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.

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 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 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.