Annual LEEF Event Showcases Convergence of Learning & Entertainment Technologies

HARRISBURG, PA, February 13, 2011 (Press-News.org) Change the nature of learning and work in your organization with games, simulations, and virtual worlds at the 2011 Learning and Entertainment Evolution Forum (LEEF) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in PA.

Set for June 16-17, LEEF 2011 is an interactive professional development event that explores the use of games, simulations and virtual worlds for learning. The program showcases how learning and entertainment technologies have converged and continue to evolve to produce solutions that are redefining the learning experience.

Keynote presentations include:

* "Fun is Not the Enemy of Work," Nathan Verrill, Co-Founder of Natron Baxter Applied Gaming & Gameful, Thursday, June 16, 2011, 9:00 am;

* "Immersive Education and Training," Michael Macedonia, Vice President and Vice President and Chief Scientist at SAIC, Friday, June 17, 2011, 8:30 am;

* "How IBM Leads Change with Serious Games," Phaedra Boinidiris, Serious Games Program Manager at IBM, Friday, June 17, 2011, 2:15 pm.

Organized by the TechQuest PA 2010 Technology Educator of the Year and Harrisburg University faculty member, Andy Petroski, the University has become the ideal host for the annual forum since it is pursuing innovative approaches to games and learning for performance through its Learning Technologies Master of Science program and its Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies.

Using case studies, exhibits, keynotes and other hands-on learning opportunities, the annual LEEF event showcases how games, simulations and virtual worlds are used from leadership and program management, to emergency evacuation or electrical safety. Attendees at past LEEF events enjoyed presentations of case studies from IBM, DAU, Applied Research Associates, Forio, the US Naval Academy, Centrax, Novonics and others who are overcoming challenges and implementing effective solutions with games, sims and virtual worlds!

Additionally, LEEF 2011 is expected to feature focused instructional workshops, one-on-one time with innovators and entrepreneurs in the exhibitors' area, and lots of opportunities for networking with a diverse array of attendees. The annual event is ideal for training and development professionals, e-learning designers and developers, educators and instructors, and game designers and developers.

More information on becoming a presenter or exhibitor at LEEF 2011, or to sign up for updates, please email LEEF@HarrisburgU.edu , call 717.901.5190 or go online to http://www.GoLEEF.com.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

Contact:
Steven Infanti
Harrisburg University Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146
sinfanti@harrisburgu.edu
http://www.harrisburgu.edu/