The Virtual Expanses of Canadian Popular Culture

Abstract

Dr. Derek Briton, Associate Director, Centre for Integrated Studies, will provide an overview of the impact of virtual worlds—Massiviely Multiple Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs)—on Canadian popular culture, including an exploration of innovative learning opportunities these virtual environments support. Based on part of a chapter contributed to the edited collection on Canadian Popular Culture, How Canadians Communicate II: Contexts of Pop Culture (edited by Bart Beatty, Derek Briton, Gloria Filax, Rebecca Sullivan; published by AU Press), discussion will focus on current developments in the field of virtual worlds, with particular attention to the educational opportunities that exist in this area.