#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 April 14, 2016
Hi All and WELCOME! Let's take a moment for intros. Name / location / role / favorite competitive game!
Steve from NJ - Learning facilitator / game design and development / fav competitive game StarCraft!
We're pushing the boundaries of the edu landscape tonight and talking e-sports and competitive gaming in school Join us!
Mark Suter in Ohio/ computer science and game design/ League of Legends
Hey . Keegan here, Educational Technologist at . Favorite competitive game would have been Halo 2!
ready to join clan? we're a friendly group!
Eric from MN, Teacher-turned- edtech Founder, fantasy sports
Jared from NYC. Teacher for the Deaf. Will be in and out tonight. Fav competitive game: Super Smash Bros or Mariokart!
Do you play League? I still need to dig in and try - or Heroes of the Storm!
Welconm glad you're here!
Hi, everyone! I'm Dan from NJ. First time here at . I'm a first-year teacher at Montclair High School.
Mark G, 5th grade teacher from NJ. Really enjoying survival mode of Minecraft right now.
Hi! I'm Heidi from Nebraska. I teach high school English & Technology. My fave games are Breakout Challenges, Jeopardy & Kahoot
Yes, clan me! GarlicSuter in clash.
Nathan and fav competitive game is peek a boo
Hi Eric! As an founder you should also join us on Wednesday nights for
Favorite competitive game I'm playing at the moment is on the PC.
Hey Jared! There's an old school retro game store near us that has Super Smash Bros tournaments every week
both are great! Would highly suggest. Although I probably need to play some more HotS.
we need a few more tweets from
Hey Dan! I started my career in Montclair - 4 years at Mt Hebron, 2 at Glenfield.
I'll be on until my wife drags me to dance class.
Welcome to Dan! What is your favorite competitive game? :)
Hey Mark - we need to get you in the edurealms server - your students too. Great server for Ts and Ss
At the moment I would have to say .
search for with the hashtag and you will be graciously admitted
I heard you are really good at peek a boo, Nathan!
I have a lot of students playing - maybe it's time for me to jump in
Ooo, that is a good one. It is one have need to pick up. Looks very intense and fun
I am a peek a boo grand master. Watch out chess players
It was kind of rigged - he has a sore throat - I sent him to bed so I could dominate!!!
No EDU, running reg MC, & no internet connection, Ss are connected via LAN, sad, but working on expanding 4 next year
Hi, Rachelle frm Pittsburgh, Spanish teacher, fav is now but as a kid Dark Tower, Trivial pursuit ;)
Love Heroes of the Storm too. Bliz got that one spot on.
Definitely worth it. Easy to pick up and super competitive. There's a great community behind it also.
the way we dance, it's competitive like a martial art
we are talking regular minecraft, join us - 24/7 servers - students join with own acct - we can chat more ;)
Hey all! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA.
I am looking forward to Overwatch, although the open Doom beta will probably be my weekend…
OK - time to toss Q1 out there. Careful, the competition will be fierce
I already cleared out hard drive space for the Doom beta on Friday haha.
Ok, I will talk to tech guys about putting comps back online, then I can get myself and 4 Ss on at a time
oops - we already did that Q1
YAS! Although rn I'm fascinated with the turtle programming in ComputerCraft/MinecraftEDU
DARK TOWER! I loved playing that game with my father. Gah, those were some good bonding times.
you mean like the Democratic nomination process?
So long ago forgot it is TriviA not trivial.
Last game I played, Minecraft PE, right before I logged into this chat!
Q1: What benefits can be gained from starting an e-sports league in your school?
A1: Students who aren't into physical sports can learn the same values from e-sports such as teamwork and communication
Excellent! It looks pretty good. I am hoping my wife will play it with me too. I told her, but we will see. :)
Me too, I loved it and still have it! It actually works but nobody wants to play. It was amazing
Never thought about E-sports, but certainly high levels of competition, teamwork, collaboration
a1: kids collaborate and compete, it makes it more real
A1: e-sports EDU could merge student social groups, even girls and guys. Appeal to diff types of game players
That is something I want to try for my self at some point. Would be a fun way to teach Ts programming too.
A1: e-sports provides an authentic competitive experience for kids who may not be into sports but still want that outlet
A1: A sense of friendly competition and collaboration.
A1: Some Ss who aren't into "traditional" extracurriculars are drawn into e-sports
Hmm, I wonder if it is still at my parents place now. Will have to check!
A1: engagement in content or improvements in behavior + better way to teach soft skills like persistence and failure.
A1: I'm excited about the idea of interscholastic competition - how cool would that be! It's inevitable!
A1: many of same benefits physical sports offer - team bonding, camaraderie, working as team, belonging to something.
A1 Build lots of skills, strategy, tech skills, crit think, prob solve, collab, Ss work together & connect,
Very cool! Glad to have you!
Another advantage to E-Sports is that can incorporate many academic lessons by building into these games.
A1: I was so excited to hear of the first scholarships going out to competitive gamers - puts it on par with other extracurricular
Definitely check, we could play a game online ;)
A1: Certainly like any sport builds community, confidence, collaboration / teamwork, persistence, commitment, pride!
A1: Create IRL space to connect w/ gamers & support their skills without polemicising their interests.
A1: always been fascinated with how students can hit the reset button in a video game, but not with grades or life the same way
I just spoke w/ a young lady who competed in Blizzards Heroes of the Dorm competition for college scholarships
If you offer 24/7 access, how do you address the issue of student supervision?
A1: A great way to encourage "brain" power among students!
awesome! Get her in our chat!
A1) I think this is where you engage Ss with the management of the e-sport league, let them make their own. Facilitate it.
A1: it's another opportunity for to prevail - honor kids for their skills!
(1/2) most definitely! With the industry booming, there's much more opportunities 4 scholarships.
Very cool idea. Could go hand in hand with an afterschool gaming club chatted about few wks ago https://t.co/nyMfrTZF6z
A1) I think this is where you engage Ss with the management of the e-sport league, let them make their own. Facilitate it.
A1) Lots to learn for that design process. And gives agency to choose games, etc.
a1: it offers different Ss the opportunity to excel
(2/2) Could we start seeing D1 schools scouting for talent in the future for e-sports?
Maybe "fun" has something to do with this? https://t.co/CHwE9wniRg
A1: always been fascinated with how students can hit the reset button in a video game, but not with grades or life the same way
Or.... spend, spend spend! Wait! I AM up at 3 AM... sadly!
https://t.co/74atwKAruM
My arena 4 deck isn't cutting it. Better set an alarm for 3am to unlock chests
Comp gaming is on rise, We saw the article of Ss winning 15K in a Minecraft comp, could this send the wrong msg?
totally agree! let's start the wave! https://t.co/ZDV2fI47S2
(2/2) Could we start seeing D1 schools scouting for talent in the future for e-sports?
What's the wrong message?
A1: Creates a separate, less intense pressurized space for all the things we try to do better at school: compete, learn, grow
Depending on the class, would be fun as an end of semester project. Thinking of a marketing class I had in high school
Rewarding for end result. I see the same thing in real sports, focus is only on end result, not the process.
A2: teamwork, analysis when it comes to strategies, communication, working under pressure, etc.
Q2: What can students learn from competitive gaming?
A1 because stat guys need heroes too
In other words, the paycheck or the prize.
meaning that they would play only for the prize? Like anything there will be amateurs (most of us) and pros (few)
Yes and no grades! (other than a leaderboard, etc.)
A2: Formation of strategies to differentiate self from competition.
Where are Q's listed??? Save the in
interesting point and it could be that way for some, for others it may just add to the excitement / allure
A2: I loved answer earlier. Allowing Ss to plan the leagues teaches them organization and planning.
Popping in for a quick sec! Been sick lately & lots of work to do to make up for it. Cool topic tonight; I hope it's a great chat!
A1: Like with IRL, Ts can help gamers develop psychological skills to be able to keep the game in perspective & prevent overuse
Now there is an interesting thought! . That would be quite the situation. Would love to see it happen.
absolutely! talk about the skills that come from that level of project planning! https://t.co/BxHXaSwoMR
A2: I loved answer earlier. Allowing Ss to plan the leagues teaches them organization and planning.
A2: Healthy ways to compete, time management, collaboration, empathy, challenging assumptions, test and retest
Thanks for stopping by! Feel better!!!
A2: Nice put, . That preparation, research, learning leads to success
have you been keeping score? Am I beating ?
A2 How to collab, value others input, communication skills, strategy, build new relatshps ,
A2: Ss can learn how micro affects gameplay! Imagine the rich curri THAT would make! GBL
Yes, I agree, but I would hate to see kids lose the joy of gaming because it has become over monetized, like w/ sports
A2/ Perhaps with the right coaching, how to keep gaming under control and maintain balance with offline activities.
With the e-sport industry booming worldwide, it's not hard to see. There's money to be made by these schools
Maybe as an interesting approach to this chat we can spend an upcoming chat truly planning for implementation of e-sports league
Don't they call this "Netiquette" in South Korea? EQ/mindset training for the digital age. Why not here?!
A2 points and need to level up
A2: If the eSport league had an entry fee, minor prizes...could teach philanthropy to real world local needs
A2: and the whole coaching question brings up many other points to consider - need to bring authenticity to coaching
A1: Sports teach very valuable lesson in life. E-Sports removes the "locker room environment" that keeps many away.
A2 cont - Fantasy leagues offer great ways to plan ahead, read critically and interpret information, and calculate costs
I like it. Even in a rural school like mine, we can do a version of this or connect w/local schools online https://t.co/CkQv7p6lhQ
Maybe as an interesting approach to this chat we can spend an upcoming chat truly planning for implementation of e-sports league
And could compete in school leagues for charity and bring in some service learning as well! :)
It's not all about $$$. I like to think students know the intrinsic benefits to gaming from a creative outlet to relieving stress.
*A2: Ss can learn how micro affects gameplay! Imagine the rich curric. THAT would make!
Q3: What can e-sports provide that other activities can't?
A2: how to level up (i.e. to the next grade!)
. definitely need to explain the limiting ideas of as all about safe use into psychologically healthy use.
I agree. Kids aren't going to e-games for the money. They do it b/c they love it.
A3: E-sports allow communication w/ opponent during competition that most traditional sports do not. Tons of teaching ops!
A3: A safe environment to take risks and make decisions in a fast paced setting.
How about for classes instead of games? Would make for an interesting simulation…
A3: Anyone can begin gaming on an even playing-field so to speak.
A3: Weather is less of an issue with eSports than other activities :)
A3 a place where people can play sports and not play sports can play digital sports together
Yes! The unconfident recluse may blossom to the dominant beast!
Unless the electricity goes out :P
A3: I imagine there could be a greater degree of flexibility for schools with smaller pool of players compared to larger group
A3: Esports are a rich combination of strategy & decision making. More so than in other competitive school activities
Man! I'm telling you, This is an area RIPE for exploring in school. RICH in learning potential https://t.co/8F1fq2RPxF
How about for classes instead of games? Would make for an interesting simulation…
A3: Less infrastructure = less barriers to entries = lower cost.
Esports IS a great "come together" activity--not just a fun activity, but builds school culture https://t.co/3Y8Y5UhuNi
A3 a place where people can play sports and not play sports can play digital sports together
perhaps - but what about the tech specs for certain games ?
A3 Sheer number of games too. There’s something to engage everyone! Not many activities can say they offer something for everyone
E-sports are sports that anybody can play
I agree! I keep thinking of games that could be brought in - talk about the possibilities!
Definitely. This is important for smaller school Ts like and me. Adaptable for any school(s)
Sorry.. got excited. I LOVE this idean https://t.co/8F1fq2RPxF
How about for classes instead of games? Would make for an interesting simulation…
Or it could just make US rich!!! ;)
A3 you can't pull a hamstring playing e-sports
Those considering eSports: In class or after school? Which class?
This gives me lots of ideas already...I'd already been thinking about auctions for next year in class
for sure. I used to coach high school soccer at charter school - was thinking nightmare of unis, transport, etc...
I see it as more of an extracurricular activity - like clubs, sports, etc.
A3 games played anytime, anywhere, safe, lots more poss for other skills,
I don my Nike thumb supports whenever I eSport.
yes! and brings another question... would competition be online or in person (could be either)
Carpal Tunnel and other RSI are a distinct possibility, however … https://t.co/z9U1yE14jj
A3 you can't pull a hamstring playing e-sports
blistered thumbs are a reality
How about spending “charges" to unlock the next activity? Or could do crystals for some powerups? So many!
Joining now - what is the topic tonight?
Actually, a college friend of mine blew his knee out after playing Madden! Standing up
"fandom" would probably necessitate becoming an in-person event as often happened with my student-gamers
Q4: THE Question.... What are the obstacles of getting an e-sports program established?
A4: Probably just getting the proper equipment and infrastructure.
A4: Administrative buy in could be an obstacle
totally. gaming requires higher specs than your typical school computers have https://t.co/asMYbvAFrO
A4: Probably just getting the proper equipment and infrastructure.
A4:I haven't played these games but my students do. Are there costs involved?
A4 (2nd Round): Good thing in terms of having a software platform, we have Valve's Steam.
A4 time since some games are long and need lots of systems
A4) Need to have buy in. Of Ss and Ts. Players & facilitators. Can’t force people to enjoy playing games.
some games yes, some no. cost of games is likely not as big of an issue as ensuring you have adequate technology
sounds like an awesome idea
A4: If this is truly the best decision for all Ss then we can’t let obstacles stand in our way. Simply work around. Start w/ free
A4: Legitimacy of it as a learning tool. Might take a bit to convince moms that son's time in basement playing is well spent ;)
YES! Gr8 curric. potential I drove the price of bear meat 3-6 gold on my WoW server - https://t.co/8NwBEXlShi
This gives me lots of ideas already...I'd already been thinking about auctions for next year in class
A4: Technology availability. Access to lab would be first step...then administration blessing.
Yes, this is a big one. Some devices can be expensive. Not to mention buying the games. Need a list of FREE & vetted.
Yes, adequate technology is key
sorry better late than never, busy sewing a flag for student who "won" march madness unit, it's going sew sew,
Yes - we can make it work, but obstacles are real - certain games will be easier to get started with for all
A4: Cont - Free games/software and free competitions. Volunteer time during or after school. Build momentum. Invite admins in
A4: Theres a possibility of the games being abused
definitely a potential obstacle - social aspect definitely beats the isolated basement stigma
A4: Starting esports class is a tougher sell. Maybe start as afternoon club, get a following, then make the move into curriculum
That's awesome! Glad you could join us :)
Oddly-enough, only long-standing physical remnant I have is a bump on my middle finger from pencil use
Very true. Even with educational licenses, the $$$$$ can add up.
Yes - when admin catches the bug from seeing the buzz it'll be great
A4. Esports wouldn't be tough sell 4 after school club, our s's & parents jump at engagement opportunities at school & wish 4 more
A4: Same mixed messages of "going pro" being easy as are prevalent in sports. It's hard work and we often don't talk about that
In '08, I forced my WoW Ss to give me all their gold just to redistribute it. They stopped working hard.
not sure I see the need or even validity of a class - unless you have sports teams as class to set precedent
My supt came in to see me during lunch. I had 4 kids playing MC building setting from texts. He was blown away
After School a good place to start & you can also point out there will be NO brain injuries involved. :) https://t.co/xW0JyimEjx
A4: Starting esports class is a tougher sell. Maybe start as afternoon club, get a following, then make the move into curriculum
I like this progression. Scaffold the adoption the e-sport league itself
I'm really excited about the possibilities here. I hope we move beyond this chat and become instrumental in seeing this through!
Quick plug for , massive fan experience I am on production team for - there will be competitive gaming!
true - if we get into that competitive pencil vs pencil game we all used to play - good use :)
- rich, untapped learning potential in the peripheral spaces of games! Interesting https://t.co/AHbCAgpZTR
In '08, I forced my WoW Ss to give me all their gold just to redistribute it. They stopped working hard.
if your administration is open to technology as life long skill then anything is possible
Get a big player to sponsor a school contest to help potential explode
Q5: Now that we're psyched to start e-sports leagues, what games can you see using?
Total advantage over football: No concussions! Heck, students don't even have to get a physical before practice starts!
A5: I think would be a popular competitive game
A5 - Truth is there's been competitive gaming leagues for years, I think Counter Strike made it big, but don’t forget The Wizard
A5) Free ones that run on LOTS of different devices. Some ex:
A5. easy entry math games like Hooda Math or Prodigy have engaged s's during classtime, thought I saw Hakitzu app has new content
. Of more interest to me, will there be a full-fledged education track? https://t.co/fu8ZGmzlDz
Quick plug for , massive fan experience I am on production team for - there will be competitive gaming!
That is an excellent idea or movie theater to donate screen for massive egame event https://t.co/Wyvd0wGe5W
Get a big player to sponsor a school contest to help potential explode
A5: League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, DOTA2, TF2, Counter-Strike for older students, StarCraft,
What about informal competitions outside school. We KNOW the gamer communities already exist? https://t.co/PYBvoJWlEy
not sure I see the need or even validity of a class - unless you have sports teams as class to set precedent
Unless it is surgeon simulator?
A5 madden. Lots of stats to tie into math class
Definitely a big learning curve no doubt. Either you're 110% into it or totally turned off by it.
A5: solitaire... oh wait....
A5. I'd like things with a free price tag, but not sure how man of those would be out there
Try Surgeon Simulator on the . A joke yes, but potential training platform for this and other fields.
If you have links definitely post them - curates them as well as the transcript
If you are talking cross content connections can write diary of adventure in. ELA or test reality w/sci https://t.co/dUFk4TyAkb
A5 madden. Lots of stats to tie into math class
Not many that I know of, but with e-sports becoming bigger, I hope it grows. As for stigma...I don't know.
Most extracurricular activities have a stigma. Choosing a game that draws all kinds of players might be a good start
YES YES YES! Madden, FIFA, etc. so many of the sports games are so rich in strategy and skill
Sounds fantastic to me! :)
we do the with the Disneyland adventure game
Glad to have you anyway!!
That is awesome, never thought of drafting countries in a news-making contest!
Q6: What would be an ideal structure / format for competitive gaming in schools?
A6: Ideal? As 20% time in a Game Design class.
A6: Online would be the easiest, but I believe there is merit in meeting the other team IRL as well.
A6: Definitely laying out the goals and expectations so the school, parents, and students are all on the same page.
Gaming in education definitely has a stigma, so it's important to lay everything out on front street so to speak.
Was so frustrated with Ss not knowing about world, then realized I was doing a ton of fantasy football news reading
A6: I would like to see a weekly league with culminating playoffs, championship, etc.
I just imagined 8 player on a theatre screen. Thanks for make me :D
A6: I could see some large scale weekend tournaments as well...
agreed - I think after school is ideal. kind of like the my high school bowling league - sure looked fwd to Wed pm
A6: Foster culture that lets student suggest organizations, let them promote organically and help grow it.
A6: <60% of my Students are in sports,school play, job so rules out after school regularity.
was that because you were already interested in football?
A6) I’d like to see the parts already in use. Love to see live streaming and commentary, etc. Those are learning opportunities too
A6: Agreed, after school club.
I was thinking the same thing. A lot would enjoy it, but so involved in other activities. Where to find time?
A6: errr > Greater Than 60%
why do you think that is?
A6: Might be a fun "lock-in" activity--any schools still have those? An all-night or late-night tournament?
A5: Ask your STUDENTS! So many possibilities! (my vote: :) https://t.co/MvJmVz4QzS
Q5: Now that we're psyched to start e-sports leagues, what games can you see using?
A6: Start with more active ones at first in phy ed, for example, but could be good to start with enthusiastic teachers in classes
Much like what is happening with many robotics competitions, like FIRST Lego Robotics. https://t.co/e5czJDKSq0
A6: I could see some large scale weekend tournaments as well...
People who might have previous conceptions of what gaming is and hasn't seen the evolution over the years
hav limitd history so sory if repeat. COTs r mch more accessible thn 1 might think & FINALLY there's Indie games that won't insult
Hope everyone in Chat can join us next Tuesday 8pm 4 a special Chat when we celebrate Autism https://t.co/Pu0K61cLkS
Times running out - let's wrap up with a quick outro. Name / location / role / greatest takeaway from tonight's chat
I had a great time tonight during my first !
A6: Global competition to connect classes across the WORLD. - Love that let's you compete worldwide
It's been an inspiring chat, at least for me. Thanks EVERYONE for your input and ideas! Another great night for
Steve from NJ - I teach game design and development / takeway - this WILL happen!
Thanks . Hope to see you all Sunday night 😄
Dan / Montclair, NJ / Planted a seed in my mind about starting my own e-sports club for next school year
I'm all over idea of gaming being a school sport! Got close to that with WoW Club whn HS kds took football bus to MS every day
Thanks for a great chat everyone. great community and high level of enthusiasm!
Thanks for a great chat, very exciting stuff, really got my mind moving all over the place!
. Research around fantasy sports also confirms engagement increase no matter level of "like" originally
nathan, at Steve's house, Hawaiian bread, e-sports are fun
