#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 March 17, 2016
Welcome! Please introduce yourself, describe your position & experience/interest in gaming clubs https://t.co/IRsSj1lGOa
Hi! I'm Jared, a teacher for the Deaf, and I would love to start a gaming club at my school! No experience yet, though! Yet.
Shane Sullivan, Administrator, Cleveland
Hi all and a big welcome to for leading tonight!
I’m the Assoc. Tech Director at where happens! I run club G3-5. Doctoral student at
Hello gamer enthusiasts! Gabe from PA, 9th grade and LOVES gaming with a community (or perhaps a club 😊)
Matt from NJ, author, blogger, recent dissertation defender, teacher, adjunct, & I run an after school student tech club
Hi all! My name is Keegan, educational technologist . Recently finished to teach faculty gamification, etc.
Mike from Long Island part of have a video game obsessed autistic brother so checking out this chat!
Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA, would love to have a club...but I coach two other activities too!
John, Ph.D. student at VT. Awesome topic tonight. I'll be kind of a fly on the wall as I oscillate between chat & homework.
Hey Keegan! Good to see you again!
Do you, by chance, know ?
Welcome everyone! So glad you guys all joined tonight's chat! :D
Huge congrats on the dissertation defense (almost) Dr. Farber!!
So glad you're here Gabe! Love having your input!
I run the Games & Learning club at my middle school along with our guidance counselor
Glad you're here...we'll be able to use your expertise, too!
Ready for Question One? What games do you use (or want to use) for an after school gaming club? https://t.co/4zfLQAydHD
A1: Oh, dear gods...card games, video games, board games, sporting games, team games, individual games...
A1: my club is at the end of our month of Zelda!
Tarynn Bickett.... Dakota Stat University Student
A1- I've started a club for Grades 3-5. Small group right now, looking to expand next year
That looks so awesome. Can anyone join?
A1 My club Ss love playing together in . Next steps: make games in Roblox. It is a bit harder than Minecraft tho
Tarynn Bickett
Dakota State University Student
Congrats on defending your dissertation! I'm writing Chapter 2 of mine right now.
A1: Would love to use both dig & non-dig. Especially more indie games. Or MPG like WoW or Minecraft. Or narrative like Gone Home
Hi Tarynn! Glad you're here. Remind me what city Dakota State is in?
A1: Oh my goodness the possibilities... Minecraft, Zelda, Star Fox, Mario, Metroid, there's too many to choose!!
Any particular non-dig games you have in mind?
Danica Zielinski, teacher in training
Yay! You made it! Welcome!
Very unique answers! You guys are very diverse in your gaming! Get ready for Q2....
ran it at my university in person for 1st version. It all Open though. Anyone can use/run it.
A1 I can be hands-off when Ss in multiplayer. I want Ss to be free to play, which is often stifled in school, & increasingly after
I will be checking this out for sure!
Hi all! Shelly from Texas. 6th grade English Teacher. Looking to learn MORE about GAMES
It gets fun when you collect data. Really, it does! :)
A2- Last week Ss build Rube Goldberg machine in Minecraft. I give them creative challenges with open-ended possibilities.
Resistance, One Night Ultimate Vampire. Funemployed. Ones that go beyond the mainstream that Ss aren't used to.
A2: Currently there are no clubs like that at our school, but hoping to start one up in the future!
A2- Today we made roller coasters
glad to be back for another chat! :)
Digitally or actually made them physically?
A2 I introduce new apps & we betatest. Some Ss try new games, others play Agar.io together. It's their club, after all!
Mark G, joining a little late, 5th grade T from Southern NJ, I see my self as a full time facilitator, https://t.co/Kjp3orvdeA
Wish I could join tonight, but just about to head out. I'll definitely be perusing the awesome tweets tonight though!
We have another club, after school . That's more physical design
Oh, very cool! We'd probably have to mix them into one club.
Feel free to answer how you would LIKE to run a club if you started one
We have Google classroom set up for pre/post writing activities connected to games Ss play during club
That sounds excellent! Was this a group activity or individual?
A2: I would like to set up a free play club, but with a focus week to week on certain kinds of games. SImilar to this chat.
Do you have some examples of this? That sounds amazing!
A2: If I started one, would be Ss planned. I'd def. play if I could, but give them as much choice (as resources allowed)
That's amazing to get your faculty gaming! Love it!
You all are giving me so many ideas I feel like I'm going to be starting some new clubs! <3
I like that idea. A bit of structure, expose Ss to new games.
A1: One of those new age Atari that has like 60 games loaded on it. More of a reward during recess than a club thing.
And let them expose me to new games! They've already taught me a fun new card game!
sounds fantastic. Get Ss playing what they want. Would be awesome chance to learn from them!
Cool idea--easy way to keep track of their reflections.
Here's Q3: How do club participants share and build their knowledge? (Or how would you like for them to) https://t.co/plqygBC7OX
It was so fantastic! Awesome to bond over a game for a while and discuss/network afterwards.
They always have the choice between working alone or self-selected groups
I would have peers express interest in games they enjoy growing up or now & figure out what devs. used to make it fun
I tend to use to centralize information. I would make use of the Groups feature there to share ideas.
A3: mentioned GAFE Classroom. Any other methods out there that you all use? Padlet might be a cool digital one
A3: Google classrm allows Ss to respond to posts and collaborate before after playing
Hello! Long time no see, Thomas, MN College Student for elem. edu, will go in-n-out
A3 We only have the club for 1 hour a week. I’d love to get them blogging on a forums (Enjin), creating wikis, Youtube tutorials.
A3 Ss get the chance to play digital multiplayer in a co-locational setting, & play analog f2f. All about social game mechanics!
Glad you're back! I was wondering where you'd been when I tweeted at you earlier :) Hectic classes, I'm sure!
YouTube tutorials would be great! Just make sure they're captioned. :)
A3) Meeting weekly with set topics was great for faculty. Discussed team learning, overcoming failures, etc.
Christina here from NC - Middle School STEAM Teacher - joining late.Use games in my classroom. Soon to do an after school club too
A3 Most of the knowledge shared = students acting as the teacher. Also, Mentors: older middle school students to assist
yep, learning to use autodeck inventor for Bridging Eng/Edu class
A3: would be great to also have "show and tell" type days, where Ss bring in new games to share w/others
I was surprised how many of my students are NOT using Multiplayer at home. They LOVE being in one room together
Working on a coding club for next year. 4th grade. Hopes that they'll code their own games +other stuff.
A3 A lot of sharing of games, too, including on Steam & other forums. I learn a lot myself!
Have you seen any of the PLTW curriculum that uses Autodesk Inventor? It's great!
Any particular platform in mind?
I wonder if any there are any inter-school interactions in the clubs
A3: Collaboration is key to problem solving, critical & creative thinking when games are brought up because anything is possible
It would be nice to find something like this. Maybe on the forums? I'm interested!
Have you used ! or . I love those and can make great games. https://t.co/vIpM7JmWfB
Working on a coding club for next year. 4th grade. Hopes that they'll code their own games +other stuff.
A3: I think it helps when you can "piggyback" off/with other clubs in district. Older Ss teaching younger Ss.
Mitch brings up a good question. Anyone know of game clubs interacting? This would be great to start! https://t.co/I2MW8bFAjS
I wonder if any there are any inter-school interactions in the clubs
Highly recommend Google's Computer Science First club materials... uses Scratch with a LOT of great starter projects
I second these suggestions. Great learning platforms! Also suggest Bloxels!
There are a few emerging for eSports https://t.co/zgmBRwP9qW
I wonder if any there are any inter-school interactions in the clubs
A4: I haven't given up yet.
anyone have limits on game ratings? Or should it increase w/ grade lvl?
A4: I'd love a club that reaches out to Ss not involved in other activities. A place where all types of Ss can have fun
Q4 My greatest success is the groundswell. Ts are interested and they want to know how they can incorporate it into their classes
I would like to see the Ss become the administers of the club, creating and introducing their own games.
A4) Getting faculty to share all of their thoughts openly with each other & world (https://t.co/WW5fsnjkzF ) Great for engagement!
A4: We also have a New Teams which allows for many things audio/video. Example: https://t.co/KUwxym5P7F Totally Ss ran
Q4 I’d love to see it used more throughout the curriculum. Virtual field trips, dynamic simulations, virtual projects...
Love this! This just inspires me to do it as well! I'd love to see more Tchrs using games
A4: Students choosing to do projects related to their core curriculum because they are interested, not because they are prompted
Yes! Yes to all of this! https://t.co/zcMTnJOSlV
Q4 I’d love to see it used more throughout the curriculum. Virtual field trips, dynamic simulations, virtual projects...
Providing PD for Ts that includes student work
I want more student leadership roles as well. I'm hoping next year the kids now can be my "experts" 4 future clubs
! We haven't mentioned game jams in gaming clubs--absolutely yes! https://t.co/2LvN4XpZ3L
I would like to see the Ss become the administers of the club, creating and introducing their own games.
A4: Busy faculty with great attendance and doing optional prep work to earn xp
I think most prefer , but has a low barrier to entry and a much higher ceiling. https://t.co/28LyKUpSnG
I second these suggestions. Great learning platforms! Also suggest Bloxels!
Describe "game jams" in more detail...
This is great! Awesome to engage Ss in other mediums! Opportunity for developing digital literacy & game literacy
They're more fun than strawberry, boysenberry, and grape, but they don't taste as good. ;)
Having Ss create their own games out of materials on hand. It's a great creativity and critical thinking activity!
A4: I would like to see peers connecting w/ games they love as well for Ts to see that this is a good way to stimulate thinking
Bringing in the humanities= huge win! They can get let out with STEM...
A4. I think just making it infectious to come to school for s's in order to stay after to "play" - s's engagement is a reward!
definitely love the natural digital literacy lessons that happen!
Q5: How do you use reward systems for accomplishments (gamification, digital badging, etc.)? https://t.co/JCuau9SJta
Glad you're here! And I so agree...
Teen and below are my rating limits.
A5: Use it often! Love using gamification in the classroom. Never seen more motivation from many Ss
I think we can/should use games to blend these together more often! :)
My greatest success is still in the making S led PD for Ts on incorporating into the curriculum https://t.co/vxKbMx0dCO
I'd like to give them skill badges to symbolize the different skills they're developing in the process.
A5: I could see badges working well as Ss mastered games. Could encourage Ss to try different games
I LOVE this idea!!!!!!! *Stealing this*
A5 Presently, I think the creating and building is enough of an intrinsic reward, no need for external https://t.co/gxAvtS7eoJ
Q5: How do you use reward systems for accomplishments (gamification, digital badging, etc.)? https://t.co/JCuau9SJta
A5 MinecraftEdu doesn’t have experience levels. I would like to incorporate a skills challenge with digital badges/certificates.
A5) Gave XP for attendance and completion of homework. All of which were optional. XP made their avatars stronger for playing.
A5 cont - When Ss share their games/projects w/ other they are so proud, that is all the reward they need. https://t.co/gxAvtS7eoJ
Q5: How do you use reward systems for accomplishments (gamification, digital badging, etc.)? https://t.co/JCuau9SJta
A5: Love it! Extrinsic motivators + success through failure lead to increased confidence & eventual intrinsic motivation.
A5 i.e. Minecraft build a new redstone machine. Worth one badge. Create a tutorial for others= badge.
A5 gamified reward systems are great motivational tools if applied w/ thought towards authenticity re student interests
I feel that the rewards should also be reflective of also some real world development too
I love that you have a product they can share and take with them!
A5. I think it's the norm, and more foreign to us than to s's. They've been leveling up their whole lives!
Very true. Badges or XP might be a fun layer, but ultimately, success will depend on the fun and experience of the club
A5: I love in the class. I think that a “reward” as long as it has no market value & is part of the game is AWESOME
A5) Had a lot of success with this model in . Highly suggest rewarding optional assignments!
A5: Minecraft is a reward in class - If they complete certain tasks, they get an item in our survival world that will help them
Tell me more about your avatars!
A5 I am just now rolling out badges. My students are new to the idea, but I think they will love it.
A5 cont: I stole CS First's idea of using passports with stamps as students complete parts of projects, they love getting stamped!
Yeah. There's def conflicting research, and there's legitimacy to it all. What's the book title?
Every faculty chose a class (ex:https://t.co/AHOUAEjim4 ) at beginning of training & these were used to encourage/engage
Jared, I think you should give them my book in trade. The idea of extrinsic vs intrinsic is silly.
Oh, I'm throwing books at her as well. Yours is on the list. I just don't want to overwhelm her. :)
Btw, my Ss are really loving the game this semester. So am I!
Glad you're here! & Agreed. adds fun to class culture. As always, meaningful lessons are still the basis
Great! And that's what's important--what's working for you & your Ss.
I keep trying to get there, but there's always a conflict! :( Hoping to be there next meeting!
Had a website but that has fallen by the side. Now I do most of it through for both parents and students
The admin team occasionally drop by to check it out. I need to work on this one. I also try to blog: https://t.co/g8fs68jwmu
A6: Weekly updates, E-Mail or even Biweekly.
Truth. I'm proposing a much larger game for the whole school. That's why she's concerned.
A6: we encouraged our faculty participants to share their gaming with their kids/stakeholders
A6) Mostly email and website other than in-session announcements. Not revolutionary, (XP) but worked for us.
Agreed. Need to show the world that games & is both content and skill heavy… Sometimes even more so.
The perfect philosophy of life. https://t.co/pxhU3YWzrk
Agreed. Need to show the world that games & is both content and skill heavy… Sometimes even more so.
A6: I've got 12 old iPods. Tomorrow AM I hide them all in my bosses office. Alarms set to go off every 5 mins w/ example messages
LOL Yea, that's probably step 1. :D
A7: Starting one! But I'd need a partner b/c of my coaching. Therein lies the problem. Small school. Everyone has extra duties.
Gotta start somewhere, right?
Would love to get students creating directions videos like this one: https://t.co/3SeiEeyPzM So many skills to do this
Insanely in love with this idea! https://t.co/APSayd1XLQ
A6: I've got 12 old iPods. Tomorrow AM I hide them all in my bosses office. Alarms set to go off every 5 mins w/ example messages
Can you reach out to anyone else in your district or get parent volunteers?
A6: one faculty member shared her gaming with her son; he immediately quit gaming because if his mom was gaming, it was over
A7: Creating one & allowing Ts and admins to see the value of gaming
That would be a good next step. Need to start considering those who would value this club
A7 I'm just getting into & would like to incorp more of this into my club Any hacks on set up https://t.co/LxpLFOuCOf
people underestimate the importance of games literacy!
has been great in my classroom. The Ss love it.
I assume he'll get over the shock that his mom is a person who likes playing games / having fun.
A7- I’d like to host an all-girls club in the fall, and possibly break the age groups down a little more.
No hacks here. But I Definitely recommend beta testing--I make my own breakout games and always make an error somewhere.
I've heard of Classcraft, but I haven't personally used it. Do you like it so far?
I've also had Ss create own games. They really have to stretch their minds in sequencing and planning
I do this too. It's a lot of fun to create your own. Step by step instructions for setup help. https://t.co/4xNHBtU2MF
No hacks here. But I Definitely recommend beta testing--I make my own breakout games and always make an error somewhere.
A7 We're hosting a follow-up summer bootcamp/sprint for GBL and gamification of courses at OU
Time zones stink! Hi everyone!!
I'm just doing some of the games on the site and beta in the google drive, but I am not at making level yet
YES, it's amazing! And they'll be hosting a chat later this spring!
I like it overall, but need to do some tweaking. Like most tools, it works better for some Ss than others.
I realize we are talking about games, so you might not have "activities"; in that case share where you find your games
Yes. Rapid prototyping has been powerful when and I made a game recently. Highly recommend.
A8: This chat is one of the best resources! I steal or create my own. Some ideas on my blog: https://t.co/ErPYsVTO9u
Awesome, adding you to my RSS feed!
Honestly, I get most inspiration from Twitter. or or someone tweets a game, and I re-imagine it!
thanks for this share! Hadn't seen ARIS yet.
Ok, a long term goal, start making games, maybe over the summer, I am so backed up.
Thanks! Just started it but hoping to build it more as I play! I will be taking a few of your ideas if that's okay!
A8: Pay attention/listen to what the kids are already playing & build from there
You guys should all check out https://t.co/N9pJtk9iTh Games & Learning Society. Educators + game developers + researchers
Thank you so much! Honored… We both learn so much from each other. Thanks for the first review of https://t.co/z8aEqLJbVl
Honestly, I get most inspiration from Twitter. or or someone tweets a game, and I re-imagine it!
My boys tend to enjoy it more than girls. I need to work on making my system appeal more to the girls
You have been WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for joining tonight's chat!!!! <3
A8: I just see things and think there has to be something I can do with that and sure enough, there is.
