Funded by eCampus Ontario, led by Dr Emma Westecott, and in partnership with MasterpieceVR this research explores and studies how the Masterpiece Studio Virtual Reality creative tool set enables different disciplines to create 3D content. In order to model creative learner types we create personas that aggregate ‘typical’ learner characteristics. These personas inform the generation of learning materials that will then be used in a ‘live’ learning setting (a game jam) to study how these learners’ experience, learn and expand project workflow using these tools. This game jam serves as a research creation activity that produces processes, data, and VR game sketches that can inform future tool development.
Our hypothesis is that Masterpiece Studio tools scaffold distinct computational literacies via an easy-to-use platform that optimizes 3D production from VR creation to game engine. By creating content and learning material and using it in a game jam setting this project will develop and test learning pathways for a variety of learners, as well as assess tools in live learning settings.
Research Question: How might Masterpiece Studio tools enable innovation for a range of post-secondary learners (non-digital, 2D, 3D and game makers) for 3D creation whilst speeding up the learning process?
The end users of this project are the learners themselves, in this case OCADU students. We will select learners from our community to inform the design and development of the learning material both prior to and post the live learning sessions. Our learners will facilitate the object of study (how learning takes place) as evidenced by documentation of what is made.
If you have any questions about this study or require further information, please contact Dr Emma Westecott (Principal Investigator). This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the Research Ethics Board at OCAD University File 2021-52. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact the Research Ethics Office through research@ocadu.ca.
