Westminster University hosts computing events linking students and teachers with gaming industry
Digital Schoolhouse’s Playful Computing Conference and Festival of Play bring together students, teachers, and tech companies to explore creative computing in education.
Photo credit: University of Westminster
The University of Westminster has hosted two Digital Schoolhouse events designed to connect students, teachers, and industry leaders through computing and game-based learning.
Held across two campuses, the Playful Computing Conference and Festival of Play focused on play-based approaches to STEM education, artificial intelligence, and digital creativity.
Digital Schoolhouse is an initiative run by UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie), supported by the video games industry and government. The program promotes computing education through workshops, certifications, and partnerships with companies such as Nintendo UK, PlayStation, and SEGA.
The conference took place on June 24 at Westminster’s Harrow campus, drawing 140 attendees. The Festival of Play followed on July 1 at the Marylebone campus, welcoming 300 students aged nine to 14.
Workshops and panels showcase emerging tools
The Playful Computing Conference included keynote talks, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions exploring the use of AI, mixed reality, and creative tech in classrooms. The agenda was organized around four strands and featured contributions from educators and representatives from companies such as Ubisoft, Outright Games, and Data Education in Schools.
At the Festival of Play, younger students engaged in game development workshops and learned about career paths in video games and computing. The event was supported by Electronic Arts and included professional development for teachers to help integrate creative computing into lesson planning.
Dr. Doug Specht, Head of the School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster, says,
“Hosting the Digital Schoolhouse Playful Computing Conference and Festival of Play here at the University of Westminster is a big deal for us. These events fit perfectly with what our university stands for; creativity, collaboration and using technology to make a real difference. Opening up our campus for these events creates a real two-way exchange.
“Our games curriculum is energised by the fresh ideas and diverse perspectives our guests bring, and at the same time, we get to share our own expertise and passion with the wider community, making the connection truly beneficial for everyone involved. We're looking forward to working even more closely with Digital Schoolhouse and seeing what new doors open up for all of us in the future.”
