Hazel Dixon

h.dixon4@ncl.ac.uk

I am an educational researcher within Open Lab specialising in education, games design thinking, creativity, and sex and relationship education (SRE).

Before beginning the CDT Digital Civics programme, I studied for an MSc in Technology Enhanced Learning at Durham University as well as a BA (Hons) in Education Studies (Philosophy). I specialised in analysing the methods in which games – especially massive collaborative games – engage players and how those skills and theories can be used to motivate learners as well as wider applications. I also researched the ways that computer games can be used to teach interactive narrativity and am interested in the links that game playing has with creativity.

During my time at Durham, I also become involved in organising and training students to deliver SRE in schools which led to an academic interest in how to facilitate open, inclusive and relevant SRE – especially that which is near-peer led.

In addition to this, I have also done professional work in games design – most notably working in Escape Room design for large scale events. Games Design is my creative passion and I can often be found squirrelling away at new game and puzzle ideas.

I look forward to continuing research into projects that promote collaboration, inclusivity and creativity within education.