Mathews, Jim

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Jim Mathews grew up in southeastern Wisconsin where he fondly remembers exploring the Root River watershed by role-playing as an adventurer, archaeologist, biologist, and time traveler.

Currently, Jim teaches social studies, critical media studies, and video production at an alternative high school in Middleton, WI. His communication arts-based curriculum helps connect students with their local communities through documentary filmmaking, photography, writing, and service learning projects. Students involved in his school-based video production studio have produced numerous videos for local non-profit agencies on topics ranging from aging to environmental education.

Jim researches augmented reality gaming as a graduate student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (Educational Communications and Technology) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is particularly interested in helping students develop their historical inquiry and critical thinking skills by helping them design AR games based on local historical and environmental issues.