Sasha Barab is a Professor in Learning Sciences, IST and Cognitive Science at Indiana University. He also holds the Barbara Jacobs Chair of Education and Technology, and is the Director of the CRLT. His research has resulted in numerous grants, dozens of academic articles, and multiple chapters in edited books, which investigate knowing and learning in its material, social, and cultural context.
His current work involves the research and development of rich learning environments, frequently with the aid of technology,
that are designed to assist children in developing their sense of purpose as individuals,
as members of their communities, and as knowledgeable citizens of the world.
Central to this work has been a focus on the understanding the value of transformational play. Students who play transformationally become agents-of-change who use real-world knowledge, skills, and concepts to make sense of a situation and then make choices that actually transform the play space and themselves; creating a place in which what you know is directly related to what you are able to do and, ultimately, who you become.
As one example, the Quest Atlantis project is a learning and teaching project that leverages strategies used in the commercial gaming environment to develop a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks.
Contact Information
phone: (812) 856-1553
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