#games4ed Archive
#games4ed discussions cover ways in which gaming can be used in education. Games mirror the way the human mind was designed to learn. They motivate players to take risks and actions, persevere through failures, set and achieve increasingly difficult goals, and devote attention, time, and effort to acquiring knowledge and skills. All this while the game is tracking the player’s actions and assessing the player’s achievements and skills. Isn’t this what we want from education?
Thursday October 6, 2016
Good evening ! Honored to learn with y'all tonight! Thx to for having me!
Can't wait to learn about and !!
Thanks for being here! You've planned a great array of questions for us!!
Why don't they ever think to put on the air conditioning for back to school night?
They knew you're so cool the building wouldn't need artificial systems to lower the temp:)
So glad to have you, Carrie!!
Hi. 2nd gr. CA. 1st time on this chat. Here to learn.
Nathan and I am badgeriffic
Nathan and I am badgeriffic
thanks. i've been dabbling in for the past year thanks to . Looking to expand my horizons.
Ivan K-5 NJ...no badges yet
Thanks for humoring me and joining in the "GIFtroduction" kickoff!
LOL! And my kids built a snowman this afternoon! I'll send some cool air your way ;)
My daughter was just referred to as an upper classman. Ack!
AWESOME! Love the crew! They rock!
Excited about this conversation about and Here 4 the first time
OK, think Question 1 is on the way...
I can add no words to this greatness... https://t.co/re600d6IjG
They knew you're so cool the building wouldn't need artificial systems to lower the temp:)
Whoa, what? No GIF? Are you revolting?
So glad you're here, Vince!
Q1 up in about 30 seconds...
Yeah. Literally. We had snow most of the day
A1: badges are achievements within the gamified course. Badges can be extras along the way.
A1 badges can be awarded for a number of reasons. Doesn't have to lead anywhere.
Love this way of framing it Carrie! https://t.co/C4AuVpuwBt
A1: badges are achievements within the gamified course. Badges can be extras along the way.
A1: I see badges as a potential element of gamificaiton. Gamification is a broader philosphy. Badging is a specific tool
Can you expand on this a bit? What are some of the reasons you see Badges getting issued?
A1 Badges are given by someone. Games are won in a self-contained system.
When you say "extras" do you see that being their exclusive domain or can they be more "essentials"?
A1: Badges are levels & achievements earned in thru
A1: are achievements that Ss earn from a course
A1: I'd also say the reverse-- can be a part of
ooooo, this one already has my thinking feeling pushed... https://t.co/sJTDZbaHcw
A1 Badges are given by someone. Games are won in a self-contained system.
Love your willingness to push back Teresa. Can you give an example?
My Ss would earn badges for side quests, leveling up, or by exhibiting a certain quality of citizenship.
you could get for being part of a group
Nice! Have a feeling you'll bring us back to this on the sixth question...
A1: Badges can be used alone but can be even more effective with gaming. Achieving a badge can be more representative of mastery
So it can help communicate membership or participation?
A1: I don't have answer. Totally new to this. How did you all learn to gamify? That's what I want to know. Resources?
I'm currently taking taking a course @ CSUFresno that has us leveling up as Pokemon.
Great answer! And a perfect segway to second question... https://t.co/3fWSZmQwav
A1: Badges can be used alone but can be even more effective with gaming. Achieving a badge can be more representative of mastery
sometimes you can get a badge or trophy for participating
Resource/link dump y'all!!!! https://t.co/CneXvs4Kg8
A1: I don't have answer. Totally new to this. How did you all learn to gamify? That's what I want to know. Resources?
A2) you can add a "collect 'em all" element of gamification
A2: Clearly not. Badges must have value, especially for those who aren't achievement oriented.
A2 Badges connect the educator with the learner; whereas, winning a game is an isolating event
Coming a little late, just finished an Interactive
A2: imo are not all equal, some can be earned easily by all, some are almost impossible to achieve.
https://t.co/CguQieUaJt
well I'm still a newbie at both, but earning a badge cd be game-like but not necessarily part of a system..?
also depends on what you're participating in. If I finish a marathon (haha) I'm getting a 26 badge!
Agreed! So impt for us to have good answer to "why should I care?" https://t.co/34oivUDlXO
A2: Clearly not. Badges must have value, especially for those who aren't achievement oriented.
A2 there's a difference between badges as part of a game and badges recognized outside of the game and class
i recently saw an article on badges created with the input of the biz community...talk about a badge worth having
A2 games have specific criteria; badges can allude to soft successes that build confidence and/or a false sense of self-esteem
A2 physical badges are way more awesome the digital badges.
A2: Badges can have different values
A2: Badges in my class = Achievement Points and can only be earned for doing extraordinary feats
Love this times a million! https://t.co/wa6XNb24xk
A2 Badges connect the educator with the learner; whereas, winning a game is an isolating event
Q2: Not all are the same. Certain badges are harder to achieve than others.
Hey there! Haven't seen you lately--so glad to have you join tonight!
Always better to have you late than never :)
Are badges earned just for the bragging rights or are they used to trade in for something else?
as they should be, making a badge harder to earn makes it more valuable to S's
Please elaborate: this is an important point.
happy to be back with all of you fine educating peoples :)
Yes! I think the "easy" Badges have their own value...early Badge earning feeds Badge chasing (get 'em hooked!)
I get 2 badges for waking up in the morning
I could see adult badges taking off..everyone likes to feel rewarded
Great distinction! https://t.co/ul4EVD37Ry
A2 there's a difference between badges as part of a game and badges recognized outside of the game and class
you can start an adult badge company..im buying
In that case, I should get one, if I ever go to bed on time.
A2 Not all should be equal. Badges that are harder to earn will be highly coveted by students. They will display them proudly
in that case i would never get one
Yes! In we have Badges endorsed by biz that can lead to opportunities like job shadows, internships
yes! schools and biz comm need to be more connected imo
100% agree. There's something about holding it/pasting it that the digital just can't replicate https://t.co/d0dO9vKI8A
A2 physical badges are way more awesome the digital badges.
In my class, the badges are starting to get more difficult as the semester goes on.
YES! Some Badges can add to a deeper, richer narrative of who we are as learners and achievers!
I give out 3D printed badges to students at schools to represent skills
Karate uses belts for major steps, stripes for minor ones. Some badges are like that.
So one could contact a local business for badge recognition earned at school...
I think any badge that symbolizes some unique achievement is a good badge
I earned microwave dinner badge tonight
Do you see them as mutually exclusive? Any reason why we can't make Digital Badge physically avail?
This would be so cool. https://t.co/hfwcd2wxtE
I give out 3D printed badges to students at schools to represent skills
A2: Badges != equal. Badges are earned for accomplishments, grit, participation
And to some extent, we have some--Stickers from conferences on laptops, Google certification badges...
yeah exactly and it could lead to internships, apprenticeships, etc...
So in your quests, Badges are reserved for "above and beyond" behaviors?
or have to pull out a device and login to a site to show off badges. That is dreadful
Yep:) Actually about to announce one that will guarantee earner job interview with mngr
projecting S's badges for all to see would ramp up competition in class for sure
Do you think varying degree of difficulty is important?
I think we need to be careful about rewards, Rewards can inhibit achievement according to
I have to admit -- I have mixed feelings about badges.
Great question here. Hints at idea of "Badge Currency" https://t.co/exH1d8Sztf
Are badges earned just for the bragging rights or are they used to trade in for something else?
YES!! All associated with getting Ss to acquire outside of the 50 minutes we have class https://t.co/TzWxoVtGi8
So in your quests, Badges are reserved for "above and beyond" behaviors?
you could have both I guess
badges without an ed value attached to them are vapid without question
Well, what do they do with them? Hang them on the wall? Keep in their desks? Wear them?
Absolutely! I print digital badges off on sticker sheets--super easy!
my students like competition
if S's have to demonstrate some learning obj to earn a badge its totally legit
Absolutely! If all were equal, mostly likely Ss would stop trying and wouldn't learn anything.
Another great use for a 3D printer! https://t.co/usCpQVILOp
I give out 3D printed badges to students at schools to represent skills
True but if the activity was boring and mundane to start, there is no loss
Mine put them on class folders. I've had sentence strip posters in past.
here is my 3D printed badge page http://teachersasmakers.wikispaces./3D+Printed+Charm+Badges
q3 creating badges that require good sportsmanship by S's could be a challenge
A2: One way Badges have wide variance in whether or not we expect evidence to be attached (impt consideration in physical vs dig)
one challenge could be to limit the number of badges earned
Yes! Badges must be easily visible BY OTHERS. Otherwise they quickly lose their "value" https://t.co/iIt1nrWduo
or have to pull out a device and login to a site to show off badges. That is dreadful
Have also seen success (in mult age groups) with Badge "Passports" and ss earn stickers
A3: Challenges can be making it so all Ss can get a badge, but making them all earn it in the process
A3: They have to be complimentary to each other. Badges are part of the overall system
A3. Guessing here... balancing the desire to get the badge with the sheer enjoyment or learning experience of gaming itself
Thanks, but link appears dead.
link didn't work for me...
It is true, if badges are celebrating achievement...well...they must be celebrated
I think this is the fundamental challenge of creating good badges https://t.co/wqod68P6ij
A3. Guessing here... balancing the desire to get the badge with the sheer enjoyment or learning experience of gaming itself
we have done passports before and I do like them
A3 Badges and gamification need to support our end goals, they can't be goals in and of themselves
A3 this is the rub -- badges can reinforce the relationship learners have with educators or alienate them
A3. Sometimes the "prize" distracts us from the experience of gamification.
Completely agree https://t.co/hvcqjqEaS1
A3: They have to be complimentary to each other. Badges are part of the overall system
BTW, Sorry for my late arrival, MJ, history teacher, MA
A3 I'm thinking it depends on the context of the learning environment and learning goals. Ex: classroom vs campus
A3: Badges should show mastery, achievement. Not everyone should be able to earn each one--then it has no value
Huge challenge! https://t.co/SHeD2Vqv5D
A3: They have to be complimentary to each other. Badges are part of the overall system
we should think about making badges wholly dissimilar from the "awards" of non ed video games..try to give them a diff spin
A3 not all Ss can be above average, badges and gamification need to support growth mentality
A3: Ss can be more focused on obtaining the badge, instead of learning.
But, it's just to showcase them right? Or are they used for something else?
the beauty of badges is they can be for so many types of things..doesnt have to be just for highest achieving
Good point, badges have to be used carefully but, used right, they can be an effective tool
A3: making sure to infuse meaning into the badge and making sure earning the badges are at the right level of difficulty.
Exactly! I order blank white circle stickers w/my yearly requisitions. Then make them on Canva, copy them to Word
Great point! Impt to consider if we working in service of outcomes or the gimmick
earning a meaningless badge is good motivation not to want more badges..something to keep in mind
True...but If constructed correctly earning badge = mastery of learning objective https://t.co/exYUKYhJEa
A3: Ss can be more focused on obtaining the badge, instead of learning.
I will admit that that was my first mistake, is only recognizing grade achievement
keeping the materials simple keeps the focus on the intrinsic value of the badge
Agree! If they become "participation trophies for all" then it dilutes value
Do you all make your own badges, or has someone created a template you could download & print on sticky labels?
Agreed, we just need to think through how we are using them
Never thought of it that way, but yes!
I picked up from that achievements (badges) and grades are two separate beasts https://t.co/2ZvpdCp0Jh
I will admit that that was my first mistake, is only recognizing grade achievement
badges arent scalable with fancy materials anyway..blank white circle stickers could be adopted by a whole district!
Great point! While there's place for "A+++" Badges, I'm inspired by binary: ss have met criteria or are working to it
Right, we must frame badges as milestone recognitions rather than motivators for action
Yes, a big challenge, but IF infused correctly Ss could be learning while focused on obtaining the badge.
I get the 'trophies for all' dilution aspect, but wouldn't you want all of them to show mastery?
badges for growth sound great to me..and growth can mean so many things
Still pondering this...so then how does this connect to mastery-based learning? https://t.co/14mObic3e5
A3: Badges should show mastery, achievement. Not everyone should be able to earn each one--then it has no value
Your point is a good one for us to use to look in mirror; it's on us as designers to drive this
Can be infused into any subject?
not everyone can earn a mastery badge but thats why other types of badges can be useful..measure diff types of success
q4 dont make it take too long to earn a badge...leads to frustration
It could. You can also have different levels of mastery--those who reach (like a silver level) and those who surpass
I'm sure it could be. What are your thoughts?
A4: Making sure that your theme of your gamification is infused in each badge
A4: Starting small and achievable! So easy to drown ourselves by taking on a whole system at once w/o prototyping, testing
A4. Icon designs should be clear (not cluttered or too small) and distinctive and easy to associate with the goal...
A4: Designing the badge to fit what the lesson is about.
it sure can! just chat with or they are experts!
A4 It's great to involve Ss in designing badges and gamification, give them the goals, let them figure the rules and rewards
Are any of you using badges in K-2, or know who is?
BRANDED if possible!
https://t.co/5rMwPIz2F5
A4: Making sure that your theme of your gamification is infused in each badge
A4 It seems like it could be difficult to design a game story line that appeals to all Ss in the class.
Like this concept! There should be badges that push and challenge beyond basic mastery
i dont think we should get away from the "fanciness" of the badge taking away from the value
A4 what if Ss created the badges for themselves?
We of course *want* all to meet criteria AND we only credential those who do
Generally, yes! I know Ts of many subjects who gamify their classes
clean, simple badge. possibly virtual, is enough if it really means something
Yes! I love making my history themed ones
A5: There is an end goal in mind; collect them all = mastery. Must build up and get more difficult to "win".
A4: All badges should clearly state the not only the name of the badge but more importantly the reason the badge was earned.
i like this..gives S's diff skills to focus on over time https://t.co/apkKd9c7tj
A5: There is an end goal in mind; collect them all = mastery. Must build up and get more difficult to "win".
I would think yes, but this is the 1st time, that I'm hearing about
A4: I completely agree. Last yr. was 1st yr trying and this a lot of my learning curve. https://t.co/NoyS0ocape
A4 It seems like it could be difficult to design a game story line that appeals to all Ss in the class.
Y'all are amazing and thoughtful...and prolific! Struggling to keep up...sorry if I've missed a reply!
Ye of little faith :) A good story will engage anyone https://t.co/kMPhA8j05k
A4 It seems like it could be difficult to design a game story line that appeals to all Ss in the class.
Important and good idea--one I want to do more of. https://t.co/nrmls3YMHl
A4 It's great to involve Ss in designing badges and gamification, give them the goals, let them figure the rules and rewards
YES!!! My Ss helped guide me through this last year. We were learning together to navigate the waters.
Definitely. My badges don't connect w/my Game of Thrones-ish storyline. maybe someday.
Mos def check out and Ed Got Game podcast 4 quizillions of ideas
That's so awesome!! They must have so much ownership!!
I just started to dabble in it last school year. I find my head spins now with ideas!
Though this might be difficult if several tasks need to be accomplished to earn badge.
Learning along with the Ss in incredibly powerful!
Totally! I'd add also good practice to incl criteria, who endorses and to expect evidence to be attached ("baked in")
unless in-class currency, badges as social capital only go so far. Some Ss simply don't care and that's fine
And I've had Ss award badges to each other, too! Love your idea!
I agree ... both & are a WEALTH of knowledge.
do you simply enter student email addresses?
that means you're going it right :) https://t.co/bVC2lMEnkd
I just started to dabble in it last school year. I find my head spins now with ideas!
badge earning should reflect length of unit..cant make them so sophisticated unless you have the time to teach concepts well
and have students design the badges
I haven't even started teaching yet! I will to figure out how to incorporate into my future classes
you're getting quite the jumpstart on teaching!
Currency/value proposition is a huge design consideration!
That was hard for me when I first started--realizing that not all the Ss were excited by the game.
yup and student ability to reach goals...must be perfectly calibrated to marry excitement with challenge
For bigger concepts, l like the idea of micro badging
Worth noting this idea is multi-generational... has adult learners Badge one another
I use for but I will definitely look into physical badges has inspired me!
Can you please elaborate?
sure is! there is a lot of potential but only if the badges as currency is part of larger
if you make a badge that is awesome but unreachable to S's it become s a depressing concept
no one trick reaches everyone. Yet, has several tricks
Interesting...how do you weigh length of unit with competency demonstrated?
badges for midpoints in topics?
A5: I like the idea of a time set up to give out the badges for recognition...though tbh I've never done that!
A5: Make a ceremony. Give the badges in front of class, put that badge in Ss hands.
is right about students having a say. cant get as mad about results when you as an S created standards
Can you elaborate on the currency thing?
So great that you are HERE and already planning your amazing career!
A5 I love the way Angry Birds has levels but also mastery points so you can go back and do an activity better
agreed! it just expands the teaching toolbox
Extra recognition, very good idea.
tough call right? badge making is an ongoing exercise in knowing your S's
A5: Ss input is invaluable!
Agree! I'm a big fan of using Badges to credential achievements at a granular level!
you had to bring it to the next lvl didn't you ;)
the mini skills necessary to do the big thing well.
Another consideration is whether Badges are Open Badges or not...
if you assign badges points/XP value, you could use them to operate a type of class store
A5 Liking the idea of buttons as badges. Everyone likes bling.
A5: I love Canva. Easy to put in dimensions for stickers, then design a sticker in a few minutes
A5: This would be a great idea! Maybe even get parents involved. https://t.co/oTRr5Qpxpa
A5: Make a ceremony. Give the badges in front of class, put that badge in Ss hands.
yup whatever lights the fire is the right direction for S's
Used to let Ss cash in for extras in class - eat a snack, sit near friend, etc.
the badge experience could be very different from middle to high school. got to know your kids
Currency = Badge has potential to unlock something of value, open doors
We use a "Dolphin Dollar" currency for our PBSIS recognition program; could be an option
good examples, i allow revisions on work and extra attempts on vocab quizzes
Yes, I do the revision of learning also! Thats where I saw the biggest jump.
Good example of this in Corona Norco w and her team
q6 its all about what drives achievement..that should be the primary force behind badge creation
A class award, like ice cream Fridays, can be a motivator for the entire class to achieve points/badges
Rage quit! But easy victory worthless.
everyone likes recognition
biggest jump in what? desire for badges?
I love buttons. Make them by the dozen. Never thought about them as my gateway drug into Badges...:)
If the class reaches a milestone of a certain number of badges, yes, very good.
yup which is why you make juuuusst hard enough to get but not too hard
A6: I try to not push down Ss virtual throats....the game is there if they want it, but not the focus. They then "choose" to play
especially when the recognition is genuine and authentic
A6 if you go to conferences, there is often great swag you can use a badge rewards for Ss
A6: Can't assume badges will motivate everyone. The learning itself must be what motivates most.
yeah it sounds like you've nailed this in Aurora
A6: Need Ss to be internally motivated to stay involved, cant be all external
Jumping off early - bedtime for my son. Good chat. Thanks guys.
A6. A race to the top is never the best way to go. If you provide micro learning (& badging) opps you maximize the experience
will do! thank you so much for passing this along
Great chatting w/ you! Thanks!
True so making badges where learning is intrinsic and fun should make badge earning universally motivating, no?
A6: Set up class badges they all earn, epic class wins. That way they encourage each other to achieve, rather than the opposite
Love how this is articulated! https://t.co/76G7o2vXES
A6. A race to the top is never the best way to go. If you provide micro learning (& badging) opps you maximize the experience
A6 I focus on higher ed that uses , but I fear badges would upstage skills development in life long learning
Class vs Class badge collection instead of S vs S....
exactly! pinkman talks about this, we shouldn't even try to externally motivate internally motivating activities
"What he said!" Badging alone can't be a framework for leanring. https://t.co/nJYBEpff4d
A6: I try to not push down Ss virtual throats....the game is there if they want it, but not the focus. They then "choose" to play
A6: When we see a lack of Ss participation. But I agree with they have the choice to play https://t.co/sCFI0tHasr
A6: I try to not push down Ss virtual throats....the game is there if they want it, but not the focus. They then "choose" to play
All right everyone! It's wrapup time! What takeaways do you have tonight? (And add a GIF if you like :) https://t.co/UkKobwNbFH
A6: Don't push badges, let them focus learning then make badges a priority.
Didn't know there were any actual Hufflepuffs.
Another design consideration I forgot to toss out is whether scale goes beyond your 4 walls > school? > district? > community?
q7 no silver bullet for badge use...every class and S is unique..adjustments are critical
I like this times a million. https://t.co/lP39eo4FP0
A6: Need Ss to be internally motivated to stay involved, cant be all external
A7 I've got to go to more of these
Awesome chat!! Adios amigos!
A7: I learned what was! I need to figure out how to use it for my future students!
right! it is important to remember that, in the end, badges are meant to make learning more fun
A7: We've been thinking of how to tie-in badges with school citizenship and PBSIS peer-to-peer interactions; will gamify somehow.
A7: Done well badges and gamification are huge for getting student buy-in and interest, can lead to great learning opportunities
A7 We are at tip of iceberg in this space...no "right" ways yet, just lots of exciting, diverse ideas driven to serve ss success
love that is already tying badges to real life opportunities..i give you a standing O!
Thanks so much for having me! Truly exhilarating chat!
A7 I'm rethinkiing the use of badges as a way of bridging relationships in online ed
A ginormous THANK YOU to the amazing Noah Geisel for hosting tonight! Super amazing chat!!
fyi is Monday nights at 6:30ET and y'all are always welcome!
Thanks for the outstanding chat tonight! I gathered tons of info to think about!
You all are awesome! Thank you so much for all the links and great ideas! Going to get my 'badge' on.
