HASTAC Launches $2M Digital Media and Learning Competition

The Humanities, Arts, Science, and Technology Advanced Collaboratory (HASTAC) and the MacArthur Foundation announced that the 2010 Digital Media and Learning Competition will begin accepting applications later this month. The competition will award over $2 million in prizes for entries that feature innovative digital approaches to learning. The theme of this year's competition is "Reimagining Learning." Entries will be accepted in two categories: 21st Century Learning Lab Designers and Game Changers. The 21st Century Learning Lab Designer awards, presented as part of the White House's Educate to Innovate Initiative, will award prizes ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 to chosen winners. Entries in this category may use any type of digital media (including social networks, video games, and virtual worlds) to address social challenges and promote childhood learning. The Game Changers category awards prizes between $5,000 and $50,000 for levels designed using either Sony's user content-driven platformer LittleBigPlanet or Electronic Arts' customizable life simulation title Spore Galactic Adventures. All entries must incorporate and leverage principles of science, technology, engineering, or math for learning. Both categories will include a number of Best in Class awards chosen by expert judges, along with a People's Choice Award selected by the general public. Online applications for entry open on January 15th.