PELs (9 & 10)

Abstract 
Play Experience Logs are records and reflections on targeted play experiences.

Requirements
– Play a game for at least 30 continuous minutes; or
– Play a game multiple times/intermittently over at least a four hour period; or
– Play a game involving 3 or more players (no duration requirement).

Completion
To complete this assignment, students need to fill out and submit a PEL. These can be typed or handwritten. The PEL form can be found on CANVAS under Files > PELtemplate.docx. Further, the “Reflection” section of the PEL should be at least 150 words and should be produced with an eye toward writing quality. [PELs with major writing issues will not be credited.]

Assignment Description
Play Experience Logs are records of and reflections play experiences. As such, each PEL has to target a different game/experience, which is designed to ensure players are exposed to different types of games and activities as part of this course.

Students must complete and submit the PEL form in order to receive points for the PEL.

In the Reflections section of the PEL form, students may want to:
– reflect on their play experience;
– analyze/express thoughts on the game, game play, gaming situations, etc.;
– talk about an issue or idea in relation to their game, game play, or play experience;
– share insightful tips about gameplay strategies;
– connect the game/play to course content (discussions or readings).
This list of possible approaches is not exhaustive. Rather, these options are offered here as an inventional aid—i.e., starting places for thinking about how one might reflect on his or her play experiences.

Evaluation
PELS will be graded on a credit/1/2 credit/no credit approach. Full credit will be awarded for PELs that (1) offer a genuine reflection and/or engagement on a daily play experience and (2) are written with an attention to their writing quality.

Each PEL is worth 5 course points.

Goals
In order to write about games, you need to play games, and PELs are one way this course is designed to ensure (1) that students have personal play experiences and (2) that they spend time reflecting on those experiences. In so doing, students may be better situated to leverage these play experiences for assignments and applications in this course.