An investigation into the growth and significance of the Global Game Jam for Teaching and Learning has seen a Waiariki Institute of Technology academic recognised at the annual Computing and Information Technology, Education and Research in New Zealand (CITRENZ) awards.

Senior computing lecturer, Alan Fowler, worked with professors, lecturers and game developers from around the world to produce the research paper, and was presented with the award for collaborative research at the organisation’s recent conference in Hamilton.

Fowler, who was recognised with a Waiariki Institute of Technology chief executive award for research in 2012, worked with Foaad Khosmood from California Polytechnic State University, Ali Arya from Carleton University in Canada, and Gorm Lai from Kotori Studios in London on the project.

A Game Jam sees developers, educators, artists, and those interested in developing a game, pitch game ideas around a central theme, form teams to collaborate, develop and test the game all within the space of 48 hours.

The collaborative research paper explores the origins of the Global Game Jam, tracks the growth of the Global Game Jam and discusses its potential for research and teaching through this popular activity.