Investigating the ''Why'' in Whypox

Casual and Systematic Explorations of a Virtual Epidemic

Bibliographic Data

ID2409425
AuthorsYasmin B Kafai (0000-0003-4018-0491, University of Pennsylvania, corresponding author), Maria Quintero (0000-0003-1615-930X, University of California, Los Angeles), David Feldon, David F Feldon (0000-0003-3268-5764, University of Virginia)
Year2010
Volume5
Issue1
Pages116-135
Publication date2010-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGames and Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1555-4120 • E-ISSN: 1555-4139
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1555412009351265
OpenAlexW1989287462
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited11

Learning scientists have created and used virtual worlds to support players' historical, scientific, and ecological inquiries. Much less explored has been the impact of community events on players' investigations in virtual worlds. The authors present here the case of a community event Whypox, a virtual epidemic whose annual outbreak in Whyville affects players' communication and appearance. The authors analyze the different levels of participation ranging from casual to systematic in which players searched out more information about the Whypox, participated in online discussions about its causes and investigated different scenarios with simulations. The discussion examines ethical concerns, the contributions of our findings for the design of such community events, and educational resources in virtual worlds to support informal learning

Casual · Citizen science · Event (particle physics · Human–computer interaction · Metaverse · Political science · Social science · Social worlds · Sociology · Virtual reality · Computer Science · Digital Games and Media · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Psychology · Wikis in Education and Collaboration

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