#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?
Hello! My name is Hannah Mercer and I am studying elementary and special education at Grove City College. I am so excited to begin this chat! #games4ed#gccedu
Hi all! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. Right now I'm weaning myself from Clash Royale binge, but I am watching my kiddoes play spoons right now! #games4ed
Good evening #games4ed. N from 🇨🇦 checking in. I'm an #edtech creator/cofounder/enthusiast. Currently spending most of my time play-testing my own game - does that count as an addiction?
Hi all, my name is Jonathan and I am a PST @GCC_Education and I was wondering what was one of the most effective games you included or saw included in the classroom? #games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
A3: I've seen a lot of students curious about the journey taken by Odysseus in Homer's The Odyssey! That map could be a great visual aid for students who learn through visual stimulation! #engchat#games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
A1: Maps are a great way to track a thought or a journey (literally and figuratively in game form!). When the voyager or the game player is trying to get somewhere, it entices motivation and purpose in the journey they’re taking! #games4ed
A1: People like to see where they are going from beginning to the end, even if there are multiple paths & roads diverge. Maps give directions, clues, & treasure upon destination #games4ed
A1 - multiple paths and some dead ends. So if it's a layout of a house/building, some rooms within single entry, some with multiple. If it's a world (bigger space), areas that can only be accessed one way, others with multiple entries/exits. #games4ed
A1: Maps are an effective mechanic in a game because they encourage the players to really think and analyze what is happening in the game. They can also make games more interesting! #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
Maps should encourage exploration, but also allow players to end up "stuck". That feeling being stuck (dead end) conveys knowledge same as an area with more options. #games4ed
Absolutely! Have you ever played Betrayal of the House on the Hill? That’d be a really cool game to make some adaptations to for the classroom! I’m sure it could be warped to teach about a certain topic with the same build of the game... hmmm.... #games4ed
A1: Can be used to reveal locations and information as you want it (ie Warcraft's Fog of War) Can also be cut up and pieced together as the game progresses - leads to new places for game play #games4ed
A1: Maps are an effective mechanic towards the game because a map is meant to reveal something meaningful, interesting, and useful by displaying results of data processed to expose essential characteristics about the geographic features. #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
It could be a huge map on a bulletin board or if you are digital Google Maps and pin Ss destinations ie learning targets or books. I am thinking opening of GoT - #games4ed
#games4ed is a Twitter chat for all educators of all grade levels interested in games in including learning games within their classrooms. #edu2823#pstpln
A2: We could use maps to track student's progress in other content areas. For example, if a student struggles with reading motivation, they could move further on their map every time they read a book #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
Yes for the GoT reference! I like the analog idea--a bulletin board is always there in front of you for easy reference. It would be so easy to refer back to it and make connections...Maybe I need to do this!! #games4ed
A2 - Maps can be made for anything that requires connections. Like a brainstorming mindmap. You can map out history (think timelines) or a book (both location and plot). You an map out evolutionary paths of species evolving.... #games4ed
No I haven't--thanks for the share!! I'm not nearly as experienced at Google Earth and maps, but saw an Amazing Race adaptation with Google Maps last week and am inspired to do something like that! #games4ed
A2: Maps can be used primary clues for secondary maps that may be in a book/puzzle piece in a breakout lesson or anticipatory set @breakoutEDU#games4ed#edtech
I haven't played (I know, I know)...but what was it that made you want to read everything. I'm curious since you said it wasn't your style. Wondering how I could adapt for my own Ss who need a curiosity boost... #games4ed
Can you imagine using Google Maps for Ss to map out the key destinations in British Lit - is there even a tour builder for famous lit. I did that w/Rock & Roll landmarks years ago #games4ed
Q3: Students can learn more about organization, thoughtful logic, and goal planning. This is beneficial in real life, on the game board, and particularly challenging when making a game board, too! #games4ed
A) It was gorgeous. B) I loved the content. C) There was ALWAYS a marker saying "unknown thing here, just a little walk!" D) Everything you found gave you xp and/or items. #games4ed
A3: Students gain many skills by using maps! They are practicing their reading, they learn the difference between north/south/east/west and left/right, and they can practice following directions by having to "go" places on their maps! #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
I saw one for Macbeth a few weeks ago, but like you said, I want to have a quest choice where Ss could set up their own map. But this activity could be a fun side quest for lots of historical or contemporary reads! #games4ed
A2: A mind map is not technically an actual map, but it does map out and organize your ideas, which is a creative way for students to use for assignments and projects. #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
A3 - how to read a map, following directions, how to ignore extraneous information, how to relate feature icons on map to "real" world features (depending on context - minimap to game map, or real world)... #games4ed
That is so true! I was thinking similarly that Students have to engage those executive functioning brain cells to harness all that info to read a map #games4ed
Good points about organization and logic. Often we think about the literal map reading skills--which are important--but these skills also improve! #games4ed
A2: Character maps have always been a favorite of mine! they can be especially helpful when character relationships get a little sticky- like in Oedipus Rex, for example. #games4ed
A3 If connecting assignments/concepts in a sequence or other non-randomized ways, it can be a visualization and dual coding form. Reading keys, scale, possibly patterns #games4ed
A3: Students gain knowledge in a different way when using maps. For some, it may even be the scaffold that they need to fully understand a concept. I know I made a lot of character maps to help clarify connections in different stories, and that helped me a lot #games4ed
Hi there Natalie! You're here! I'm so happy!! And I love this answer--the collaboration skills from working together and dealing with failure and struggle! #games4ed
I've actually always thought things like google map directions would be more helpful/useful to many if they said "Turn right at the McDonalds" instead of "Turn right in 100 meters." #games4ed
A4: I've seen a lot of students curious about the journey taken by Odysseus in Homer's The Odyssey! That map could be a great visual aid for students who learn through visual stimulation! #engchat#games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
Q4: In PreK-4, we could promote diagramming, which allows the kids to draw out something we’ve learned (for example, a basic equation), and then label it to demonstrate their understanding of its parts. By using their own work, it will better affirm their understanding! #games4ed
A4: There are so many different types of maps my students could make! Some examples could be creating concept maps, story maps, and history maps. #pstpln#gccedu#games4ed
A4 - I've been making game logic maps. If character collides with y what happens? I'm using this to better understand the elements of my game and find the holes. I think this would be fun to do with an existing game. #games4ed
A4: This year I've been encouraging Ss to create concept maps with post-its.--brainstorming ideas, then moving and mapping out their writing plan. It doesn't work for all Ss, but some really like it.
#games4ed
A3: Maps are a great way for students think outside the box and it enhances their creative as well as their logical side. It also inspires students’ higher-level and critical thinking when reading as well as drawing maps. #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
A4: My students could create maps of their school. It would help them learn the building and get used to it! They also could make story maps when they are learning about reading skills! #games4ed#gccedu
A4 hi all. I have a 1920s assignment where students mark locations of KKK sources to see it's national growth. Another with late 1800s Native American reservation territory overlaid with "Indian War battles". Both provide context #games4ed
A4: I've seen a lot of students curious about the journey taken by Odysseus in Homer's The Odyssey! That map could be a great visual aid for students who learn through visual stimulation! #engchat#games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
I saw the coolest maker space created map with chili lights to light up the allied powers & axis of powers. I want to create with Ss for WWII unit #games4ed
A4: And any area...a unit or quest map showing students where we are going. It's much more fun to set up visual and engaging maps with easter eggs and hidden places where they can engage #games4ed
A4: One map to use for the content area is the use of concept/mindmaps because it not only gives the students the understanding of developing their ideas but also develops their critical thinking which is a good way to challenge them. #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
Q5: Maps and race-games (such as the Amazing Race) go very well together. How could you bring these ideas come together to make a game for your students?
#games4ed
I love these ideas! I really like the idea of character maps that can help develop the character and maybe point out similarities in other characters or maybe compare to a person in real life. #games4ed
A5: when I was in high school, we did an online race through the 9 levels of Dante’s Inferno, which was really beneficial for our summative assessments, and is something i plan on implementing in my future classroom. #games4ed
A5: A few weeks ago, I saw an integration of Google Maps & Forms, where Ss progressed through the route solving problems as they went. Could be a great introduction to a story setting or a unit featuring place #games4ed
A5 big part of why I finally dove into @classcraftgame this yr was Quests w/maps. Kids want to see where it leads, try to advance as far as possible. Over hear talk about being so far into a Quest map. If I could upload my own game maps...that'd be MEGA game changer. #games4ed
A5: Bringing maps and race-games together can be a great way to learn while having fun! In elementary school we did a Scavenger hunt that allowed us to work together and try to find different technology gadgets #games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
Yes, I agree with you 100% I transferred two different reading quests, one choose your own adventure and the other mission centered. Love self paced personalized learning opportunities #games4ed
Huge ditto here! I'd used @classcraftgame in the past, but returned to it this semester b/c of quests. So glad I did. Can't wait to really work on my quests come this summer! #games4ed
In reply to
@jvanscoyoc, @classcraftgame, @classcraftgame
A5: I could use a map in my classroom to do a scavenger hunt! They could find answers to the scavenger hunt as they read a story or the scavenger hunt to teach them how to do research in the library! (ex: find the dictionaries, find books on _____ topic, etc.) #games4ed#gccedu
Q5: I’ve mentioned it earlier, but Betrayal of House on the Hill (the concept and build of the game, not the creepy elements) add a really cool racing factor. Gathering clues, piecing together a puzzle, and teamwork are all emphasized here - great for the classroom! #games4ed
Yes, I agree. I was a bit upset with that and having been experimenting with Scavenger Hunts using Google Forms where questions unlock only if Ss put correct answer #games4ed
In reply to
@PerkyScience, @pentaclethra, @GooseChase
A5: having a map in Social Science area as the destinations to be covered & having the class work together in teams to learn the content while working towards a prize from the teacher, is a possible way to combine game and content with maps. Extra free time as a reward? #games4ed
A6: I’ve only ever created character and story maps through Microsoft Word for lessons, so if there are easier options, suggestions would be greatly appreciated! #games4ed#engchat
Mapping out Quests forces me to plan for an entire unit. Honestly, it is maybe more fun for ME to make a quest than it is for students to do the quest. #Games4ed
In reply to
@mpilakow, @jvanscoyoc, @classcraftgame
Have you looked into https://t.co/FK3iNxj006? I have messed with it a bit, but not enough to use it in the classroom, but it could be an option. #games4ed
In reply to
@TeachingFactor, @pentaclethra, @GooseChase
A6: RPG Maker...Students can crank them out as easily as teachers. I made this one for a gamified unit for fifth grade, the Majesti Tournament. This map is also the leaderboard; control the most territories by completing quests and winning gamified ELA activities. #games4ed
A5: One great way to bring maps and races together is through a board game. Students can participate in counting and be using math problem solving try to get to the next space on the board and win the race. #games4ed#pstpln#gccedu
A6: I am a real fan of old school, and I would start out with a pen, graph paper, and then move into putting in digitally with maybe https://t.co/Jw5YHktURm which I've just been playing with for a bit. #games4ed
I really like this! I tried a conquer the territories game a few yrs ago in class, but wasn't quite able to make it work as well as I wanted. I might need to try it out again! #games4ed
Q7: I love what @hannahmmercer said about building a map of classroom progress! What an interesting way to incorporate logic, map building, and pride all together! #games4ed
A7: concept maps using sticky notes! that’s the first time i’ve heard that, and it could be really useful when mapping out essays or stories. #games4ed
A7 My favorite idea from the chat was creating a type of scavenger hunt or clue game for students to learn/review from while having fun and being engaged in the learning with possible critical thinking. #games4ed@spoyo
A7: My favorite idea from tonight was just the general idea of including maps in learning! I did not realize before tonight how useful they can be to make learning more fun and memorable! Thank you so much for a wonderful twitter chat! #games4ed#gccedu
Thanks to all for such a fabulous, fun filled, and resource filled #games4ed chat tonight! So much learning and sharing--always one of my favorite hours of the week!
A7: My favorite idea from this chat was what @JoyfulJMoore said about using maps in literacy. What a fun way to incorporate creativity in reading and writing. #games4ed#gccedu#pstpln
