Digital Schoolhouse Events at Westminster Highlight Future-Facing STEM and AI Pedagogy

University of Westminster Strengthens Industry–Education Links Through Game-Based Learning Initiatives

The University of Westminster has reaffirmed its commitment to digital education by hosting two flagship events under the national Digital Schoolhouse programme. Aimed at fostering collaboration among students, educators, and industry professionals, the Playful Computing Conference and the Festival of Play were held across the university’s Harrow and Marylebone campuses. Organised as part of a UK-wide initiative led by UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie), Digital Schoolhouse promotes computing education through workshops, partnerships, and certifications. Supported by leading video game companies, including Nintendo UK, PlayStation, and SEGA, the programme encourages creative, play-based approaches to learning.

The Playful Computing Conference, held on 24 June at the Harrow campus, welcomed approximately 140 attendees. It featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops exploring artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and the role of creative technologies in classrooms. Speakers included educators and professionals from Ubisoft, Outright Games, and Data Education in Schools, who shared insights into the evolving intersection of pedagogy and digital innovation. Subsequently, the Festival of Play took place on 1 July at the Marylebone campus, engaging around 300 students aged 9 to 14 in game development workshops and interactive sessions on careers in gaming and computing. Supported by Electronic Arts, the event also provided training for teachers to help integrate creative computing into their teaching practice.

Dr Doug Specht, Head of the School of Media and Communication, expressed pride in the university’s role as host, noting that the events aligned with Westminster’s values of creativity, collaboration, and the use of technology for social good. He emphasised the mutual benefit of opening the campus to external participants, highlighting the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to share institutional expertise. Looking ahead, he affirmed the university’s intention to continue its partnership with Digital Schoolhouse and pursue further opportunities for engagement. These events underscore the university’s strategic focus on inclusive, future-facing digital education.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Westminster’s recent collaboration with the Digital Schoolhouse programme demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative and inclusive digital education. By hosting the Playful Computing Conference and Festival of Play, the university has taken a proactive role in promoting computing skills and creativity among young learners, while also supporting educators through professional development. These events provided valuable opportunities for students, teachers, and industry experts to engage with emerging technologies and discuss their relevance in education. Such initiatives reflect Westminster’s broader educational values, creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility. The university’s decision to open its campuses for these events allowed a meaningful exchange of ideas, strengthening ties between academia and industry. 

As per Skoobuzz, the success of these engagements highlights the growing importance of play-based, tech-integrated learning in preparing students for future challenges.