November 30, 2016 - Invited to present this talk on the importance of and reasons for obtaining a college degree. Held the talk at the Denver Center for International Studies. Referenced personal educational journey as example for the benefit of pursuing interdisciplinary studies to guide one's career goals and to author one's own life. Access the animated version of the slides here: http://bit.ly/cyoaedu

1. Higher Education: Choose
Your Own Adventure

2. hello!
I am Sherry Jones.
Philosophy + Game Studies College Instructor | Game Designer
Twitter @autnes | Slides http://bit.ly/cyoaedu

3. 1.
How is College Like a
CYOA?

4. Choices, Choices, and More Choices.
You are constantly being
confronted by many choices
that can lead you to different
paths.
ex. Many core/elective
courses (just in English alone)
as well as majors are
available for the choosing.

5. Did I Make the Correct Choice?
You are often called upon to
make a choice, with no idea
whether or not the choice is
correct.
ex. Should I listen to my advisor
and take that course? What if I
want to change major? What
should my major be?

6. Difficult Work Ahead!
Sometimes, difficult situations
occur on your chosen path.
ex. Wait, I have to produce a 15
page history paper by next week
Wednesday? Terror on top of
terror if you also work part/full
time while being a student!

7. 2.
Why is College
Important?

8. Become You2
College will help you become who you
want to be in the professional world.
That is, ONLY IF you are willing to go
through the rigorous training to “level
up” and become an enhanced version of
you.

9. Understand How the World Works
College trains you to closely examine
a real world issue through critical
thinking and research, and trains you
to consider possible solutions to
address that issue.
The college experience can broaden
your knowledge and perspective on
how the world actually works.

10. Build Networks!
Did you know that some students build a
network of friends in college, and later
obtain jobs thanks to their network
connections?
Networking and referrals are how one gets
a job in the real world. Attend college to
build a network and insure your future.

11. 3.
Is Declaring a Major on
the First Day Important?

12. Actually, No.
The whole point of college is to learn new ideas and perspectives.
Those ideas will guide you to choose the right major.

13. 4.
Interlude: A Reflection
on My Own
CYOA Higher Education

14. 1st Major: Japan Studies

15. Professional Study: Music Composing and
Vocal Training

16. 2nd Major: English and Linguistics Studies

17. 3rd Major: Religious Studies

18. 4th Major: Philosophy

19. Professional Study: Game Design

20. Learning Never Stops
As a result of studying various subjects, I am able to approach
problem solving through a multi-disciplinary/interdisciplinary lens.
Ex. Design digital games that address the logic of philosophical
problems.
As a college instructor, one is required to constantly conduct
research and publish papers. We continue to learn about new
subjects.
Here are examples of my current research directions . . .

21. Article
“Mixed Reality
Escape Room
Design" by Sherry
Jones

22. Book
“Spinoza vs. Laozi" by
Sherry Jones

23. Webcast

24. Game
“Ethics AI” by
Sherry Jones

25. thanks!
Any questions?
Sherry Jones
Philosophy + Game Studies College Instructor | Game Designer
Twitter @autnes | Slides http://bit.ly/cyoaedu

26. Credits
Special thanks to all the people who made and released
these awesome resources for free:
Presentation template by SlidesCarnival