EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR THE SHARING AND DISSEMINATION OF TECHNOLOGIES AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE INNOVATIVE FIELD OF GAME BASED LEARNING
Primary objective of LUDUS (in Latin, game) proposed project is the creation of a South Eastern European network for the transfer of knowledge and dissemination of best practices in the innovative field of Serious Games. Serious games are electronic games designed primarily for learning (or even advertising, simulation, etc) instead of pure entertainment. Serious game must be entertaining, but this fun element serves a learning purpose. Nine competent institutions (two Universities, three regional innovation centres, one non profit organisation and three social partners) from seven European countries cooperate within LUDUS. The proposed activities aim to promote awareness, networking, sharing of knowledge and of experiences, as well as to develop skills and competencies in Serious Games development and use. Activities include: state of the art and field analysis, survey on the readiness/interest/views of IT companies, educational institutions, local development organisations in serious gaming, training and networking workshops and events, European conferences, European competitions, open training labs, an online knowledge node with database of experts, stakeholders, forum, wikis, blogs, news, events and resources on serious games, project website, promotion actions and Best Practices Guide. The activities take place in all seven participating countries, creating a live network of interactions, involving all partners, regional stakeholders and external experts.