Learning Conversations in World of Warcraft

We examine learning culture in a popular online game, World of Warcraft. We analyze the way players learn this complex game through chat conversation with peers. We describe three kinds of learning: fact finding, devising tactics/strategy, and acquiring game ethos. We investigate learning in the zone of proximal development as specified in cultural-historical activity theory. We examine the emotional tenor of learning conversations, noting their drama, humor, and intimacy.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: HICSS
• Authors: Bonnie A. Nardi, Stella Ly, Justin Harris
• Keywords: Biometrics, Complex Game, Cultural-historical Activity Theory, HICSS 2007, Popular Online Game, System Sciences