#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 August 18, 2016
iCivics Ed Network team. We educate so our Ss can meaningfully participate in society.
Intro: Kymberli Wregglesworth,MI HS social studies =helping students have tools 2B informed citizens
Glad to have you hear today !
Hello I'm a K-12 SS curriculum leader & I believe that means givings Ss the tools to be civically engaged.
Intro: Emma from here! fostering lifelong civic curiosity and engagement
Kevin, 7/8 history. Can't have participatory govt if the participators don't know how to participate. Gotta educate them.
Welcome ! Thanks for joining us tonight!
Hey everyone!!! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA! =Making informed citizens for our world!!
But if the system doesn't want this type of education .... (Mike from MD - EL LMS - eavesdropping : ) )
So glad you're here ! Thanks for joining us tonight & for promoting!
Matt from NJ, teacher, author. means that our democratic govt is participatory. U must participate.
Always love having you host! You bring such great insight and great questions for us!!!
Welcome to !
Make sure you answer Q1/A1, Q2A/A2A, Q2B/A2B, Q3/A3, BQ, etc...
Woot! Let's have some fun in the name of !
Hey there! Happy Thursday!
Great to have you tonight!!
Yay ! It's great to have an expert among us!
btw My master's thesis analyzed participatory online cultures in Edmodo to US civic participation: https://t.co/0hpJR2jFul
btw My master's thesis analyzed participatory online cultures in Edmodo to US civic participation: https://t.co/aF0P1mb6d6
So many gif images! I feel like I'm in a Twitter chat with ! LOL
Q1 Games let kids simulate real life situations that they can change and adapt by their own actions
Q1. How can games be used to foster learning better than TV, books, lectures, and other more traditional media?
Have fun ! Thanks for participating
LOL, we have to carry the torch when he's not around!
A1: Games and sims put Ss into authentic situations allowing them to delve into the content, make choices, and think critically
Awesome! Glad to hear it! btw We took a family vacation to Salem last week!
Games are REAL. 5 mins of Bluff today made my kids really appreciate the Salem witch trials. Sorry TV, still love you.
A1: Not sure that games alone can, but games + readings + micro lectures + discussion + authentic activities = ultimate deep dive
A1: Reiteration for one. The learning loops and Ss interact with it again and again!
We want people who can lead, follow, get out of the way (politely/respectfully) and contribute to inspire.
A1: Anytime that Ss can be given a chance to be active learners they will be more engaged. (pt. 1)
Excellent answer! https://t.co/NcwnRz0fVd
Q1 Games let kids simulate real life situations that they can change and adapt by their own actions
The critical thinking cements the content so much more! Another reason I love using games!
Love this answer to https://t.co/bveuPWkpcW
We want people who can lead, follow, get out of the way (politely/respectfully) and contribute to inspire.
A1: Games provide an experience. Easy to turn learners into teachers when they've lived it.
A1 When you give Ss a "reset" button w/ there learning you are giving them permission to push their learning boundaries. (pt. 2)
There's Nathan! My GIFs can cease for now :)
A1- As said at our panel, a game is like a field trip. A shared authentic experience for students.
Go with Simulations. Did one last year in 4th grade. Monumental. How resources affect learning .
Q1. Is out in the wild... if you have examples please share!!! (links, gifs, anecdotes, etc.) https://t.co/UstxvvfWHB
Love 6 word stories. The Ss think they're so easy, but takes crit thnkg & they don't realize it!!
Ss can either Strut stuff or be embarrassed or belittled?
Word. I am a big fan of sims
that is why they should play against their own scores
Love this. Who doesn't want to start over when they mess up. (Like me in most Clash Royale games) https://t.co/CGq86TwXBX
A1 When you give Ss a "reset" button w/ there learning you are giving them permission to push their learning boundaries. (pt. 2)
I heard that was a great panel.
totally agree! takes a lot more critical thinking than students assume!
Yes! The game is not the teacher. The teacher is the teacher.
A1: Games cause learners to stick w/ topics for longer. It's fun so learners don't even realize how deep they've gone in the time!
we will be covering Nathan Stevens running as the third candidate and winning
A1: here's 's Salem write up that I modified. Great game lesson on trust, fear and empathy. https://t.co/iWr0jJ4cYJ
A 4th grade teacher and I designed and planned this one. Happy to share. Involved math. Great debrief.
I finally reached Spell Valley today. Only took 6 months. :(
Hiya Leslie! Good to have you back!!
or are the students the teacher and the teacher is a co-learner with the students
thanks for joining us tonight!
Thx! An example@of using a game as a model. Making games can provide deeper historical empathy for Ss than playing
Thanks, Melissa! Happy to catch !
Q2A Kids benefit by being able 2 take risks in a way that isn't actually risky They R naturally competitive & games feed into that
2 part question!
Q2A. What benefit do students gain by playing games in an educational setting?
Just got into Spell Valley a minute ago...though it's my second visit! Hoping to stick around this time LOL!
A2: Retention. Shockingly easy to remind then with "remember when we played...?" vs. "remember when I said..?
A2A: meaningful engagement, enthusiasm for the activity and the content, minimal-risk learning
A2A Good games--not candy coated multiple choice ?'s--are immersive & meaningful for Ss. Games can make meaning.
A2A - Ss get a chance to pause or reset their learning as needed. This gives them ownership!
I haven't played Mission US all the way through yet, but I love how they put students in the historical driver seat.
learn by doing. Games are great at providing "real" first person experiences
My Ss asked me in June to play the Werewolf/Salem mods they made back in Oct. They don't do that with worksheets! :)
A2 active thinking, learning can be like eating veggies. May need to be disguised. Also: success and confidence. Participation.
Only played mission 1 (which my students will play next week) and I loved the immersion and multiple perspectives.
Really good point...wish I would've thought of it!! https://t.co/A9lA4pZwRa
A2: Retention. Shockingly easy to remind then with "remember when we played...?" vs. "remember when I said..?
Q2B Games open up time for 1on1 or small group instruction, they R engaging, they R authentic
Q2B. What benefit do teachers gain by using games to support learning objectives?
A2B) It also build relational capacity. Kids learn to see their teachers as humans. Humans are easy to learn from.
That is, IF game is good, & the T & S "trust" its design. If so, facilitate using Montessori method
All of these things AND the added bonus of acceptable/digestible failure. https://t.co/oQ3vgzQuvz
A2 active thinking, learning can be like eating veggies. May need to be disguised. Also: success and confidence. Participation.
A2B Almost by default, games are setup to differentiate based on different rules, levels, and challenges. Allows Ts flexibility.
A2b: I have fun!!! And seriously, I do my job better b/c Ss gain better crit thnkg, teamwk, and other skills w/ the content
A2B) also makes me and my content stand out, not always easy when kids have 6 classes.
Me & my Ss "trust" , & I'm hands off until we discuss after the play experience
I spent an extra 10 minutes on Bluff with students today because I was having so much fun playing.
A2A Strategic thinking, turn taking, handling win/loss, confidence, building skills, collaboration,
A3: My lit review revealed more engagement and motivation if 1:1.
Q3 Small groups fosters collaboration, consensus-building, and teamwork skills
yes, builds persistence when Ss are learning through productive struggle
A2B Good games support notion that ALL learning should be fun. Humans find learning to be rewarding. For more read:
Heard military college professor now uses games to teach strategy. More engaging than lectures. Different https://t.co/qVlACZAbOd
Everyone needs a little fiber.
Q3 1:1 helps students make individual decisions, problem solve, and think independently
A3: Group games hit the socialization skills. Good for Ss who need guidance with working with others and reading social cues
A2a) Many skills are practiced during well built games, and in an edu setting it is safe to practice and hone them.
A3) 1:1 is great for relational capacity. Learn so much about my kids playing Quarto with them at lunch.
A3 Kids are social & love playing in pairs, even when we're 1:1
A3: However, 1:1 really makes Ss have to be alert and focused b/c they have no one to rely on!
A3 The different types of grouping formats for playing games, allow for different scaffolds, differentiations, and buy-in by Ss.
A2b) Stand and deliver is exhausting, worksheets can be both tedious and monotonous. Variety is the spice of life! Games help!
A3) full class games are great for games that simulate scale like for topics spread of disease or ideas.
Good points! Especially for those dependent Ss who need a push to go on their own!!
Q3 Whole group gaming introduces students to alternative ideas/solutions, teamwork, majority rules, compromise
A3: I’m all about those small groups! Teamwork makes the dreamwork (so more fun, more engagement, more dialogue, more learning!)
A3 In my tech club, Ss love playing multiplayer games in same room, like Slither.io & . They seldom get to play 2gether
A3 I like that 1:1 games can also still foster collaboration and great conversation when facilitated
Love this answer... Your outcome will guide the grouping. https://t.co/NjVLTdkkxw
A3 The different types of grouping formats for playing games, allow for different scaffolds, differentiations, and buy-in by Ss.
Q3. What are the different benefits of playing games 1:1, small groups, and 1:many?
A3: 1:1 with data collection can lead to formative assmnt & fdbk, group games promote several of the 6Cs...1:many? Example?
We're getting some really awesome answers on this question! Keep it coming! Keep sharing your insight!
The military used to do it, from what I heard. Lost path, now leads the way again. More than others (glanced @ art.)
Have you tried Quizlet Live? It is really great for this!
Yep. That's one reason I am now working in the schools.
I like using Invasive Species scenario (think of a Zombie Apocalypse only real) for collab competition
Multiplayer games in study hall are popular, too. Most Ts don't realize it, but I can see & hear the teamwork.
What else do you do in your tech club?
Grade 9 and five Ss broke out towards the end of class! It was our first time trying it.
Always depends on how the teams are set up, managed, etc. I loathed group projects in many classes.
My Ss enjoyed this expression, "Productive struggle," they referred to it again long after I first used it.
We made a lot of paper-based election games at this summer!
BONUS: No, I am a now and do not have a classroom. Even if I did, I am a Canadian teacher in Mexico. Different perspective.
OOH, I like this. My Ss tell me I make their brains hurt. (Good. It's my job.)
that sounds awesome! Did you blog or write about it anywhere? If so share the link!
Lots of tech tools & game design, plus free time to play. That's when I learn! ex: , &
Q4AB Tech capabilities can always be a problem - mitigate by running a test of the devices during a high use time
Another 2 part question!
Q4A. What challenges should teachers consider when teaching with games?
A4a: challenge: how much guidance and structure does the teacher provide during games and sims?
A4a: Challenges to consider -are Ts games to teach, assess, motivate, or all of the above? Ts answer will shape the experience.
Q4AB Student competitiveness getting out of control - mitigate by setting strong ground rules for sportsmanship
A4: It takes classrm mgmt to maintain organized & focused chaos to actual unfocused chaos chaos. I like the word chaos.
A4A: Challenge - teacher is ALL THE THINGS: instructor, IT support, classroom manager, gamer…the usual https://t.co/nJmyqWEz7e
A4A Ts need to know just any other work/assignment, Ss will come in w/ different levels of expertise and experiences.
A4? Purpose, game mechanics, difficulty. Start with the Why
A4) sad but true: the reaction of admins and parents. Important to make your objectives very clear.
A4A It's sometimes a challenge to switch roles from lecturer/leader to facilitator/coach who may not always know the solution
A4: mentioned this, but amt of scaffolding to give. Not enough and Ss are frustrated and get off task.
Q4B. How can teachers work to mitigate these challenges?
A4 Look for good games first, don't chase T dashboards when u can make ur own assessments, ie Google Form reflections on learning
parents can be the biggest allies if you get them involved!
Why? Why can't the Ss do some of this?
A4: Beta test games. And know the purpose. Make sure Ss know the purpose.
Definitely, that's why I'm playing a game with them for BTSN in 15 mins!
A4A Ss are the challenge. They expect games in school to suck. I sell them on & awesomeness b4 they play
A4B Ts can scaffold w/ Ss based on their abilities. This may include partner/small group work or changing the needed tasks per S.
All of those roles are necessary. Sometimes it's how the scene is set.
A4B: Solution - Load games before class, have student IT helpers, teach the game before assigning the game, be patient
Time. Takes a long time to learn those roles for every new game. Sometimes T just has to make it go.
A4a: Challenge and grade level. Individ v. Group. Student interest.
this is the best way to get parents on board! Let the, see it happen! Loved when my kids' teachers demo at BTSN
Group projects are essential. Now more than ever. Just need right foundation. Like everything else we do.
A6: Games provide a non-partisan means to showcase democracy and the electoral process.
Q5 I assigned games as homework w/ requirement that students be prepared to discuss experiences at next class
Q5. What are some creative ways that teachers can include games outside of in-class time? Share some of your own experiences!
Winging is necessary. Try it, see what happens, works, doesn't, That's why there are alpha versions
A4b: Find out what the kids like and play off of that. It ain't easy, but if teaching was easy, anyone could do it.
So glad you do ! & our curriculum team work to make it relevant & engaging
A5: I've created a leaderboard on Google sheets shared on the Goog. Class. Updated nightly. I give students 1 wk to make the board
there's an app in the iTunes & Google Play stores!
A5) Not sure how creative it is but opening your room for game time at lunch is great.
A5: I'm planning to release some digital games through email outside of class.
A5 Based on class time, prep the Ss in class w/ a lesson then have them play outside of class. has some great lessons!
Q5 Organize a game tournament during pride time or during school extracurricular activity time
A5: Homework! (bleh) Also game events, lunch groups, clubs, pseudo-flipped classroom, high score challenges linked to social media
incorporating student interests makes learning relevant and helps it stick.
A5: Anything that directly relates to your subject from other classes.
Time for BTSN, gotta head out. Thanks for the chat and ideas all.
Tournaments are a great idea! https://t.co/zrjgrIyA08
Q5 Organize a game tournament during pride time or during school extracurricular activity time
A5: I'm tentatively planning a tourney fundraiser...a way to bring together students & support our forensics
A5 Involve your librarian somehow. Ss can do research, play, develop, etc. there. .
This also lets students connect with each other and the teacher during down time https://t.co/dFeMyzq3xQ
A5) Not sure how creative it is but opening your room for game time at lunch is great.
A5: Plan game jams after school or on a Saturday!
A5 Look for games with 1) affordances for playfulness, and 2) games that have a replayability factor. Ask Ss what they play too!
Q6. Our current political climate is a challenge for many teachers. How can games be used to teach students about our democracy?
have fun! And thanks for joining us tonight
In HS biology the Ss are the experts and know more than the Ps for the most part. Have to self-rescue!
It takes a village https://t.co/OeqXmu3LGo
A5 Involve your librarian somehow. Ss can do research, play, develop, etc. there. .
We love Everyone at try if you have not
Yes!!! Librarians are often the most underutilized resource in schools!
I've made a few now, and I have one in the digital sandbox called "Ecosystem Basics."
Q6 Games are objective in a way teachers may not be able to be games include tons of info in an informative manner
So many great ideas from Q5... I hope you wrote them down!
A6: iCivics’ Win the White House is one great example of a politically safe way to teach election process
A6 Games as models and role play. Play ' making decisions like Trump or Clinton make, then discuss
A6: Much potential for simulations with democracy & other gov't systems!
A6 Games often use artificial names that don't make direct connections to political climate.Give safe way to teach the basics.
Please. Leadership (Near and far) doesn't seem to recognize benefit Many only have PT or use volunteers
A6 Numero Dos: Focusing on process is safe (and supported by standards) and many games have such a focus https://t.co/QB60boLEvm
A6 Harness the power of multiplayer mode to model govt & citizenship
A6: There are several ways. I like to have them use AR to create campaigns & then give them "Funds" based on polling.
