Transforming Education Through Game-Based Learning and Play

Since 2008, Dr. Andrew Peterson has been at the forefront of integrating game-based learning and transformational play into education, creating immersive experiences that inspire critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful engagement. As the Director of Educational Technology at Ferris State University, Andrew’s mission is to empower educators and students by blending innovative instructional design with the power of play.

Who Dr. Peterson Helps:

• Educators and Faculty: Collaborating to design courses that incorporate game-based strategies to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
• Universities and Colleges: Building scalable, interactive programs that transform online and hybrid learning into immersive, playful experiences.
• Instructional Designers: Mentoring professionals to craft transformative educational tools using games, storytelling, and interactive design.
• Game Designers and Researchers: Bridging the gap between education and game design to create meaningful learning experiences.

How Dr. Peterson Helps:

Dr. Peterson takes a learner-centered approach to game-based learning, focusing on how play transforms understanding and motivates action. By collaborating with faculty and designers, he integrates storytelling, role-playing, and game mechanics into curriculum design, ensuring that each experience is both engaging and educational. His work emphasizes the power of play to create lasting change in how students learn and apply knowledge.

Engagement Tools:

• Tabletop Game Design: Leading students in creating their own games, from concept development to production, emphasizing iterative design and creativity.
• Scenario-Based Play: Designing immersive role-playing experiences that challenge participants to solve real-world problems in a safe, exploratory environment.
• Transformational Storytelling: Leveraging narratives to foster empathy, critical thinking, and connection across disciplines and cultures.

Notable Achievements:

Dr. Peterson has pioneered courses like Introduction to Tabletop Game Design, where students produce tangible games through The Game Crafter platform, and Sociology and Disasters, which uses play to explore societal responses to crises. His projects have redefined how faculty and students engage with educational material, blending theory and practice in ways that resonate deeply.

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