#BPOPchat Archive
The official educational chat of BrainPOP. Like most Twitter chats, BPOPchat is structured around six to seven open-ended guiding questions, so there’s easy entry points for sharing and getting ideas.
Thursday March 3, 2016
Happy Thursday! Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
Excited to share and learn about with tonight! Join in!
Hi everyone, Andrew from BrainPOP - I'm on paternity leave right now, so I successfully changed 5 diapers!
Hi everyone! Carrie from BrainPOP - I do teacher training and help manage BrainPOP Educators. Excited to talk tonight!
Jordan from BrainPOP Educators! Success from today? Hearin from my fellow BrainPOPpers about some exciting new features!
Steve from BrainPOP - I’m a grad student at NYU and I help run GameUp!
Hi -ers! Jessica from . I do outreach about all BrainPOP products, including GameUp. Excited to be here.
Hi -ers! Jessica from . I do outreach about all BrainPOP products, including GameUp. Excited to be here.
Hi! Lauren Wade here, 4th grade BYOD teacher- Got to work on my recess tan today! It was 76 and sunny! :)
Excited for ! I'm a DMM for small nonprofit, former teacher, mom. Toddler didn't fully destroy me =success https://t.co/TDBffj0uli
Happy Thursday! Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
Randy, CEO . Launched Wuzzit Trouble Patterns on Google Play. Hello!
Congrats!!! Hope all is going well!
Hello,
I am Pam Steinauer. I am a 4/5th grade teacher for AIG students. With Rowan Salisbury Schools, GQES in NC😊.
Hi Lauren! I wish we had that weather here in NYC!
Spring is coming early ... not here in NYC but I'm glad in other places. Nice to meet you all!
hey! allisyn . i heart & oversee GameUp. i got home in time to hang out with my kids for a bit b4 bedtime!
thanks! it's tons of fun . . tiring too :)
Interested in game based learning? Join the tonight until 8pm EST
https://t.co/32mgU4cXpk
Happy Thursday! Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself, what you do, & share something successful from your day!
Greetings Pam! Welcome to
Hi and too! Good to "see" y'all since FETC!
Hi, ! Mike here, BrainPOP’s Creative Director. Excited to hear the response about some of our newest features!
Hi again! Very cool to have some GameUp partners/developers in our house tonight.
Hi Mike!! How's it going in HI!?
Thanks for the RT via today !
so happy we've got teachers, parents, + game developers here! welcome
Hi Allisyn, the other half of last week's Randy & Keith Show is online as well.:) Looking forward to see what comes up today.
hooray, ! glad to have you both here. : )
Q1 Beyond digital games, what are some other activities or games you use in your classroom to make it a playful environment?
hello! mkg here for and love!
Greetings from Philly! Today I met an 80-yr-old tech teacher who started her career at 62. After having 16 kids.
: I make learning playful through hands on learning and have my students creating! We also do coding and robotics!
Hi, Norvia here. Campus Media Specialist working w Ts to integrate tech in classroom w 1:1. NCISD
Q1: what are some things you do in your classroom to make it a playful environment? Any ways to gamify the classroom?
a1: when I was teaching 1st grade, we'd sing rhyming songs and improvise new lyrics. . . every day before lunch!
what are you using for coding, ? eager to hear more, & planning to talk abt kids as creators in a bit!
turn whatever you are doing into a game or fun activity. We played with M&Ms for graphing. Used Brainpop to teach tallies first.
A1: I love to have dance parties! We play freeze dance whenever we need a brain break. I find out Ss fave songs the first day.
- Not in the classroom anymore but got to visit with a robotics group last week. Awesome group of kids doing really cool stuff!
Dance parties! Great idea. Makes it fun to be inside.
love that this gets everyone up and moving too. . .we're too idle in schools these days!
love that, . i always had a specific class song that we'd rock out to -- different every year!
A1 - My students used to love playing games like "around the world" where they could play against classmates!
Love how brainpop makes it so easy to educate and learn for everyone!
A1 "Playful" follows naturally in the classroom when students have agency.
RT A1 "Playful" follows naturally in the classroom when students have agency. amen!
A1: Playing "museum" is fun too. You can only move when the "It" person isn't looking. If they see you, you're out!
love when teachers incorporate singing. Esp for young kids. They retain the info better!
Making instruction "hands-on" definitely adds a sense of play to learning!
Love all of the "movement" games everyone is sharing!
A1. Coding, manipulatives, just starting MakerSpaces in our Lib,
Very good point! https://t.co/RB8y7QUoCb
A1 "Playful" follows naturally in the classroom when students have agency.
A1: Geoguessr is a popular brain break activity at my son's school.
I find learning to be inherently playful and it's more about how to avoid getting in the way.
My students love BrainPOP and I use it several times a week😊.
A1: We also do class debates Ss have to persuade the others to join their side. Lots of fun making claims and backing them up.
love geoguessr - very fun!
a1: useful to think of being playful without necessarily "playing" games ie- thinking about amusing and lighthearted activity
Q1 I've been using Simon Says with the younger students to teach algorithms...following steps to complete a task
my kids play on the computer all day. is our go to site. Love it!
That's a great way to made persuasive arguments fun and engaging
A2. Engaging, educational, FUN!!!! Age appropriate with appropriate measures for success.
we used simon says for coding too. . added rules to incorporate keywords, kids would have to direct each other!
Q2 - yes, curious how often you choose WITH Ss, what do they suggest?
A2 - I like it when games for students are structured in a way where ALL students can participate.
A1 I like using music or have kids make music based on what they are learning
A2: Standards based with assessment tools- Learning while engaged and having fun!
:I look for engaging interactive content based websites and games that allow learning to occur in a fun way. Common Core Based.
. - def has incredible resources!
- you'll have to demo that one when you're back in the office. : )
A2 - I like when games are flexible in terms of the best setting - something that can be used in pairs, groups, indiv, etc
Can't forget about standards and other measurements of success! For sure!
A2, ease of use, no ads, ability to modify, price, ease of access(login/pw), content/subject, "Stu test group" 👍🏼
Q2: Right amount of challenge. Ease of launch and play with minimal help from me (and whatever they need from each other).
A2 - I tend to zero in on a game that covers a particular kind of content.
Boy...my students used to LOVE when we incorporated music into our lessons.
A2 and of yeah ... Fun factor.
A2: I want it to be time well spent... not just random clicking. Ss need to do something and have a learning outcome
Q2 And...do I like playing it? Would I want to play it again?
I had Ss remix famous civil rights speeches- MLK, Malcolm X. drew their attn to language & rhetorical style
Make sure engagement drives learning. It's possible to engage without impacting Ss' outcomes.
I agree with your a2! ease of use is a big win for games in the classroom.
good point. Standards are so critical to measuring understanding. As long as it doesn't eliminate fun
A2 games that are allowed and of interest to Ss, they let you know if it is boring. Preview all games before letting Ss play.
A2 Mechanics the model concepts, like interconnected systems
Yes - replayability! Many teachers say this is top criteria for choosing games. Can u play it again (and again)?
Worth noting that people play musical instruments as well as games. At BrainQuake we think of our games as "math instruments"
A2 - I thought about student interests and how they would like different genres of games
I agree. Trust me, we don't do it if it isn't fun! I can't be bored at all, or I def know my Ss are!
A2 My role as T is to facilitate experiences from game to content
we couldn't share them, though, the MLK estate enforces copyright protection bigtime!
#:I look for engaging interactive content based websites and games that allow learning to occur with fun. Common Core Based.
I agree - give Ss choice, makes it relevant and engaging, but drive towards the learning goals.
Glad you like it - it's right up your Social Studies alley.
a3: games w/narrative element, & having students write re: an aspect of the game that isn't fully explored through game play.
Sorry for the late arrival! Sarah from MA, third grade! Always happy to be here!
A3: My Ss beg to play any sortify and
A3. I'm partial to but I think it's b/c I work there... But our games are great. My own kids ❤️❤️ & Minecraft
Love the icivics games! They're challenging but in a way that makes you think!
do you think of as games?
the link you sent didn't work - was that for khan?
I was was a BIG fan of Khan Academy when I was teaching.
A3. Kahoot/Quizlet 4 assessment, BPop for specific content TEKS, BigBrainz 4 Math facts, BPOPchat
no better way to learn the president's roles & responsibilities than through Executive Command!
A3: has sucked all of my Ss in for reviewing math concepts. Love the reports they provide too!
my Ss 💘 game up. We also use splash math.
A3 i liked classdojo when teaching 4th/5th grade ESL students abroad in korea
A1: I use a lot of music, movement and all around silliness in my classroom! We are also Superheroes!
A3: my 8 year old is completely hooked on SumDog for math & cannot get enough
And Latin baseball. How did I forget that???
A3: The games are amazing. Just shared them with all of my Ts and even the K teachers were on board.
So glad you love them ! is a great place to work. We just released Win the White House 2016!
is one of my go to games.
So many great games shared here in A3 - we must do a wrap up for everyone!
Hmmm. Splash Math. I've gotta check that one out!
RT A3: The games are amazing. Just shared them with all of my Ts and even the K teachers were on board.
A2: It has to be fun for me before I will give it to my Ss! I am a big kid after all and love to PLAY!
My son (age 10) will play the games on GameUp all day. Esp Argument Wars (grrr).
Friends, I gotta run. lots of love! Looking forward to looking through the rest of the chat tomorrow on
Hi friend! So happy to be here!
woot! Arg Wars is a good one.
Thank you! Very happy to be here!
Later, Ag!! Much love to your new little one!
A4: Ss playing games on their free time. Learning even when they don't have too!
Bye thanks for joining tonight!
RT A4: Ss playing games on their free time. Learning even when they don't have too!
A4 toughest failures are when other tech becomes a barrier! like firewalls and compatibility (flash anyone?)
With GBL you need to prepare for issues that may arise and for student questions before the lesson.
A4 - When a game's purpose or intent is too foggy, student's can lose sight of why they are even playing it!
RT A4 toughest failures are when other tech becomes a barrier! like firewalls and compatibility (flash anyone?)
RT A4 toughest failures are when other tech becomes a barrier! like firewalls and compatibility (flash anyone?)
A4: Slow WiFi can be a burden
A4 - isn't it just the best when students just don't want to stop because they are learning so much? And having fun too of course
Don't...even...get me started on Flash.
A4 - great point . Broadband is really need for full class digital game play.
Yes! How do you prepare for those surprise issues!?
A4 sometimes a program looks great but Ss don't like or are not engaged. Ss enjoy brainpop, they are learning and don't even know
Q3 We all LOVE Time Zone X! Sorry I'm late ATL traffic!
A4: Lots of times I play a game whole class and then assign it for homework. Parents are like, "What?!"
A4 - Seeing games motivate students to WANT to learn is a beautiful thing.
Hi ! ATL is famous for their traffic. Thanks for joining!
RT A4 - Seeing games motivate students to WANT to learn is a beautiful thing.
A4- is the parent response a success or a failure ? LOL
Curious re: how the community is measuring learning in games. Please share your practices!
I have answers for both. LOL
Q4- Success-COLLABORATION made easy!
RT Curious re: how the community is measuring learning in games. Please share your practices!
RT Q4- Success-COLLABORATION made easy!
A4 - that is a great one . We want kids to work together but finding the right medium is hard. really works.
A4: Success for me is driving instruction based on student performance in games based on Snapthoughts or Sortify in
So much great insight being shared tonight! FTW.
similar to NYC glad to be here with my BP FAM!
thx glad to be able to join. Hugs all around!
A5 - Modeling! Don't be afraid to let students see YOU have fun with the game!
Q5 - It's important to model, model, model!
RT A5 - Modeling! Don't be afraid to let students see YOU have fun with the game!
RT Q5 - It's important to model, model, model!
A5: I compete against my kids! They love to try to beat me... and sometimes they do!
sorry SO late! A4 I think a huge success is when Ss figure tools/strategies out themselves then teach me:) what a confidence boost
A5 - physical space ... if you are going to play you need room to move around. Even when the play is on a computer.
A5 - carving out time to have Ss share strategies, address misconceptions, share successes + failures...
I try to front load information about what they will be doing before starting; including Q and A and exploration of activity.
Hey, that levels the "playing field" if you will! (See what I did there?)
Some recent studies showed you can get transfer from one math area to another in . That's potentially huge. Need more studies!
Hi - great point. You can really gauge learning by their ability to teach someone else!
A5 - It's important to guide discussions around the games - some students may rely on this to make important connections.
Q5: Use Teacher-Spidey sense to keep a check on the energy, vibe. Ask, "What do you see?" and then listen.
Couldn't agree more!!!! Ss need to see us having fun, struggling, problem solving!
So true. A game's impact can go so much further if there is thoughtful reflection time during or after playing.
A5: I also hold Ss accountable while playing games. They know they will have to show their mastery.
Ah, accountability. Yes! Super important especially with gameplay.
Caitlyn Jenner , Union J , , , , ,
Modding - that is a great way to build on prior knowledge
I do this at home with my kids. Connecting reality with game reality or VR is so helpful for deeper learning
Oooooo! Teacher Spidey Sense. I'm going to add that to my web of tricks! ;D
supercool, ! my son is begging to try it out!
Kids LOVED writing interactive stories!
A5 working w/younger Ss we model A LOT together, build up the excitement, and I always throw challenges out there for those ready
how so, w/accountability? curious to hear more on how they show their mastery...
Can your younger Ss pick out their own games or do you need to really guide them?
Loving the tonight. Can't join this one but definitely following. Keep up the great work POPstars!
is now trending in USA, ranking 44
Q5 Modeling the game then I'll play against any student challengers on my board if the game allows! SS love it!
Ss take mini-formative assessments all day- online quizzes, exit tickets, polls, conferences. I always know where they r.
A6 - I'd love to see more art-centered games. Games that tap into unique and creative ways for expression!
Q6 - If you know of any gems to share in the areas where other people are stumped, please share!
A6: Reading comprehension games are lacking
I feel there is a lack with gaming website that specifically focus on ELA.
RT Q6 - If you know of any gems to share in the areas where other people are stumped, please share!
A6 - agree with about the lack of games for discovery and (maybe) manipulation of great works of art.
Remember the HP Sprout from TCEA?! Seems like there were a lot of artistic options there.
A6: There are tons of games for grammar, conventions, and spelling- would love more vocab and comprehension
Seems like there's a common theme of ELA needing some game-based learning love.
A6: Reading comprehension gaming is an area that is hugely lacking!
It's tough to find EFFECTIVE vocab games. Something more than just recall.
A6 reading in middle school grades could really benefit from more GBL Resources
A6 Games that develop thinking skill rather than focus on content and/or basic skills, in any subj.
A6: Social Studies could have so much rich reference, and tie in the ELA... Simulation is ripe for such games
We played 'After the Storm' as a class, but it was a bit over my Ss' heads
games are awesome for ELA skills.
A6 - we don't have a reading comp game per se, but our game from does come close
Ooo! Bookmarking that as we tweet!
Q6 Reading Comprehension & Grammar
A6 I think Sortify fills in a gap for ELA games (LOVE the parts of speech games!) would love to see more GBL in general w/reading
Hey ! I didn't know you were here!
Q7 - Final Question, Coming Up!
A6 For math games need a good filter. SO many are just animated flash cards. Hard to find the gems. Can't tell without playing.
A6 I like to see more Gbl in math and Rdg some Ts think they can't make those subjects fun which isn't true
A6 There r many rich games already commercially, tabletop & vid. Ts should use like other hi qual curr. Look at Minecraft as ex
What is DBQuest? Anything to do with the DBQ Project?
Agreed! The notion that math and reading can't be fun is not true at all!
By having them create and design their own games, websites, and coding to create the games.
A7: Introduce Ss to . I run an after-school coding camp where we create games using
A7. Using creative platforms like Minecraft and Legos... And Mario Maker. Games that inspiring creative building.
A7 We can set the expectation of an end product. Students love showing off, let's let them present!
A7 - Start by exposing them to some of the simpler tools. It's important that they don't start with frustration.
A7 If a game has playful affordances & can be modded easily, make that the lesson
A7 - Exposing Ss to the fact that game developers use many of the school sbjts they used to study in order to make great games!
have to go sorry only joined for a little-will check out answers later! THANK YOU for a great chat!
Loving all of the talk around right now!
A7 - analog game design first, then creating digital games
A7: Empower them. Give them safe space to keep trying. Equip Ss with tools to learn how to make ideas from their heads a reality
I am all over that! Looking it up now!
So right - give them space to try / fail / try again!
Sorry I'm popping in so late. Shana from metro Atlanta. MS Tech coordinator.
Woah! I love the use of the Emojis!!
A7: any particular features you feel are most useful when it comes to Ss as game designers/coders? Dream tool/features?
Our school has a new focus on which is essential in game design!
welcome, ! so glad you joined!
A7: Funny you should ask: I attended a GBL-design bootcamp at BPHQ and learned about: https://t.co/zfKxDQNuql Def Ss adaptable.
A7 Coding as self-expression > puzzles, IMO. My Ss prefer & , coding gets meaningful
Q7 Teach more coding but incorporate all subjects-LA storyboards w/ build their game w/ math with robots
Applying the language of growth mindset to is a perfect combo
No worries! We'll post a full recap tomorrow! Glad you could make it!
ooh - great resources, & thanks for sharing!
can i be in your class, ? : )
Our school is also focusing on Growth Mind Set. Great videos on ClassDojo can start the conversation in your classroom.
A6: Language Arts definitely.
Yes! We've watched them! Love for putting those out there!
A7 I love that has printables so Ss can make their own Sortify & Time Zone X games
Time. Patience. Reminders that not going 'right' the first time is no reason to chuck i.
Time flies when you're having fun! Thanks everyone for coming & sharing such thoughtful insight around Game-Based Learning!
We've even used the paper games with teachers during trainings! They love it!
you are always welcome my friend any day and any time! Make the trip or join us through soon.
RT A7 I love that has printables so Ss can make their own Sortify & Time Zone X games
When I showed my Ts that Ss could create their own paper versions they were much more open to trying out new tech
A7. Also is an amazing way to explore with games and student agency!
I ALWAYS feel the same exact way. RT can i be in your class, ? : )
RT Time flies when you're having fun! Thanks everyone for coming & sharing such thoughtful insight around !
We should definitely Skype into your classroom soon ! Will email you about it.
you guys are so cool. thanks for an amazing conversation! so inspired by all of you!
We're just about at the end of tonight's chat - if you have ideas for next month's topic, we'd love to hear them!
A5: Jump in. Ss love to see Ts be active and willing. Ss are also more likely to be more focused on doing well to beat the Ts
I have so many great new teachers to follow - thanks for joining us tonight!
Great chatting with everyone😊! Thanks BrainPOP!
