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2025 REACTING WINTER CONFERENCEChallenges & Opportunities: Using AI in the Reacting Classroom January 17-19, 2025 | Virtual |
OVERVIEW
Join us again for virtual Reacting Winter Conference on January 17th–19th, 2025! In addition to the games we're playing--one classic, one newly published, and one never before offered--our workshop this year is on the challenges and opportunities offered by the rapidly accelerating field of generative AI. Together, we’ll explore strategies for deterrence and detection of misuse, while also examining the potential of AI to enrich gameplay and learning. From practical applications to imaginative edge uses, this workshop invites you to join the dialogue on how AI can shape the future of Reacting pedagogy. On Saturday, Reacting stalwart Michaele Ferguson of the University of Colorado - Boulder will give our keynote address. |
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6:00 - 7 PM
| OPTIONAL ORIENTATION SESSION If you're new to Reacting to the Past or online workshops, or just wondering about one little thing before we begin, please join us for this casual chat and Q&A session with a pair of your conference hosts. |
7:30 - 9 PM | WORKSHOP: Challenges and Opportunities of AI in the Reacting Classroom Two years ago, Reacting faculty developed a briefing on the use of AI in Reacting games. This guided conversation revisits that foundational work, providing a platform for participants to share their hopes, fears, and experiences with AI in education. Join us for an in-depth discussion with immediate applications for your class! |
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 |
11 AM - 12:30 PM
| GAME WORKSHOP - SESSION 1 The game workshop offers a condensed gameplay experience, context for the simulation, and includes post-game guidance on how to use Reacting in your own classes. You'll be sent a gamebook, as well as a detailed a role sheet. During the game, you participate as your role, making arguments and forging alliances to achieve specific objectives. The first session will cover historical context, game set-up, and faction meetings. At some game-friendly point during this 90 minute session, GMs will call for a 10 minute break The Threshold of Democracy: Athens in 403 B.C.E. GM: Liz Denham, Houston Community College Egypt 1920s: Feminism, Nationalism, and Islam GM: Heather Keaney, Westmont College
Ending the Troubles: Religion, Nationalism, and the Search for Peace and Democracy in Northern Ireland, 1997-98 GM: John Burney, Doane College (ret.) |
12:30 - 2:00 PM
| BREAK Virtual conferences are their own kind of tiring, so we're offing a 90-minute midday break. There will be no activities offered for an hour, and the half-hour from 1:30-2 PM is an optional opportunity for participants to engage in casual chat with others , whether in- or out-of-game. |
2 - 3:30 PM | GAME WORKSHOP - SESSION 2 Gameplay begins in earnest. You can expect to get through about one-third to one-half of your game during this time. As before, GMs will include a 10 minute break at some point. |
3:30 - 4:15 PM | KEYNOTE PLENARY - MICHAELE FERGUSON |
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | GAME WORKSHOP - SESSION 3 Gameplay continues. You can expect to get almost to the end of you game in this session. As before, GMs will include a 10 minute break at some point during this session. |
12:30 - 2:00 PM | BREAK Virtual conferences are their own kind of tiring, so we're offering a 75-minute midday break. There will be no activities offered for an hour, and the half-hour from 1:30-2:00 PM is an optional opportunity for participants to engage in casual chat with others , whether in- or out-of-game. |
2:00 - 3:30 PM
| GAME WORKSHOP - SESSION 4 The final session includes time for debriefing the game, discussion of mechanics and implementation, and questions. |
3:30 - 4:15 PM | CLOSING COLLOQUY Closing remarks and discussion. |
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Includes all conference events. Members need to sign into your account in order to register at the member rate. Become a member here.
| Early Bird through November 30 |
Regular December 1-20 |
Late December 21-January 10 |
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| Member | $150 | $175 |
$200 |
| Non-Member | $225 | $250 | $275 |
FUNDED REGISTRATION FOR DEI ADVANCEMENT
The Reacting Consortium is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. We offer fully-funded and subsidized registration for instructors who are members of historically underrepresented and marginalized identity groups, and those teaching at minority-serving institutions (HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities, AAPI and Hispanic-serving institutions). If you are interested in applying for one of these spots, please send an email to reacting@barnard.edu with the subject line “Funded WC Spot” by Friday, November 22, 2024. Approved applicants will be able to register for free or at a discount. Please apply and share with colleagues.
WORKSHOP-ONLY REGISTRATION
Instructors wishing to attend only the Friday night "Active Learning" workshop on Friday can register for it for a cost of $75. These registrants cannot observe or participate in the game workshop.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I ONLY PARTICIPATE IN ONE GAME?
Yes. You play through one game for the full weekend. If you'd like to play multiple games, come to our in-person Annual Institute the second weekend in June.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE GAME WORKSHOP?
First of all: fun! In terms of practical details: Participants will be sent a digital gamebook ( outlining the topics and debates of a historical moment, as well as a detailed a role sheet for a historical actor in those debates. Participants prepare and engage as that historical actor, making arguments and forging alliances to achieve specific Victory Objectives. You need not be a specialist to play (or run) a Reacting game, but you should plan on doing some preparatory reading.
I HAVE A CONFLICT FOR PART OF THE GAME WORKSHOP SESSIONS, CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Yes. While it's not ideal, you can absolutely still attend. Please make note of your conflict when you register so we can try to work around it in casting, and we can let your GM know.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Email reacting@barnard.edu and we'll try to answer them.
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