The Annual Conference for Teachers and Advisers 2021

Dr Matthew Barr is a lecturer at the University of Glasgow, where he previously convened the University’s first game studies course and was the founding editor of the international student game studies journal, Press Start. He is currently based in the Centre for Computing Science Education, where he leads the Graduate Apprenticeship in Software Engineering programme and is co-director of the University’s Games and Gaming Lab. He is also a member of the University’s Teaching Excellence Network.

Barr’s research, which has attracted significant media attention, examines how video games may be used to develop skills and competencies such as critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skill. This work received the Association for Learning Technology’s inaugural Research Project of the Year award in 2018 and forms the basis of his book, Graduate Skills and Game-Based Learning, published with Palgrave in 2019. Barr currently serves as Vice Chair of British DiGRA (the Digital Games Research Association) and as a Director and Trustee for the Scottish Game Developers Association. He also sits on the BAFTA Scotland Committee, where he serves as the current Games Jury Chair.