#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 July 28, 2016
and I'm staying in a dump near the airport!!
Thanks :) Definitely looking for something to raise my spirits tonight. Glad I have my people!
Super excited to have & hosting tonight!!!
Hey , I’m Mari, co-creator of Digital! Can’t wait to mod tonight with
Katie from STL! Fav DBO is probably SOTI, simply because of my victory scream when I finally got off the island!
and this guy was integral when I designed Find the Redstone! https://t.co/9KdUcWdTe2
Thanks :) Definitely looking for something to raise my spirits tonight. Glad I have my people!
Hi! Tisha Culinary teacher and Lead from Medford, OR Excited to be here!
Nathan, 23.7 minutes from Steve, and looking to learn more
hey Katie! Doesnt sound like you at all...
I am dramatic, what can I say...
Hey all! Happy Thursday!! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. Not sure if I have a fave, but most recent was Spicy Mystery!
hey Nathan! We're here to help! How many minutes from me?
Nick Baskwill Grade 5 NS Canada, Love but have not run a digital game yet!
Denise from NE! I'm new to Digital, so looking forward to learning more!
ooo that's definitely up there for me too
Yay!!! Tisha is here!!!!!
Steve, I teach Video Game Design to awesome middle school kids. Stuck in NC and forgot to call
you've come to the right place!
Katie-High School Teacher Librarian. Breaking the ice on Can't wait to play and create with my students
Great topic and guests tonight, thank you.
It was a pleasure - you pumped that digital like a boss!
Paul from Maine. Math, robotics, and soon-to-be computer science teacher.
Hey there Denise!! Hope you're enjoying the break from last week's heat!!
hello! Glad to have you here with us
I played my first last month and immediately hooked!!
I would have to say the Digital game is my favorite but I really need to get around to playing them all!
Mark Grundel, 5th Grade T from Southern NJ, excited to join Tonight! Tweeting between writing for my EdD.
awesome! Can't wait to give it a shot!
where were you that your drive took 9 hours?
hey Mark! Glad to have you here
Andrew from Omaha. Haven't gotten into the digital breakouts yet but excited to learn more.
Hi, and . Two great chats at the same time. Oops, Marilyn, 6th, from SoCal.
Should be a fantastic chat!! Can't wait!!
hey Marilyn! Glad to have you here
Hey Katie!! Always good to have you!!
Hi, :-)
I'm Lee, an instructional coach and staff developer from NY.
Huge fan of Digital!!
didn't get to iste, so not sure!
Hope you'll try them out after the chat!
LEE! My man, always love the support
, is going to get us started with Q1 in 1 minute!
Thanks Justin, Glad to be here. Hope I can actively participate in tonights chat.
I've done one of each type and they are fun but I'm wondering: how should they be used in the classroom?
we'll appreciate any input youve got
It's a pleasure to be here, Justin!!
Why yes, yes it was :) Been doing the box version, but love the digital, too!!
Hope to provide you the breaks you undoubtedly need!!
Steve!!! Always a pleasure my friend!
I love both versions. Hard to pick one. Hybrid games on the horizon for me
Hi Melissa! Yes, as I hope you have as well!
Thanks, Mari! I’m psyched for this chat. :-)
Kelly from Tahoe. Popping in to lurk and learn!
Can be used in many ways - to promote 4Cs, to tie to content, to promote fun and joy https://t.co/yGX5GP4ogU
I've done one of each type and they are fun but I'm wondering: how should they be used in the classroom?
A1 - easier to make puzzles and set up digital, analogue is more immersive/tense in my experience.
A1: I've played 1 box version, but not digital. Excited to learn tonight!
I agree. Both have their own benefits
Nice to see you too, Melissa! Glad to be here.
I've made a couple of hybrids just within my classroom. Works really well, I think
Check some of the digital ones out after the chat :)
A1: Set up is a big difference - Box version takes a bit more time and planning, digital grab the comp and go!
Tami 2nd grade teacher from Mo.
A1 The level of needed collaboration seems to change.
A1: DBOs are multifaceted, have endless possibilities & are easy to change. Both require critical thinking & benefit from collab.
build your own to fit your content! (That's what I finally did.)
very true. Digital are good in a pinch and boxes are more immersive. I remember running around like a mad man
A1: Both are great resources. Physical: advantage = tangible, movement, disadvantage = costly esp 4 multiple groups.
A1: Also, DBOs are definitely set it and forget it, whereas physical boxes require resetting after each play.
A1: A major difference is set up and cost.
Awesome! And welcome! Chime in if the spirit moves you!
A1) Digital Breakouts can be played at anytime, whereas the box needs some prep time. Love both!
going to follow / chat while waiting for
yay!! We'll get you addicted ;)
me too! I love running both. THe prep difference is definitely a good point
A1: Breakout EDU Digital requires no set-up, however you need student devices. The boxes require set-up before you run the game.
A1: I do think the thrill of opening the physical locks is super engaging, though.
what are your favorite puzzle types?
we can't wait to share our passion!
A2: Digital - portable, can be played from anywhere, can engage multiple people who are not in the same place, require tech
Glenn from Michigan lurking and learning
Very true, but you can still run digital with a few devices if Ss share
A1: Box allows for movement. But game requires fewer supplies & prep once it's been created
a1 you can eat tacos and play digital breakoutedu
A1: cont - Digital - advantage: many sessions can run, great research skills, disadvantage: requires potentially costly equipment
A2: box - has that nice hands on physical experience and interactive problem solving that has to occur through face to face comm
Lurk away! Glad you're here! Chime in and/or ask ???? if the spirit moves you :)
I was just talking with an online school about having their students do it over call
Yes you can, but I do like Ss to have at least two devices per small group so they can work off both screens.
how so? Would love to hear how it goes in your classroom
I think you can also eat tacos and play the non-digital version too (so I hear!)
good point. Works with adults too :)
I'll be looking for your name on the success chart!
I don't know, might get kinda messy...eating tacos requires focus & commitment. LOL
I love seeing digital games played in places like waiting in line at Disney!
Q2 coming from in 1 minute!
hey tina. Good to have you here
absolutely - in fact a group of us are plotting to create as an inter-class global experience
A1b: Also w/digital Ss can do it outside of school. Planning to do a couple of these in our classrm team throne competitions
ooooo We should talk about this more later
sometime students need the tactile experience of wirking with the locks
we're working on some hybrid games!
I played two digital games with teachers last week and it was amazing to watch them in action.
Here's , always taking it to the next level!! https://t.co/Nef33aBkWf
absolutely - in fact a group of us are plotting to create as an inter-class global experience
My Ss definitely worked on the DBOs at home! They're addicting, plus they have a T who is crazy about it!
I'm curious about this idea of hybrids as well, Melissa.
A1: In terms of planning, which is better, digital with no prep, or box, with a fair amount? I'm thinking teacher as designer...
I just ran a packed room trainign at a . It was so cool. Total engagement
How extensive are they? Could one be an ARG mission/quest?
A1: physical locks not required & every group is attempting to open the same box
I loved having Ss complete them on weekends and bragging on monday
Haven't done digital yet. ...Don't see several huddled around one device. Could be wrong.
I said the same exact thing to my colleague, “Total engagement!!”
my innovator is multi team synchronous or asynchronous
My Ss used huddled together with their own devices and worked together. I've seen 4 adults around one chromebook
I own 1 box, I've been toying with 1 box, but multiple locks attached to single hasp, each group has 1 clue,
Just hypothesizing. Can't wait to try it out once school starts.
It takes me about equal time to build a digital as it does a physical. but then I never have to prep a dig
I like this idea as well!
That makes me feel better about digital BO. Don't want to use that collaboration intensity.
I did a physical box first with my teachers and then ran two digital games.
A2: Endless platform possibilities. Collab & connection w other classes who can play the game under the same circumstances
thats what I recommned too
A2 more multimedia can be used
What inspires you for each new Breakout you create?
A2: mobility & accessibility to solve & breakout without space constraints of a room/box
what suggestions would you provide?
butall these things take time - which is worthy of acknowledging and for their hard work!
A2: I think location is a lot easier. Anywhere with wifi is a quick set up and go
4 is the ideal group size for collaboration.
with Digital, what i'm interested in. With boxes, what content I want to review
I'd also say they're a cinch to change if you want to tweak for new groups of learners.
videos and interactive components
omg! Lol!!!! This would never do that but it earned laughter!
thank you! Definitely easier when you're passionate
Big props to James, and the for creating this space for us all to expand upon!
Dr. Johnson’s Lab is an awesome first physical game to play with EDUs
I agree with interactive. Video needs to be 1-2 minutes IMO
A2 More hiding placing! Really want to combine Dig Breakout with In my head it makes perfect sense
I also liek Attack of the Locks cc
we don't sleep or have lives...
That was my first breakout! Seems to be a popular one for introing
this has been brought up a few times. It's in the works :) cc
Where some clues are within the room, but others may lead to clues hidden online, so Ss use tech, too
I like Dr Johnsons but attack of the locks just sounds fun!
See this taking over birthday parties. May plan for my son's 16
Is that the Star Wars themed game??
. Use of other digital tools and apps, like the puzzle maker. I really enjoyed this part!
A2 - Digital versions are much easier to share and reuse. Changing combos on locks can be a nightmare - easy on Google forms.
mhm. Ran it last week. It's gonna be my new go to for intro
. is going to lay down Q3 in 1 minute
That's really true! I also think they're a little easier to conceptually understand since it's all right there for you
YES!! I was thinking about doing one for my twins 11th bday in 2 weeks.
can I come?! I promise I'll be good.
Hey , I'm Leslie in Mty, MX. My favorite digital is obviously the one I made: Ecosystem Basics! :D
as long as you remember to put in error text haha
Hi! I'm Leslie from N.VA My curiosity was peaked after mtg. Justin. OG's was my first at an EdCamp.
Hi Leslie! Always enjoy your tweets! Glad to see you again!
Hey Leslie! Great to see you here and can't wait to see you again in a few weeks!
am I overlooking a key to the locks in digital or do I always have to email the creator??
Thanks, Mari! The bedtime routine is about to ensue, but I will stay while I can at !
Research says that is the prime number for active engagement.More really becomes too many
I have to run that one with my summer school kids next week. :-)
. Og's Great Adventure is also very fun. It compelled me to finally get into and then I went hog-wild!
A3: I think it's a good thing. Forces learners to embrace the struggle, seek out others for help, rely on strengths of others
A3: It changes the interaction with the Ts, gives more challenge to the Ss to really figure out the Qs
Hey Melissa! Great to see you too! :)
I want to be a part of this.
I agree with short videos
A2: hmmm - nothing says the clues for boxes can't be discovered through digital activities so hard to think what is not possible
Have you tried this with your students? What was their reaction?
Props to Matt Farber...remembered that from Gamify Your Classroom.
A3: It's more authentic. In life there is no answer key.
I have not yet! Wishing I had before the year ended! I am very curious to see how they will do!
A2: Ah... the idea that you can play from home w/ or without box, collaborate online from different places with digital approach
Any suggestions for a game to play with my culinary Ss? Cul 3 studies regional and international cuisine.
A3) Well . . . once we stopped begging for clues () Ss started creating lists on the whiteboard. Def. more collab.
A3: No answer key = students working harder to open the locks. They must continue trying! Great practice.
A3: The T is no longer the "answer holder"--the Ss have to do it on their own! Plus, the T models own prob solving skills!
A spicy mystery is set in the kitchen
Measure the Mystery is cooking-themed
A3 - I honestly don't like it. Too many puzzles are very obscure making the whole thing unusable if I'm focusing on content.
see I wasn't being mean - I was promoting collaboration!
I like playing new ones with my Ss before trying to solve! They get to see me struggle alongside them!
Love this answer. Short and profound. https://t.co/VFbUWcDQAa
A3: It's more authentic. In life there is no answer key.
well, all the ingredients should be in a locked box - that will ensure they complete the
Hard lesson to learn after the fact.
I’d love to see a pic of your whiteboard!
it's a challenge to be sure, but I believe in you and your Ss
A3: can be frustrating bc it adds the element of stress to ensure its correct, really made me want to do my own & build on idea
have you tried creating your own?
I know that frustration well! But the sense of accomplishment at the end is well worth the struggle
wouldn’t that be a fun mystery box challenge?!
A3 it makes everyone a learner. Teacher can be on the team
A3 Hoping this means there is more than one right answer??? Learning isn't stifled.
A3: this is great! educators need to go thru experience prior or WITH students - co-learning is great modeling!!!!
All these answers to Q3 are exactly what we want to model!
Students need more opportunities to see teachers as learners! https://t.co/IkCq1v9CVx
A3 it makes everyone a learner. Teacher can be on the team
A3: Ss are forced to be persistent if on their own. Ss are able to collaborate if working together.
I could see them figuring out ingredients to build a recipe & use math/science as clues
Ditto! So excited to share with ITRT team, teachers and of course the kiddos!
First week of Sept. Looking to do a on the first day, get Ss better acquainted with each other
how can you channel this frustration into succes?
Not in the digital games there’s not, but still relies on critical thinking to solve
I built 4 boxes to use in my classroom too! Can't wait to intro both. We should do one with the staff at the beginning
Watch for Q4 in 1 minute!
I agree. That's something I need to do more of as I try to change my teaching.
agreed when you get it completed :)
Did you know that will be at ! So excited to have them bring kids, parents, educators through
modeling productive struggle is very helpful and important
They are coming out with a bunch of new Back to School games next week.
It has transformed my approach to teaching and learning - so powerful!!
I was considering doing the same with my new advisees who I will have for 4 years.
We’re releasing new digital games, content-driven, starting Aug 21!
would be cool to do a really long game
A4: I think it makes Ss be really sure of their answers and need to look critically at all the parts to how they found the answer
Rebooted computer. Back on shortly!!
Good communication skills were critical!
It’s great to have Ss justify their answers. Good writing practice after game is over
A4: Share my own DBO experiences & snafus w Ss & play games w them. Played TLT w 3 boys & had a blast struggling 2gether
the debrief is so important too
I can’t wait for some new Digital games too!!
expanded brain to think broader which leads to success,felt like I'd spend less time if I created digital myself
All my 7th graders are buying their PE locks right now & not just standard combo locks. I can’t wait to intro them to
We need some AVID-themed games!
I think creating your own helps but the DBOs released still manage to stump me...LOL
maybe split into 3 groups & recipe is not complete until all three of them come together at the end
so much so! Great to see what went well, and what challenges there were
well I also purposely target them at you now
I’m on it! I’ll probably build one for my 8th graders in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
Rude but I understand. My reactions are priceless
that’s my favorite part! Can’t wait to do it restorative circle-style this year. All voices heard.
think about if the have to figure the components to a calzone
Get on the hashtag ;) cc &
Last yr I played a digital with 2 groups of Ss via GHO. My Ss from NY worked with a group from CA to Open the Pool!!
A4: Be honest w/them. I led one at an and showed my progress (and frustration) on the projector. I'll do this w/Ss, too
I try to diversify my food choices
thats awesome! What grade?
Q5 coming at you from in one minute
Beautiful!! I want to do this even w/a class from a rival school
That could work. I want to make sure it’s accessible to more than just AVID, levels of Qs good for all
I also like doing video reflections (kinda like a video diary) some more Ss open up that way
Amazing! What did your Ss think?
A4 Perseverance is a timeless skill. Participate with your students. OHHH, teacher vs students???
Also, send me an email or DM. My innovator project is similar to this, but multi-team w/ diff clues, same locks
competition could be fun! We never even considered this!
chemical compound to figure yeast/baking soda,pepperoni ingredient may create gag reflex
A5: I think the puzzles will draw Ss together. They may use their own device to research but they will be talking the whole time!
A5: Only allow one "team" device per group.
A5: Ts could limit devices, but I prefer modeling collab. My Ss have naturally wanted to work together bc more minds are better
Yeah, one at ESU7 in Columbus a couple weeks ago
love this. I don't mandate collab, but I always see them gravitate together
I'd connected with a class for a & later we decided to reconnect to play a dig breakout
A5: I just tell them my sob stories of sitting alone, staring at my computer, cursing the decoys. They understand
if it was more twisted like cutthroat kitchen. When they unlocked something cripples other team
Ohhhh godo one! I have just the kids & Ts to play! you hear this?
But I suppose it also depends on what the norm is in the classroom.
A5 - I like giving each group a different starter clue and only that one.
A5) I added DBO to our Station Rotations. It really help with collab. Some Ss that were more lurkers got engaged.
Have you tried it both ways with Ss? Which worked better for you?
Mine automatically get up and move w/ all on a device. More collab than in physical game bc everyone can play
They LOVED it even though they were unable to open all the locks to the You're Our Hope game.
A5: Many Ss will naturally pull together, but as an introvert, I see this as opportunity for quiet Ss to thrive
I have not yet tried it with students as I was introduced to it at the end of June.
I agree. We are 1:1 and I've honestly never had a Ss just want to work by him/herself!
Hahahah I tell mine too! They love hearing about it.
this is definitely a good point. Ss can choose if they want to be together or solo
Let us know once you do. We love hearing from Ts and Ss
A good beta test for me results in angry texts from both of you
I definitely will. Would love to learn more about this, Mari!!
I have a few. But they’d do the same for physical too. I don’t force it
I'm definitely excited to see what she does with this!
I'm almost done reading 'Quiet' so your comment is particularly poignant.
It's interesting to me to see what they gravitate towards. I just kinda let it happen!
Explain what you mean by that. Interested on classroom norms & flow
You are going to LOVE these games, Christina!
Ohhh explain more how you set this up!
Q6 coming up in 1 minute. Watch
A5 give students roles. Forces them to work together
A5: partners or have a clue that ensures they find a buddy
What kinds of roles do you assign?
Some teachers have a more "lecture" style classroom focused on individual learning. Others focus more on group work.
Oh I see, definitely shakes things up!
someone need to take notes.
A6: Just give them the time! I have given content and had Ss make Qs for box
💗You had me at hello! Team building for all!
someone might be a measurer
I work with grades K-12if you’d like to try one this coming school year.
A6: Encourage Ss to share their passion through DBO! So many great resources on the DBO page & having a T who has also built helps
I have Grade 5 in NS, maybe we can work something out for this coming year?
A6: Once they play a game, they see potential ideas! Can then become side quests or a project idea.
A6 - Reverse it on them. Challenge them to make a puzzle that beats you (and other teachers!) and promise to play it.
tell me more about your process
That would be awesome!! Lets definitely do it. :-)
Would be a cool culmination to projects. Alternative presentation style!
A6: Developing a game could also be an assessment...and provide more games for you to use for future students :)
A6 have each group create parts and mix them up
That's a great idea! Storing that up for this yr.
partner them ahead of time or use quizletlive to select teams&last Qs leads to breakout form
ooo I like this idea. You can even play in front of them!
jump into the path of a partner!
so have groups create 4 or 5 possible components and then draw parts to use
I’m running a game at ’s Annual Conference in Rochester in Nov.
I like it. A frankenstein game
Very cool! I'll be there doing some games as well!
In 10 minutes, my chat switched from oasis to Thunder & wind. Thanks
I made a Mac laptop like that once
A6: Give them time to do so. And maybe the incentive to play their peers' games. Creation is the goal of education, right?
That's awesome, Adam! We'll have to make sure to connect up there. :-)
Well-said! https://t.co/5l4XJVdjNs
A6: Give them time to do so. And maybe the incentive to play their peers' games. Creation is the goal of education, right?
Would love to see the feedback cycle with Ss. Lots of great discussion and opportunity to practice
Last question brought to you by in one minute!
Would fit really well with the LAUNCH cycle. Tweak games based on interest and feedback.
Definitely! Have Ps play at a family night or open house
tweaking games has been a huge part of this journey.
did a modified breakout 4 Ts pd w/ & we used quizletlive to partner them up,it was great!
Love that! What a great authentic audience.
Oooh - have parents play! I like this notion.
I’ll definitely have one for our science night in the spring
bring the Ss and Ps together to play
A7: not sure! never tried, is there a link to it on the website from digital?
A7: I've created, but I'd love to pair up with other Ts in the same content area to work on a collab game & play at the same time!
A6 Look at real life challenges and brainstorm that into a breakout? FaceTime w/an expert to design?
A7: Time. After playing my first BreakoutEDUs, I started having ideas for how I could tie in math to games of my own.
A7: Might be cool to have a page/wiki/doc w/ possible apps to use like online jigsaw puzzles, etc.
this is on the way ;) due out in sept/oct
thanks! Will be giving it a shot!
We loved chatting with you all tonight. Thanks and thanks for having us. So cool to share our passion.
