EDU 6319: How People Learn | Case Study
Rob in a whiskey bar in Dublin, Ireland
Robert Hillman
Rob's love for The Legend of Zelda video game series is something he first discovered as a kid and still fosters to this day. He loves it so much that some of his social media handles include Zelda references. His favorite game is Majora's Mask, though Twilight Princess and Wind Waker get honorable mentions. From the music and visuals, to the puzzle design, he talks about this game series with such zeal that it makes you want to play the game yourself.
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When asked about his motivation for playing this game and learning new mechanics, the obvious answer is his love for the series. His love of puzzles and problem solving and his competitive nature also make playing and completing the game incredibly appealing; he is a self described "completionist," meaning he wants to experience every quest, meet every character, get every item, and earn every reward–something that I predict will be challenging based on my observations of his gameplay so far.
Rob also explained the social benefits of playing this game. According to Guinness World Records, Tears of the Kingdom is now fastest-selling Nintendo video game of all time, selling 10 million copies in 3 days, beating Super Smash Bros. Ultimate which sold 12.08 million copies in 24 days in December of 2018 (2023).
With a community of more than 10 million people playing this game, it's likely that Tears of the Kingdom will be an easy conversation starter for new introductions and certainly a great bonding experience for those who are already close friends with a shared love of gaming. In fact, a friend of his from college has created a Discord server for anyone who wants to discuss the game or share fun stories–connecting people across the country and even a few around the world.
Rob with some graffiti in Venice, Italy.
Outside of his interest in the Zelda series, Rob has a degree in physics from Lehigh University, plays trumpet in a regional brass band, and works at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA as a member of their technology support team. Recently, he played in the musical pit for the school's production of Fiddler on the Roof. His love of Moby Dick culminated in participating in the annual Moby Dick Readathon at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Rob at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Rob is an outdoorsman. He enjoys camping trips, day hikes, and any time by the water.
He spent many years as a staff member at several summer camps, mostly as a member of the aquatics staff. He currently teaches annually at the Boy Scouts of America's National Camping School, where aquatics directors (and other director level positions) learn how to safely manage their programs and maintain national level accreditation credentials.
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Summer camp is where I first met Rob nearly ten years ago; we have been together for six years and are now engaged with a wedding date sometime in the summer of 2024.
Rob with our friends' dog Islay napping in the car after a long day of hiking.
Reference
Newman, V. (2023, May 25). Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sells faster than any Nintendo game in history. Guinness World Records. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/5/legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-sells-faster-than-any-nintendo-game-in-hist-750686