Totally generic bio:
Mark Chen’s research focuses on teamwork, communication, and group expertise in situated gaming cultures. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington, looking at the practice of a specific group of gamers in the online game World of Warcraft. He documented their 10-month learning trajectory by following, observing, and participating in their group work. Mark is currently a post-doctoral scholar at the UW Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, helping to evaluate player learning of science and math games such as Foldit and Refraction. Additionally, as a founding member of Advancing Gaming in Innovative Learning Ecologies (AGILE), Mark is exploring the use of experimental and artistic games to promote cultural production and deep meaning making. Prior to doctoral work, Mark was the webmaster and a web game developer for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, OR. He holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Reed College and grew up in the Bay Area as a child of the 80s. You can read more about Mark on his blog at http://markdangerchen.net
