Owen Brierley interacts with participants of Digital Media 101.

BNMI Accelerator Program invites Michael Magee and Owen Brierley to speak about Serious Games in Alberta at Digital Media 101 at The Banff Centre.

The Digital Media 101 workshop included an engaging insight into the uses of digital media tools for small business, non-profit organizations, and economic development opportunities in Alberta and B.C. for 23 participants on November 20 and 21. The Banff New Media Institute Accelerator workshop included an expert stimulating line up of speakers including Vancouver’s Steve Bocska, Joint CEO of Hotheadgames Inc., Edmonton’s Cathy King, VC Regional Leads Network Provincial Coordinator of 2Learn.ca Education Society/Telus Learning Connection, and Calgary’s Ron Thiele, President and CEO, Xpan Interactive Ltd., amongst many others.

Digital Media 101 enjoyed great success as participants learned the value and every day uses of tools while they were guided step by step on how to set up a blog, use a wiki, and understand industry buzz words and technology jargon. During the workshop participants were not only introduced to the concept of digital media, but also how digital media companies function behind the scenes, allowing participants an understanding of how digital media can be used as a driver of economic growth in smaller communities.

Canmore’s Jane Neil said “This program was great. I came on the off chance that it would be of interest and I found the information presented and the contacts made very useful.” 

Owen Brierley, Producer at Hotrocket studios gave a lively performance for Digital Media 101 with Michael Magee, PhD candidate at U of C, about serious games in Alberta. Owen began his engaging session by persuading the 23 participants to loosen up by stretching and shaking from head to toe. Followed by a colourful presentation which walked participants through an audience guided, choose your own adventure style presentation which explored the “grey area” between learning and playing. It’s no surprise that Owen has a background in theatre. Owen is the Producer for a tween-based educational game being developed by Rocketfuel Productions Inc. as well as other digital media projects.

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