Welcome to #XPLAP Please introduce yourself to the community. Please share if your students have worn you down yet to try Fortnite? How did it go? What is stopping you? Really any Fortnite story will due!
Hello #XPLAP! I am Adam - a US History Teacher from SC.
I have a confession...
I have never played Fortnite...
I am not really good at / into FPS games...
But I am totally up for tonight's chat!
Howdy #xplap folks! Clark Davis here. 11th grade ELA. I tried Fortnite a couple times. My record is 45 seconds! I'd like to play more I just don't have the time. đ
Welcome to #XPLAP everyone. I am Michael Matera
Teacher, Author, Father...
Glad to have you all here... My students were talking about Fortnite at the lunch table. I asked them their favorite parts. Tonight highlights some them
Jay from NE, MS science teacher. I tried to play fortnite last year on my computer, but it couldn't actually run it (spent 2.5 hours than gave up). Tried it on my phone and gave up when it said it needed to download a gB of data. #xplap
Rich Anderson
North Syracuse
9th Grade Global History
I havenât personally tried it yet but itâs been discussed at length and elements of it are on the implementation board for my game.#XPLAP
Welcome to #XPLAP Please introduce yourself to the community. Please share if your students have worn you down yet to try Fortnite? How did it go? What is stopping you? Really any Fortnite story will due!
Josh Stock, 6th grade Language Arts teacher from Olathe, KS. My summer camp kids talked me into playing it this summer. I realized how long it's been since I've played a computer game. #xplap
Itâs #XPLAP time! Dwight from NYâs beautiful Adirondacks. This week I turned my classroom into a museum for students to practice social studies analytical skills: https://t.co/jVcLWqJfIp
Yo! Whatâs up XPLAP Crew? Andrew from SoCal here. 4th grade is in the house. Happy to be here with all of you!
I finally jumped on the bandwagon this past summer. I played, and I was incredibly inspired. So many awesome game mechanics to try in the classroom.
#XPLAP
Dave Kolb, 7th grade math from Genoa, IL. My students talk about it all the time. I have yet to give it a go. They were impressed with my knowledge of the purple cube. #EasyDubs#VBucks#xplap
â¨đâ ď¸Hi! I'm Kimberly from NE. I teach 7th grade ELA. I downloaded Fornite TODAY... so watch out! I also surveyed my students in a couple classes for ideas on how to use game mechanics from Fornite in our class game... mind was blown! đ¤ŻThey had great ideas! â ď¸đâ¨#XPLAP
Jared here from Arlington, TX. I've discussed fortnite at length w/ many Ss. I have it downloaded on my Switch. I'm terrible at it btw, but I enjoy exploring its game design & therefore its appeal for a variety of different users/Ss #xplap
Alicia from PA. #xplap
I played one game, died #12. My internet is so bad I couldn't actually play and died in the storm because of terrible lag. I'm surprised no one took me out sooner.
Hello all! I'm Shannan and I am in my 1st year of gamifying my junior high talented and gifted classroom! As for Fortnite, I've picked up some of the lingo but I've never played. The kids seem to love it! #XPLAP
Carrie Baughcum. 6/7/8 Special Education Teacher from Illinois. My Ss talk of Fortnite inspires me. I love hearing about all their ideas and experiences!! #XPLAP
Kessler McClanahan from @doerrekisd in Texas. Iâve never played it but have watched several YouTube videos trying to understand.
I teach ELA and have tried to incorporate the game in writing and in getting to know you activities at the beginning of the year. #XPLAP
Hi All, Patrick Amel 4th grade teacher from Oshkosh, WI. I've played a couple times, but don't have a lot of experience. Mainly have tried to avoid everyone while figuring out the controls and looking for loot. #xplap
A1: Give students the opportunity to get started on their own terms. Drop a gif on your slides, seed the idea that itâs there with a student or two & watch word spread. #xplap
Hi! Iâm Rebecca Bradley, 7th grade English, 1st year gamifier, and so excited about this adventure. Coincidentally, I watched a friend son play for about 30 minutes this weekend to gain some insight. I wouldnât call myself an expert! #XPLAP
A1: All students start with 0 XP, but some have talents and skills already that set them apart from the rest. I think we can include higher depth of knowledge questions that require teamwork. #XPLAP
A1: 1st year gamifyig so right now all my students are on even playing field as they are just collecting XP/badges. Looking to add items when I start my next unit. Perhaps some Easter Eggs to start it off. #XPLAP
A1: This is usually how my game begins. A few players find sidequests early on & do well enough to earn items/badges. This forces other Ss to hunt around for chances to earn their own. Already had a ton of quests completed! #xplap
Erica in Houston, TX đđźđđź I teach technology & business to middle schoolers. They talk about it all.the.time, and the dances. đşđ˝đşđ˝ #XPLAP
A1 Part of my onboarding is getting students their first items. from their they need to learn to "activate them". Students that learn to do this earlier are able to take advantage. #XPLAP
Hey, #xplap crew! I'm a literacy coach, MYP Language & Literature teacher, and international literacy consultant currently living in Tokyo. I haven't played...
...yet...
a1) I tied a prequiz into the game this year(over everything we're covering this year). No grades for it, but the better you did on it, the more gold you go to start out with. #xplap
A1: One thing I love about scoring with an "XP system" (at least in terms of how I've been doing it) is that every unit we all start with ZERO XP. A chance to reinvent oneself. We all start equally #XPLAP
A1: I guess I think of this one in a deep/non-game way. Each day should be a bus moment for our students and each day different students should have the opportunity to be the one that âpower upsâ shares their strengths. #XPLAP
A1: I like having things physically hidden in my room and also in digital elements like our Google Site for kids to find. I need to add a powerup card or item for those that find them. :) #XPLAP
A1: I think a great parallel to the bus đ is that fact that everyone starts with 0 badges in my classroom. When accomplishments happen, they are awarded badges. Everyone has the same opportunity to earn a badge. A lot of time has gone into the development of each! #XPLAP
A1: Easter Eggs are a great way to get students to jump off the bus. The lure of unfound treasure has worked great for my classes. I always listen for where they think one might be. It helps give me better ideas. #XPLAP
A1 First year of real gamification so everyone is starting with zero XP and rolling out the first sidequests later this week. Some kids earned badges in the marshmallow challenge we did last week. #XPLAP
I think this is important to remember. I don't want a few students to get a huge advantage right off the bat or i'll have less buy in. There needs to be a way to catch back up. #xplap
A1: One thing I love about scoring with an "XP system" (at least in terms of how I've been doing it) is that every unit we all start with ZERO XP. A chance to reinvent oneself. We all start equally #XPLAP
A1- all my students in my game start at level 1 and I keep the xp and gold coming so they all have a good chance to level but students who do the side quests students get a decisive advantage with more items to boost BP and access to powers #xplap
Jason from West Virginia. I play #Fortnite. It puts the concepts of #Minecraft (building and resource management) with #CallofDuty (survival and cool guns). Never play solo, because its more fun being a part of a community (squads). Been a gamer for a long time. #XPLAP
I so wish #xplap wasn't so late! I want to chat with you guys! @mrmatera@tishrich@KimSnodgrass but my to-do list isn't done and my east coast self needs to get some sleep. ;)
I may have to bust out a âNight at the Museumâ badge for students who write a narrative based on the teacher artifacts from my museum lesson yesterday & Friday! #XPLAPhttps://t.co/jVcLWqJfIp
A1 The different items students earn from sidequests are like this. It gives them a leg up. I've also done a lead rush side quest with ore hidden around the school that confers xp. #xplap
A1: I was thinking a mini game/challenge... All start at the same time... Finish the first tasks, you get to choose the second task out of limited options. This gives you more power over what to do next. Next teams will have less options to discover and work with. #XPLAP
I am Jen from Nor CAL and I teach tech to our K-5 students. I have played fornite. I prefer Mass Effect, or Zelda but to each his own. Also, I can't do any of those dances. #xplap
A1: I also love having moments in your game...check points...milestones that allow students to feel empowered to make choices that will help them in the game are important too #XPLAP
A1: I want to introduce items for Ss that were a little slow coming out of the gates. I had a S earn a large amount of XP during a reveiw game. I don't want the others to get discouraged and am trying to come up with an item that allows others to play catch up. #xplap
My game has got off to a slow and rocky start, but I'm not giving up. Flashes of excitement here and there and I just think I need more experience. I'm willing to acknowledge that delivery might be a huge issue. Gotta keep on keepin' on! #xplap
A1
â¨đâ ď¸đâ¨
ABANDON SHIP!
â¨đâ ď¸đâ¨
My students had a great idea that stemmed from a Fortnite mechanic. They thought we could all start with a standard ship (pirate themed game), but have the opportunity to build a larger/better one through XP or items.
#XPLAP
Thatâs fantastic! Got to love mixing in physical hidden clues around the school building. The librarian loved my year end scavenger hunt last year because students were in the library a ton looking for clues. #xplap
A1: I love using @classcraftgame because the daily, random event keeps things interesting! I also give student XP For exhibiting @iborganization profile traits which lifts up the awesome ways they are treating one another and growing. #xplap
For those of us who arenât using XP yet/just playing around with gamification, what do you suggest? Questioning maybe and points for in depth answers or evidence based maybe? #XPLAP
I did this in two different ways. One was cards with QR codes instructing Ss to add a vocab word and meaning to a list. Other was "invasive speciesâ images Ss could âkillâ and turn in for XP. #XPLAP
Q1 : For the first 6 wks in #typing, Ss are assessed primarily on EFFORT rather than speed or accuracy. Gives some comfort to those w no prior experience â¨ď¸ #XPLAP
A1 Because I teach the whole school, we have LOTS of bus moments. Right now they've all made a @googlesites - their Learning Hub where they share what they are learning, but after day 1 it becomes their design #xplap
A1: Making sure we have a variety of elements for all interests and learner types also helps provide bus moments for all our Ss to feel like they are advancing. #XPLAP
A2 To keep Ss on track I have "Transition Periods". At this point all of the missions/quests for that unit need to be finished. They can still turn them in after but cannot work on them in class. It is a time motivator... #XPLAP
A2: Iâve used the concept of âThe Fallenâ during Boss Battles, where those who lost all health are in one space & can only respond if another S answers wrong. The pool of Fallen often grows, shrinking the odds to survival. #xplap
A2 Shrinking maps could translate into the classroom as time limits, limited time options on projects. If you make your decision about your project you have these options, but past this day, you have only these options, so on down the line. #xplap
I'm on year 3 and still struggling with getting the buy in I'd like. my 7th grade students this year seem to be pretty excited about it though! just started it with them this week. #xplap
A2 I love throwing in those moments where kids can take a risk to steal or double their points, they've got that split-second where they are deciding -- is it worth the risk? #xplap
A2: I like to give the students choices, whether that be in regular classwork or side quests. Maybe after awhile, if certain students continue to choose the same types of quests/activities, I could "force" them to try a different one to get them out of their comfort zone. #xplap
I havenât dabbled into the XP just yet, still just adding elements of game design into lessons & activities. Sometimes just giving a narrative layer on top of what youâre doing gives students some drive to sink their teeth into it. #xplap
A2: A storm moment that I have is the way in which my game is played. For example, students take multiple risks because of the fact that our game resets every quarter. Thus, they are given a new dashboard and start from scratch to build up their badges, levels, XP, etc. #XPLAP
A2: As Ss are working on creating something have them stop and switch with another group- the group has to pick up where they left off and finish. Does this work??? #XPLAP
A2: In my fairy tale game, the happily ever after endings are being stolen by the story villains. There is a "forgotten realm" on the map that is growing very slowly as they stories are forgotten. Will my students notice and save them in time????? #XPLAP
PERFECTION! I've come to find mini-games are a love of mine... and my students', so much awesomeness happens... learning, energy, relationship building, etc.. â ď¸đâ¨#XPLAP
A1: This sounds like our #personalizedlearning . Our students start with a pre-test, beginning at the same place. Then, according to data, they are given personalized pathways designed for them. This fills in gaps, but also encourages sâs to keep looking for power ups. #xplap
A2- I also love the idea of some competition pressures...I like to do timed challenges with structures XP pay offs...1st gets 100xp, 2nd gets 75xp etc. that way everyone gets something and doesnât stop when one team wins #xplap
I was so excited to do this, but my new school doesn't have any decorations on their walls other than murals. I have no idea where I could hide them...
I am thinking of having a few hidden QR codes taped near murals with hints in class somehow. Still thinking about it. #xplap
A2: We provide opportunities for taking risks when we ensure that we are providing lots of opportunities for authentic CHOICE. Agency is essential. #xplap
A2 Also I think I stole from someone here or #hivesummit but I've been using a timelapse sunset as my timer -- and it really adds a level of intensity. "Is it the long sunset? It isn't that super short one is it?" They ask me. I say nothing. #xplap
A2 for faculty, Iâm thinking give them time to explore resources/their own PD, but shrink the map with a quick check in of the objectives. Bonus McClard Money if they have it down (or maybe leave). #XPLAP
A1: I created a low tech breakout around on day one which was a huge bus drop moment! Now that I finally created my first item card, I need to intentionally find more of these opportunities to award them and build momentum #XPLAP
A2
â¨đâ ď¸đâ¨
C H U G J U G!
â¨đâ ď¸đâ¨
In my class survey, one of my students suggested that we create a "chug jug" type of item that restores life when they are in jeopardy, or could trade/share with others in need too!
#XPLAP
A2: Ss need freedom & autonomy to be "Explorers" in the Bartle sense of the term when discovering content, but as they "level up", there needs to be intentional design in place for mastering certain skills. #XPlap
A2 I like how the storm gets you moving and "encourages" players to interact. Maybe having quests that high level players can only complete with someone at a low level. The high level players would be the storm, pushing your stragglers into the game. #xplap
A2 for some assignments I offer variations -- easy (level path) or hard (mountainous) . It is always surprising which kids like to tackle those mountains. They are not worth the same XP #xplap
And have some they really have to hunt for to find, but keep track of how many are still âout thereâ for the truly adventurous to be challenged. #XPLAP
In reply to
@jellison23, @SuperEvansMath, @MrPowley, @missmac100
A2 - I tend to provide my students with different options to demonstrate mastery of a concept. My favorite is for them to create video tutorials. Some take risks and venture out into something they are not used to; they are required to work out of their comfort zone. #xplap
At the end of the year our sâs write speeches (similar to TedTalks) based off research and their personal passions. We build up to this (like a growing storm) to help them gain confidence and get feedback for their presentation skills. #xplap
A2: We can add breakouts or timed activities to increase risk taking to achieve #studentsuccess under pressure. Also various options for #stuchoice can yield differentiated #stuvoice. #xplap
I had a huge buy in with my 7th grade computer class when I showed them icons they could purchase... and a photo of me was one of the icons (random badges that they can purchase with my made up currency). That's when they started to get a little more excited. #XPLAP
A3: On my Google Sites website, I hide sidequests within images or in sections further away from main pages. This encourages Ss to explore the site, & then find a quest with limited directions. Take a risk & be creative=greater XP & better items/badges. #xplap
A3: Getting students reflecting on their learning in front of their peers is a hugely vulnerable spot, but could be incentivized for some sort of chug jug reward. Itâs hugely beneficial for both those reflecting, and those watching the reflection. #xplap
A3 I give some limited options for product creation. Usually 3-4 options. I do give an option to offer their own creation but most try to work within the framework I provide them. #XPLAP
Also, it would be pretty amazing to hide a clue or QR code somewhere on my Principal's person -- he's pretty formal so a t-shirt would be out, but a pocket square QR code . . . hmmmm. Or hide it without someone who goes unnoticed at school . . . #xplap
A3- one of the biggest discomforts for students is presenting in class.I could see an item that doubles Xp for presenting in class.This last week I gave presenters an item upgrade and they were all about it since they got an item out of it...discomfort gone and item gained #xplap
A3: My perfect drop is a #tmbgame card. Risk taking is perpetuated by the opportunity of earning a game card to help out a squadâs points. The cards are typically earned once students level up. Every card gained is by the luck of the draw. It creates so much excitement! #XPLAP
A3 I think the lure of rare or mysterious items would be good to lure more players in. Also, maybe activities. I was thinking of letting kids make wands when they reach a certain game level. #xplap
A3: When Ss are showing their learning give them options of ways to do it, and then reward the risk when they choose to use a method they havenât before. Expand their abilities #XPLAP
Hey #xplap crew! If you're interested in how a first year gamifier is doing with going all-in from the get go, send me an email at howdoigamify@gmail.com and I'll send you spoiler-filled links of the first 3 incredibly non-professional episodes. The đ
A3: Last year in my mini-game, I had a song sidequest. We learned a fraction song. If they lip synced the song it was worth a certain XP but if they actually sang it, it was worth a LOT. One student in my room was so brave & did the song all by himself! #XPLAP
A3: I really want to try using the Conferencing tool on @Schoology this year to help students with projects from home. This would give them one more safe space to ask questions. #XPLAP
A3: I like to idea of "dropping" powerups where students are not choosing to tackle that difficulty. Maybe something like a board with a wanted poster on it... Keep pinning items to it as the reward... First in / done well earns the reward. #XPLAP
A3 - This ties in to A2... Most of my Ss want to be YouTubers, until they have to be in front of the camera For this reason, and to stay away from multiple choice testing, I ask students to create tutorials to help struggling students. It's a big risk for them! #xplap
A3: Before we can add the drops, we have to cultivate a culture where a growth mindset and risk-taking is embraced. Once Ss know that it's all about learning and discovering, they will leap out of their comfort zones. #xplap
I have a sidequest where they can rewrite the words to a song. They get bonus points if they perform it (one person performed his version of twinkle twinkle little star, but I don't remember what it was about) #xplap
A3: I have found early on that XP/GP can be great motivators. Giving "Random" XP/GP for thinking outside the box has helped some of my quieter students a chance to shine and be more willing to participate in class. #xplap
It was so fun! I'll be happy to do another one. :) I loved talking about starting in gamification & sharing ideas with you. Working on that sleeping potion and super sleeping potion item card! #xplap
Agreed... But I think we need to move from a growth mindset and into an action based learning style. One were Ss know they will fail, but need to leave the safty of what they know and venture off into the unknow. #XPLAP
A3
FORTNITE DANCE!
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Might not exactly be answering the Q, but would love to see them step outside of their comfort zone with their "ship" (team/guild) and bond. Last year we did secret handshakes as greetings, but thinking it'd be fun to do Fortnite dances! #XPLAP
I love the #XPLAP chat... Thanks everyone. I wrote a bit about the Ready Player One book last night (which came off more harsh than I intended). I also have a bunch of stuff from this year's class on their!
https://t.co/NciHZUOs1e
What do you hide your Easter Eggs in? I like this idea, but I have a feeling the janitorial staff would frown upon having random items hidden in places. Any ideas or thoughts would be a great help! #XPLAP
Great sidequest!
What a chance for students to shine.
Would you let them use @Flipgrid as another way of performing? You might get some amazing videos!
#XPLAP
#XPLAP Iâm an analog gamer. Fortnite is a sandbox game: it can turn out a number of ways. Why donât we present board games with those options? People face to face instead of digital with tons of choices and options? Feast for Odin? Western Legends?
Beautifully said, @OmarLopez0207! Many students have past experiences where failure is vilified, so we have to help them embrace curiosity and risk-taking. #xplap
In reply to
@OmarLopez0207, @mrmatera, @OmarLopez0207
Haha... my 8 year old has helped me know whatâs up! I now play- https://t.co/FeMweVnpqd get Ss attention I will say â5 days until the next Season!â The Ss are like âwhaaaa? Does she know Fortnite?â Then break out in âjubilation danceâ & the kids are butter in my hands đ #XPLAP
This one has me thinking about items that could be used. Different XP for more difficult items... maybe double XP for a Team that has combined items. I like it. I like it a lot! #XPLAP
