parents, friends and relatives of disabled people – ΚΕΑ/ΑΜΕΑ (Accredited by EKEPIS), ΠΑΝΕΛΛΗΝΙΑ ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΚΗΔΕΜΟΝΩΝ ΑΤΟΜΩΝ ΜΕ ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΓΚΕΣ (ΠΟΣΓΚΑΜΕΑ)
Organisations of/for disabled people – National Federation of People with Disabilities, Disabled Peoples` International DPI Greece
Key decision makers acting in education and training policy – The National Accreditation Centre for Continuing Vocational Training , Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, Dept of Special Education
OSS communities such as SourceForge, local communities – Android Greece
Social (Service) providers - Paigniothiki Filadelfias, ELEPAP
Inclusive learning professionals – National Society of Special Educators
Heads of faculties or managers of educational/training organisations – Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece”, New Technologies Laboratory in Communication, Education and the Mass Media
Specialised press – Disability NOW, Noesi