Jordan Billings 7th grade social studies and I am starting a new simulation this week and I am fearful of the unknown game elements I am not prepared for #xplap
Mariana Garcia Serrato, MS STEM from San Jose, CA. Fears; game falling flat, not knowing where to take the narrative next, keeping up with two systems (LMS and leaderboard) among others. #XPLAP
Hello #XPLAP
Michael Matera
6th Grade World History Teacher
Author, Keynote, and Father
I was afriad that my students would think it was silly. Additionally, some of my co-workers made a few jokes when I said what I was going to do... I was afriad of being judged!
Hey #xplap - my eyes are closing. Gotta head to bed - I hate to miss out, but I'm looking forward to reading through the feed tomorrow! Happy Intro Gamifying!
Hello! Rebecca from NC here! 2nd grade teacher! I am nervous about making gamification work and be sustainable for my 2nd graders and its just overwhelming putting everything together at first! I'm excited about this chat! #XPLAP
#xplap Pam, Instructional Coach from Charleston, SC. I don't have a classroom, so my Gamification is for T's to give them ideas for S's. I just don't want it to be one more thing for T's to do.
Jay from NE, MS science, fears: admin not thinking I'm being serious, parents reactions. new fear: Ss are really interested this year, what if the game sucks. #xplap
DianaLyn From Tx. Last year when I gasified my class for my learners I was afraid I wouldn’t have buy-in. This year as I look into gamifiying PD for my district I worry about the same thing. #XPLAP
Dave Kolb, 7th Grade Math Teacher. Genoa, IL. Will the students stay onboard throughout the year? Can I keep up with the side quests that students are clamoring for? #XPLAP
I'm making a PLC Bingo game to encourage different aspects of a high functioning PLC (counting on a little competition between grade levels). Anyone do something like this already? #XPLAP
Casey, Kindergarten teacher from So Cal, new to gaming, jumped in already the year. Fears that I won't be able to adjust game elements for my young students #xplap
HELLO #xplap!
I am Adam - a USHIS teacher from Coastal South Carolina.
When I started #gamification I was afraid that the kids would think I was goofy (I was). Then realized I needed to steer into that and just have fun!
Rich Anderson
North Syracuse
9th grade Global History
Fear has been just taking on too much and/or not doing a good job. Still a struggle in some aspects but learning as I go—and better to start than not. #xplap
✨Hi! I'm Kimberly from NE, and I teach 7th grade ELA! My biggest worry is that they'll lose interest in my game. However, enjoying the journey so far and just taking it moment by moment!✨#XPLAP
The getting started is easier than the maintaining if you are going for a full year, but the great new it made me more intentional about my planning, always asking if it was fun. #XPLAP
Hi #xplap! Mr. Panda here: Teacher Librarian! I have a gamified library in Vietnam. :D I'm constantly afraid of not having a narrative simple enough for my ESL population.
Rebecca, welcome to #XPLAP. It is a wonderful community. I can promise you got this... Ask for help, build slowly, and enjoy the moments that are created with your kiddos.
I was worried but I am so psycho enthused about it that I don’t care what anyone thinks. I figured my students would have buy in because word is out from other students that I am “entertaining.” (Read “nuts”) #xplap
Q1: When I realized I could use all the materials/content that I have been using and I just had to add a game layer, it made it much less scary. Just add some dice & groups and try it! #XPLAP
Oh Yeah! Jay is back. I love having you here my friend. Don't worry, your game wont suck. It is something different and for that your students will thank you. Listen to them! #XPLAP
Adding Gamification is like putting icing on a really good cookie. It was already good before. Now it is even better. You don’t have to remake the cookie! #XPLAP
#xplap . The first year that I gamified my class -- I kept it simple. Turned points into XP, and then over time began to add more game elements. It made it easier
Hey #xplap. Been forever since I’ve been here. Scott Hebert 2 time #gamification author & grade 8 science teacher from Alberta Canada. Never really had any true fears about gamification but did have fears of exhaustion when I started. Now it is trying to not implement so much 😂
A1 I'm still learning some of the nuances of the math standards, but overall I am rather comfortable. This has made introducing gamification into my classroom much easier. When I think of ideas to implement, it is easier when I know where the content is going to take us. #XPLAP
A1: I did a mini-game last year when I tried it for the 1st time. I used my math book's problem for the challenges. It made it easy to jump right in. #XPLAP
A1: Once I started to understand that it made things so much better. Ultimately last week my students read their novel for the entire class period. Simple comprehension and reading stamina work. But adding a trek up mt. Everest on top of it made it epic. #xplap
That can be a good place to start. I will say though I have enjoyed building my own game. I think you can cook up something delious for your kiddos. They will love what you create. #XPLAP
Dave, I think that sounds like a problem we all would love ot have... Keeping up with students who love to learn throught the challenges you send their way! #XPLAP
A 1- to me this means that even if your confidence in gaming is shaky you are still a content expert and any perceived shortcomings can evaporate quickly when you get to your content...that little bit of shaky confidence is but a moment in time #xplap
A1: that’s what helped me jump in. I still need to teach math. I have days that I don’t play the game but still have some mechanics running in the background. #XPLAP
A1 - Something that helps is learning from games and the update post launch culture. The game can always be fixed! ME: Andromeda worked that way! #xplap
I just jumped in and let the kids help build it. They had such great ideas, and wanted to help me succeed when I told them I was trying something new. They also held me accountable to keep the game going. #XPLAP
A1) I like the game to provide a reason for why we are learning the material. Provides a somewhat goofy answer to the question "why do we have to learn this" #XPLAP
Don't over think it my friend. You got this John. You are building good lessons, that is all. Don't worry about the idea of a "game" just create joy! #XPLAP
#xplap I am also afraid of not knowing what I am doing. I am not a “gamer” per se (video games). I have only watched family members play. But my niece just gave me the best advice and said, “It’s your game. Do whatever you want.” That was freeing.
I think I have a hard time seeing the big picture when it comes to games. How have you helped to get people started when that's their road block? #xplap@mrmatera
A1: A big myth is either not truly teaching or just adding fluff. When you realize it is a layering over what you already do it is way less daunting. Take what you do and add a layer. When the layer sticks, add another and repeat. #xplap
A1: Don’t have to reinvent the wheel! My classes teach same content that I did before gamifying, just have storyline and mechanics layered over it! #xplap
A1 Gamification promotes engagement for the skills that are already present. I have modified a number of lessons that I did before transitioning into a full year game and still use versions. #XPLAP
✨A1✨
JUST ROLL WITH IT!
Gamification isn't an extra thing, it's just taking what you already do and putting a fun spin on it! In fact, it makes teaching easier... students are excited, behavior improves, we have a path to follow and things look forward to, & it's so FUN! #XPLAP
A1 #xplap Gonna give away my 1st ever Empathy Badge tomorrow. They get to pick one kid to give pts to what they don't know is that they get those points as well!
A1. Okay I am here as a new gamer. I use games a lot in class but I have an idea for an MYP unit I want to do in the future and I am starting a gaming club so I was looking into what this chat for ideas. #XPLAP
Jimmy, living on the edge like that is where we can create something truly epic... The line between terror and calm is so thin but can be oh so good for creation. #XPLAP
Thanks. I have an amazing team and admin that are really the essence of a school family. Today was 1st day back and most of the students were in high spirits and ready to get back to work #XPLAP
Ann from Tx #XPLAP I teach Dyslexia intervention, lots of phonics and fluency practice. I have a Harry Potter theme which I'm building on. Kids are on board, but I want to go all in, and figure out some sort of points system.
A1: Another myth is video game knowledge is mandatory. Heck no! Sports, board games, tabletops, card games, stories, etc can all be influential in your layering process. Also, when you begin beta with kids. They will help guide you! It’s a must. #xplap
Just know that you are not building something for this year, you are shifting how you teach... It will take years to reshape and fully emerge. Take steps toward the new world and slowly, you will have more confidence and ease. #XPLAP
A1 1 other quick thought. Games are voluntary. By adding this as a layer a kid can chose not to buy all the way in and still do fine "grade-wise". My admin's first Q was "what about the girls" (my answer was they are gamers too - but this was another helpful thought. #XPLAP
a2) I want to get something in there for when we are working on balancing chemical reactions. Maybe a bad guy has locked them in a room, and they have to solve a series of reactions to escape. Haven't really got it figured out yet. #XPLAP
A2: I started with my fraction unit last year. My kids were doing AMAZING things with fractions because of sidequests and through the gamified challenges. #XPLAP
A2- it’s a bit in the future but I have been thinking about my Native American Unit and trying to create a cat an type game where student do quests and assignments to gain materials and build a Native American settlement based on a tribe they study #xplap
I use Big History to teach US History with 5th graders. I also do a lot of Iditarod education. So I’m layering a yearlong Iditarod race on top of Big History. #xplap
I really, really struggled with tracking my game, but then found @mrmatera game tracker spreadsheet which is what you see on my website. He. Is. A. Genius. I could NEVER have built anything that complex! #xplap
A2: Not to a unit since they are all already in the game, but I need to rethink my items. Almost all are beneficial so thinking that adding some obstacle items would be a good addition to encourage more critical thinking or strategy in their use. #XPLAP
Hey Kim! Thanks for coming to #XPLAP and what a good motto... #Gamification using #XPLAP as your guide you are sure to build relationships and quility instruction that engages as well as inspires. #XPLAP
A1 #xplap Gonna give away my 1st ever Empathy Badge tomorrow. They get to pick one kid to give pts to what they don't know is that they get those points as well!
Q2: planning to add some pizzazz to classification of life- Land of the Lost twist. We are going over a waterfall (greatest earthquake ever known) #xplap
A2 #xplap I am really focused on using TECH FOR GOOD this year, and the 1st game is centered around their Passion Project which has to address: Respecting the Planet, Ending Extreme Poverty or Ending Inequality #globalgoals@TheWorldsLesson
Thanks so much Jen! Means a lot. I put a ton of work into that so that it could be used by just about anyone and still allow you the flexablity to build in some game rules that work for you. #XPLAP
Q2 I'm thinking of starting with an upcoming unit on historical figures in social studies and timelines in reading. Could have them do research or figure out things about the historical figure to solve a mystery? Not sure if that works or not #XPLAP
A2 I have recently received the materials for a DIY breakout box. I plan to use this for ongoing side quests through several upcoming units. I am currently giving it a test run in my rational numbers unit and the students are loving it. #XPLAP
A2 This is a piece that I am going to add at the beginning of semester 2. Some want to be the Villain so I am adding a "Secret Wars" type of element! #XPLAPhttps://t.co/FCHsDH7ECK
When we play games, we’re not tested before and after—we learn and are tested as we play. Here’s how teachers can design assessments and rubrics to do the same: https://t.co/RKCZBPKXeL
A2 My backstory has a future where computers took over & then were overthrown (after erasing all of History) I have twists where the time portal conductor “A” sends messages back toguide inquiry. 1st word is “Paleolithic” and then some kind of revolution? #xplap
A1: The planning at first terrified me! I then realized with a simple storyline and some basic game mechanics I had the ability to bring my content to life! #XPLAP
✨A2✨
My co-teacher & I did a small'ish scale Teen Lit Olympics last year, started as a way to make test prep time fun! We did a room transformation & played on team work. We focused on a skill each week & the assessment involved a kinesthetic activity! #XPLAP
One thing I learned last year, keep it as visible as possible. I embedded it in my website also, and found that when my kids saw it more often they were more motivated. Try to find ways to make it visible as often as possible. #XPLAP
In reply to
@jellison23, @specialtechie, @mrmatera
Well #XPLAP will be here all year and we can all help you get started. It is a great community. Keep up the hard work and you and your students will find the joy in the journey.
A3 #xplap . I started using my own artwork with the game, and it led to some kids connecting with me about drawing Manga -- so I've asked them to design cards, too. They said, "We can help you since you are new to art."
I have it on my Google Podcast list and I love the channel. I need to pull out the book again too! I apparently need more awake hours in the day. Why do we need sleep? It takes up too much time! ;) #XPLAP
A3: Mine like solving a mystery- finding clues, using codes or finding hidden objects. My students also like having chance involved in the game such as if you roll 2 dice that equal a sum that is even, you can double your points. (Plus I get to work on even/odd #s) :) #XPLAP
A3: My students are the driving forces of my game design! They help me design powers and even fix elements that don't quite work!
I actually just wrote about this! #xplap
A3 #xplap I have a specific level - and if one student in a class (I teach the whole school) levels up to it -- everyone in their class gets 400 pts -- builds community
A3: Unit 1 was XP and badges. Intro to the first boss battle was a bit. Unit 2 I am adding items. Ss know they can offer ideas for what they want to include. #XPLAP
Such a powerful process on so many fronts. Not only do they have great ideas, but they also have more buy-in when they are part of the creation. #XPLAP
A3 After onboarding, my Ss were really excited that they got to choose their own teammates. They also like being able to earn multiple powers/items. I gave them a visual leaderboard to track individual/team progress. They would love more self-paced side quests. #XPLAP
A3: My 2nd graders like to have a physical part to the game. For example, they walked into a scene from a fairy tale staged in our room. They had to figure out which fairy tale needed to be fixed. #XPLAP
A3 ITEM ALCHEMY! I am writing up a post on this but Ss can combine items and propose a new effect. It has to go through the other students and me. Check out my https://t.co/4GYFrLQPOX blog tomorrow afternoon and it should be ready! #XPLAP
A3- I think this is a variable that each class is different for me so it’s a chance to build those relationships and see how each group wants to augment the game...in fact this year one group has unknowingly given me an amazing storyline twist that I am pumped to debut #xplap
A3: Individual student rank sheet. I only publicly display members of top15, and Ss can only see their own complete sheet (some were demotivated by being last on the LB as well CORPA concerns). Taught them to then create one with what they want to share and customize #XPLAP
I hid “invasive species” around my room. The kids could find them for XP, but if enough weren’t found they started to take over and the kids had to win a boss battle to hack them back. #XPLAP
In reply to
@MrHentzen, @MrPowley, @MarianaGSerrato
✨A3✨
THE BEST IDEAS!
I have gotten a ton of great ideas and lightbulb moments from my students! They get it! I survey them using Google Forms and I have a survey posted in our Google Classroom indefinatly so they can add suggestions and ideas at anytime! #XPLAP
I hid “invasive species” around my room. The kids could find them for XP, but if enough weren’t found they started to take over and the kids had to win a boss battle to hack them back. #XPLAP
In reply to
@MrHentzen, @MrPowley, @MarianaGSerrato
A3 also, a strange thing happened as I was asked to teach 1 section of reading to our schools lowest readers, but because they have me double - they are OWNING the leader board #xplap For the first time EVER they are leading their classes
Thank you so much #XPLAP community. I love you guys!
Please check out https://t.co/YCH10etKzd for links to more resources, my podcasts, and youtube channels as well.
A3: My students have really liked the interclass competition. The’re always asking when a whole class competition is coming up. They want to beat the other class. There seems to be great camaraderie, which I love seeing. They seem to care more about that than individual. #XPLAP
At the end of the year I had them roll the dice and sometimes their points went to another team. Somehow the rolls became more random after I did that. #XPLAP
That's a great idea. I think I'm going to add a daily random event to my game too. It seems like a great way to add game elements even on days we don't have time for much else. #xplap
In reply to
@MrHentzen, @MrPowley, @MarianaGSerrato
Thank you so much, Dave! Honored to have @mrmatera write my forward as he’s been an inspiration to me. Couldn’t me more proud to be published by you and @burgess_shelley. You both are incredible! #xplap#MLmagical#TLAP#LEADLAP
In reply to
@burgessdave, @mrmatera, @AnnBruckerEDU, @dbc_inc, @burgess_shelley, @mrmatera, @burgess_shelley
You bet Carol. Thanks for sharing your story with us today and each week. I love it. I feel we will be having another #WellPlayed in our future. #XPLAP
I need to say goodnight to the #xplap crew, @tishrich and @mrmatera I still have some homework to do for my training tomorrow. Lots of good insight tonight that I can share with mentees.
I am interested in this! I want to have a cards for different elements that they can combine them to make the different organic macromolecules for life. Just not sure how to do this. I am going to be stalking you, so be sure to share! 😂#XPLAP
#xplap Also, speaking of strange things that happened. Here's a link to a documentary that was filmed in my classroom (it is part of a tv show sitting on a shelf waiting for a home. You cna see me IRL if you want.
https://t.co/pgC4IuS6V1
password: Legendary (case sensitive)
Cool little chat gang ... feel free to check out my website https://t.co/9pvtOcnoMK lots of gamification resources & links. Also a group of predominantly Canadian gamifieds can be found at #GameMyClass ... have a good night and stay awesome! #xplap
Thank you so much, Dave! Honored to have @mrmatera write my forward as he’s been an inspiration to me. Couldn’t be more proud to be published by you and @burgess_shelley. You both are incredible! #xplap#MLmagical#TLAP#LEADLAP
In reply to
@burgessdave, @mrmatera, @AnnBruckerEDU, @dbc_inc, @burgess_shelley, @mrmatera, @burgess_shelley
Wow! So glad I showed up ... empathy cards... ask students.... story.... hiding invasive species that threaten to take over... item ideas. Thanks! #xplap
Q3: I gave alot of thought to designing items so there is something for the socializers (first aid kit, allows them to restore points to another player), as well as the provokers (item that gives them double points in a battle). #xplap
Wait! Is #XPLAP over? I feel like it just got started (and I was behind for most of it!)
Please help me out and check out my new CPU VLOG!
https://t.co/ccZWzOa03p
I have an item that allows for a 1 minute dance break at any point in the class (excluding a few rare events like quizzes). It's great. There are some great songs from Marshmellow on Spotify that have a great beat and are fun. #xplap
The set up is here https://t.co/02FUZ3fzgY . New ones also include "perfect bosses" per stduent request. I have not shared the student part as they are still a work in progress. And thanks for the vote of confidence #XPLAP
#xplap community you all are amazing! Thank you so much for all the ideas and support you are giving just by being in the chat... thanks to @mrmatera and all you other awesome high flyers out there who remind me that we are not flying solo #ihaveaneedtoxplap
So awesome! Not sure my 9th grade honors would go for this yet. They are still in serious “just getting this high school thing down” mode. But! I am tucking this idea away for the future. #XPLAP
Thanks all. Sorry had to step away... crying baby... but appreciate the encouragement. Trying to get an intro a base story in place before rolling out. But likely will roll out small parts and go from there. #xplap
