Author Archives: Elif Memis

Elif is a PhD student in the York University STS graduate program with a background in computer and educational technologies. Elif's research interests revolve around social justice and civic engagement, grounded in critical digital literacies and feminist media studies.
child sitting at a computer with a note book

The Politics of Civic Education 

Cast Your Vote (CYV), a civic education game, aims to teach conscious voter behavior to youth, simulating a fictional election campaign. Reflecting on the relationship between humans and technology, I argue that both curriculum design and the educational software the curriculum informs are political. Critically analyzing CYV’s scenario, I discuss how representation politics shape CYV’s civics curriculum and the gameplay it provides. Focusing on CYV creators’ inclusion and exclusion decisions on societal issues, I offer some suggestions to produce a more inclusive and relevant educational experience for marginalized communities.   (read more...)