#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 7, 2016
Alrighty! Let's get this party started! I'm hosting with tonight.
Answer Q1/A1, etc... Chat Qs: https://t.co/iHq2FM9dmj
TY for joining Noodle Markets, ! Excited to have you in our new marketplace for K-12 purchasing! https://t.co/8aNSatogTp
one of my fave people is in the house
Thanks for a great chat now heading over to chat - join us!
Shivan SS T north nj. Mission U.S.
Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA, lover, and Apples to Apples lover!
Joe Schmidt K-12 Social Studies Curriculum My fav game is still
Hello all! Steve from NJ jumping in after a great :)
I teach HS SS in WI. I use Court Quest every sem in CrimJust class. Great way to teach court syst
Hi everyone, Iram here I’m a principal of a k-7 school in Surrey BC Canada. Favourite game is Minecraft of course!
Shout out to for remembering to use
Kyle from SoCal. World History Loving escape rooms and working on integrating them more and more into the classroom
welcome - is among my favs too!
Oh, happy day for you! Enjoy it!!!
Matt / NJ / Teacher / Do I Have a Right?
me too :) I'm doing the happy dance :)
so glad to be able to make it! Rushed home.
Sweet! Do you blog about them anywhere? Always looking for more ways to use escape rooms in my class!
Hey everyone! I am currently a student teacher in GA. Looking forward to seeing what educational games everyone uses.
Hello everyone! Im a pre-service teacher from Canada & my favourite game is :)
check out ! I am on the production team and super excited - gonna be pretty epic!
I teach elementary science. Minecraft is my favorite
Great choice ! Great game by !
Civics teacher from WV checking in! Favorites include Do I Have a Right? Executive Command and Win the White House!
Welcome, jadeyn! Glad you're here!!
Hello. ICT Educational Specialist at a Canadian international school in Hong Kong. I like games that make you move!
Great to have you join us! Always love having preservice/stu tchrs here!
Awesome to see all the civics teachers finding us tonight :)
I should! I just did one 2 weeks ago
- that strange thing is happening where the questions / messages tabs aren't showing up right now
Great game... my kids are addicted to Minecraft!
saw that! Very cool. Very tempting. Maybe next year!
Hello ! Cathy, edtech specialist in NYC, fr NJ, wife of , wondering if one can really whip and ne ne while doing hwk
when you play Do I Have a Right do you have your own classroom set of computers?
apparently, yes. :) I'm witnissing whipping, ne ne ing and map coloring -
YES! Love when we Kahoot! Often to review for a test! Students engaged and competitive!
Minecraft is so amazing for my 7yr old, that I always forget the educational aspects because he has so much fun!
We'll be delivering Q1. shortly. Make sure you intro yourself!
Love this - so much truth - and such problem solving because kids are motivated to figure things out https://t.co/nPViUv7M84
Minecraft is so amazing for my 7yr old, that I always forget the educational aspects because he has so much fun!
Hi, Rachelle from Pittsbgh, Spanish teacher, fav games = with Ss
Chris, Westerville , ESL. Bringing some ringers tonight..., , ,
Steve from NJ - I support middle schoolers learning to create their own games lots of
Heidi from Nebraska, here! I'm an ELA/Tech high school teacher & love bringing Breakout Challenges to class.
Find quizziz a bit better than kahoot, self-paced less pressure to answer quickly, important for ESL students
best game ever... seems like 7y/o is a great age to play. My 7y/o is ADDICTED.
Sorry Justin for NJ arriving late.
As a Minecraft neophyte (and father of a 6 and 4 yo) how/why should I get my kids into the game?
What say you people?
Q1. Give a few examples of games or simulations that effectively teach political concepts well.
1:2 basically. They play together. Same with Win the White House.
Emily in Philly. I have a deep crush on
A1 Trump \ Sanders water drinking games
Thanks for the welcome! hope to find some cool educational games to use while student teaching.
My kids play on their ipads and iPhone. i downloaded the app, so no chat room etc. Just have them explore!
And with Kahoot, students try to rush rather than taking time
is that really a game or did you make it up?
Both have their place. Kahoots T driven system allows for more Q to Q reflection & dialogue.
Do you have a copy of those rules? I'd love to play that one ;)
I have a great red flag green flag simulation... Creates scenarios where kids create lose-lose instead of a win-win.
Minecraft allows free exploration...and destruction if you don't like what you built. Endless options
Westerville OH/HS Social Studies…
I think made up is the answer to both parts
so if I tweet q1 it will make the tabs show up?
No, I'm blessed with 1:1 in my rm, so I haven't needed plickers. I hear they're great, though!
take a drink when someone yells? Two drinks if someone looks like they are about to eat the microphone
Keep the shares coming for Q1!
Yes! I used maps and colored pencils to teach redistricting 10 yrs ago. Tech makes it better! https://t.co/kZatIzCkOi
I noticed the add mods little edit pencil - LOVE IT!
Q1. Give a few examples! Share links, GIFs, IMGs
If they enjoy kahoot they would love plickers too! It's very interactive! My kids love it!
Nicole- 2nd grade teacher from NJ. When in doubt, ! I've even assigned playing a place value game for HW
that time a refresh did it so maybe it propagated once a moderator tossed a question in...
Good to have you, Nicole!
do i have to be on landing page to add moderators?
Thanks for the heads up! Love these chats!
A1 not sure what specifically in “politics” you are looking for but Twilight Struggle (non digital) explored Cold War politics.
A1) Debates. S's have to learn how to defend their stance while knowing opponents material to counter those points
Yep! That’s the one. First did it in a college course on Congress. Then used it to teach my HS gov kiddos
It's a little dated but lemonade stand game works for supply and demand.
A1: Games like teach political concepts based on the government building aspect
A1: Minecraft, Plague, Inc., We also create murder mysteries where famous people are the victims
A1: Of course SimCity teaches political concepts as well - you are governing your city and deal with consequences
A1: The only nugget I have for tonight's topic. Fantasy Geopolitics. Ss draft countries, awarded points per times named in media
A1 told me about a teacher who had Ss model types of gov't in
I've heard lots of great feedback about that game & it could be modified for other current event-type classes
A1 Junta is a good board game for politics too.
Non digital games are awesome and welcome too!
I need some ideas for review games! 3rd-5th grade! Any recommendations?
That game is GREAT
https://t.co/M7d1zBQA9V
A1: The only nugget I have for tonight's topic. Fantasy Geopolitics. Ss draft countries, awarded points per times named in media
I'm "playing" it with my 3rd grade ESL kids in May.
political concepts come through authentic way in -players have to self govern / develop norms
yes I remember sharing that minecraft lesson! That was great.
That sounds really interesting. Is there a blog post about it somewhere? Cool concept!
games allow kids to participate and fail, without fear of consequence
A1: My 5th graders loved Do I Have a Right when they were learning the Constitution. They asked to play it EVERY week!
A2: Interactivity. Games force thinking instead of passive learning
A2: Students get to explore different outcomes based on their choices - not rote learning!
Q2. Why do games foster learning better than other more traditional media?
Recently started diving into https://t.co/8zqw7qYBMY allows Ts to design custom environments, items to pick up, quests etc.
A2: Active participation in the process for sure - different from passive learning
Q2. in the house!
Why do games foster learning better than TV, books, lectures, and other more traditional media?
Hello, inspiring teacher here from GA hoping to get some creative ideas!
A1: oops Grade 4 loved Do I Have a Right, Grade 5 loved Branches of Power
Ss like to figure it out.
A2: Because students are engaged with their learning all while having fun at the same time!
A2: More authentic (learn, fail, reflect, retry...maybe fail again) learning system. Also, often at Ss generated pace.
I've played with it before, but I need to try more. I struggled with getting it figured out
LOVE THIS!! I have to admit that I still play this and Oregon Trail for sentimental reasons!
A2 My Ss wanted to play 's Win the Whte House 2 days in a row (we did!). Funny, they never ask for a worksheet twice! LOL
A1: Grade 3 used Counties Work as part of their Communities unit
A2 none of those are really interactive like a game
A2: Losing/mistakes allow for re-strategizing. Great avenue for critical thinking and problem solving
A2 Games encourage active engagement & r immersive U really feel like a participant which creates deeper understanding of concepts
BOOM! Exactly with https://t.co/ujqVQllegc
A2 My Ss wanted to play 's Win the Whte House 2 days in a row (we did!). Funny, they never ask for a worksheet twice! LOL
A2: Games are a social experience which can be motivating to be a part of something bigger - traditional methods not always so
A2 Actions have real consequences. Ss see the effect of their decisions.
Hi all! Erica from MT checking from my phone so I'l be slow. Excited for tonight with
A2: Kids today have grown up w/ seeing games as a "challenge" not a "chore" so it shifts the perspective of the "work".
We're getting some really great answers for Q2. Don't forget guys there's a Bonus Question floating about! https://t.co/esaJSw4IV6
A2 Ss make choices, prob solv on own, more active, personalized,collab time, build relatshps, engaged,
Amy Raper. 7/8 social studies. My favorite is Executive Command!
This is really key to the learning w/ games. Failure is an expected and welcomed part of learning process https://t.co/cGKv4wnnhS
A2: Losing/mistakes allow for re-strategizing. Great avenue for critical thinking and problem solving
A@ Games offer choice and autonomy within structure. 2 Main ingredients for deeper learning and engagement. BTW coming in late...
A2 - maybe the Q is NOT why games better, rather why traditional media failing https://t.co/2MRI4iWeDf
Q2. Why do games foster learning better than other more traditional media?
right on! solid explanation.
BQ, in order to participate effectively one must be educated.
A2: Student agency is huge. Self-directed and paced learning is built-in differentiation! Students feel empowered playing games.
Anyone played w/ yet? Messed w/ it for 30 mins today. questions are tough! Still stole land from my neighbor
Excellent question. There's an overall lack of interactiveness in politics and most of society. https://t.co/xF2QTWGfM6
A2 - maybe the Q is NOT why games better, rather why traditional media failing https://t.co/2MRI4iWeDf
Q2. Why do games foster learning better than other more traditional media?
A2: Traditional media is framed by another. No one can frame our own learning better than ourselves.
BQ games teach student the process in order to be good citizens.
What said! Choice and autonomy within structure — the formula for meaningful learning https://t.co/77O4Mpr6Zn
A@ Games offer choice and autonomy within structure. 2 Main ingredients for deeper learning and engagement. BTW coming in late...
Right on ! How can we take those lessons and use them to improve pedagogy in all subjects? https://t.co/TQBLIngNGa
A2: Student agency is huge. Self-directed and paced learning is built-in differentiation! Students feel empowered playing games.
Any of you folks playing ? We have a clan called with hashtag join and I :)
Any of you folks playing ? We have a clan called with hashtag join and I :)
A3: helps show that it doesn't matter if you win 51/49 or 80/20. The electoral math is the same.
Thanks! Just sent it to my ipad
Lurking and Learning. Shelly from Texas
so true, students need to learn how to get involved at different levels
, to me, means that Ss have been properly challenged to not fear having a stake in the macro game.
Q3. How can games help students and others better understand the electoral process?
Alright everyone Q3. is out in the wild...
How can games help students and others better understand the electoral process?
A3: Couldn't you have a in-class election? Whole class participation & major interest.
thanks for the resource! Looks super interesting!
A3 Match game mechanics to learning goals. When teaching voting, Ss should be -- wait for it -- voting
Totally obsessed w/ - great way to learn though playing! Come join us! https://t.co/SMUOBKZSpF
Any of you folks playing ? We have a clan called with hashtag join and I :)
A3: Again, the active participation makes the process more meaningful - games provide that!
A3: I don’t think it does, unless built in to the experience is a rigged outcome ;-)
A2. Games allow for decisions that can create emotional triggers on demand, and learning feels good https://t.co/Klqq2fldDu
Q2. Why do games foster learning better than other more traditional media?
LOVE THIS !!! https://t.co/ChSwfogSZa
A3 Match game mechanics to learning goals. When teaching voting, Ss should be -- wait for it -- voting
A3) Simply having students run their own mock election and vote. Simulations work best
A3: allows Ss to understand the electoral college. High value states/swing states/etc
I can neither confirm nor deny that I might or might not be playing a few rounds while we are chatting.
I would also say that games have taught Ss that there is a "restart" button....do worksheets say that to our Ss?
A3 games and simulations offer students the opportunity to be active participants in their learning? More authentic
A3: And the presidential electoral process is difficult for some Ss. Participating in it solidifies learning
Great point! Not all states are equal in the electoral college equation.
I LOVE this. Well said. https://t.co/HVFZA7n4c6
I would also say that games have taught Ss that there is a "restart" button....do worksheets say that to our Ss?
You could certainly model diff types of elec systems (plurality, majority, run off, etc)
Having Kids take political spectrum surveys can teach the difference between a liberal and a conservative.
great point! They teach that it's ok to fail when learning
A3: Mate, TOTALLY a loaded Q since most Americans don't understand! Still- What an epic idea for a game!
A2: Kids minds these days are wired for gaming! Even my 3 year old daughter loves puzzles and problem solving games on the iPad.
A3. Placing students in the driver seat allows them to experience the flaws & the neat nuances involved in the political process
Send me the clan tag & I will. Don't get me started about how the wizards are WAY to powerful in that game!
BQ seems like knwldg is a gateway, I disagree, beauty of games is you learn while doing. Voting is diff tho
Ss refer back to games during my class I.e. Assassins creed. Learning about the electoral process they'll refer to game
What don't I understand? Does it matter? I'm happy to play as I'm always up for one.
EVERYONE was wired for gaming at some point, until school dredged it out of us https://t.co/RtbfATJDQT
A2: Kids minds these days are wired for gaming! Even my 3 year old daughter loves puzzles and problem solving games on the iPad.
Mark G, from Southern NJ, hoping in a bit late, but really excited to become a better citizen and play more games!
A3 Counties Work game shows how elected officials response to constituents can influence re-election.
I think most kids are and always have been. Somewhere along the line they stop playing/having fun with Ed/school.
A3) Sim of students running the electoral college wld b more effective than merely participating in it - to run it is to know it
I agree, my son is turning 3 next week and I can't wait to start him on He will be teaching me in a year
BQ Many citizens don’t know how our political systems work & how much power politicians have.
A4: having them actually vote! I class elections and voting!
it's ! So this is a perfect way to learn!
https://t.co/nMJCvOXdcv
A3 Counties Work game shows how elected officials response to constituents can influence re-election.
A4: If Ss have more passion for politics due to games, hopefully that will carry thru their young adult life
A4) Absolutely! Last summer schl I had students vote for MLB All Stars to simulate voting for the right candidates
A4. Knowledge & understanding, fostered by games, leads to political efficacy, which leads to participation
My master's thesis: Civic Participation Among 7th Grade SS Ss in Multi-User Virtual Environments https://t.co/HV2Uv5VaT9
My master's thesis: Civic Participation Among 7th Grade SS Ss in Multi-User Virtual Environments https://t.co/vEZYr6R9Pn
Q4. is live!
Can games encourage political participation? How?
A4 if you can see how much of an impact voters can have through a game, I’d think it would encourage people to participate.
A4 yes! Ss like knowing how things work thus wanting to be part of process & making things works.
Truth! Takes more effort, but the reward is so much greater
A4: Ss need to know what gov can/does do. Many great games to teach them diff aspects
We can absolutely use games to teach about politics and voting. to debate & defend, form alliances (superpacks)
Q4. I encourage elementary students to go vote with parents. Get them interested early
A4: Depends on what you mean by “political participation”. It’s more than just voting. (volunteering/action/persuasion/etc.)
There is no risk in playing a game. Kids are free to speak politically without fear of repercussion for their opinion.
very creative way to foster engagement and understanding!
A4: Ppl need to know the "Why" before they will do the "what". By learning the "why" thru games, Ss will want to do the "What"
In we discuss the rights of property and respecting each other's builds, leads to rule creation (laws)
Great point. We want Ss to be active in the political conversation https://t.co/fsclIB2vjL
A4: Depends on what you mean by “political participation”. It’s more than just voting. (volunteering/action/persuasion/etc.)
Think we R about 2get a lesson as we watch what unfolds @ Republican Con this year! https://t.co/pkNficP4QT
BQ Many citizens don’t know how our political systems work & how much power politicians have.
Excellent point! Ok, so how would each of you describe political participation? https://t.co/8QrVzi8bNI
A4: Depends on what you mean by “political participation”. It’s more than just voting. (volunteering/action/persuasion/etc.)
A4: The new info they learn encourages questions about the process and can lead to real-world political engagement!
While we wait for Q5... How would each of you describe political participation? https://t.co/zxUqYW4mv7
Excellent point! Ok, so how would each of you describe political participation? https://t.co/8QrVzi8bNI
A4: Depends on what you mean by “political participation”. It’s more than just voting. (volunteering/action/persuasion/etc.)
True! It is entertaining, which hopefully will lead to educating.
BA. means building a stronger democratic republic by strengthening its foundation…our young citizens!
Political participation = active in knowing current events and sharing your voice for what you think is right
check out the convo going on now!
A4) What if votes were cast based on outcome of game? Why stakes! You bet I'd pay attention...prob illegal tho!
Voting is the lowest rung on that ladder. Caring about something/someone and taking action is the goal https://t.co/WxlkDkRyf2
Excellent point! Ok, so how would each of you describe political participation? https://t.co/8QrVzi8bNI
A4: Depends on what you mean by “political participation”. It’s more than just voting. (volunteering/action/persuasion/etc.)
Political participation is asking “What should we do?” and then doing it
Yes! Games teach complex skills and processes, by "turning down the learning" and allowing play.
Voting, lobbying, protesting, writing to media/posting online, working for interest groups/campaigns
Love this... RT : Political participation is asking “What should we do?” and then doing it
YES!😀 : A4 What if votes were cast based on outcome of game? Why stakes! You bet I’d pay attention...prob illegal tho!
Ss need to know about issues and action to know what is possible.
Political participation is getting out and doing something rather than sitting on the couch and complaining!
A4: Yes, if the game offers choice, and the outcome of their choice is valued/heard then Ss feel like opinion matters
Yes! Actually trying to shape policy
So agree! Politics goes beyond politicians. It's about making the best choices for our world
Starts with instilling and encouraging empathy. Knowledge alone won’t spur action https://t.co/vyT38sUoiZ
Ss need to know about issues and action to know what is possible.
Why RU separating concepts of play & learning???
One could argue play IS biologically the way we learn https://t.co/9D8G738xWn
Yes! Games teach complex skills and processes, by "turning down the learning" and allowing play.
A5. By encouraging collaboration and civility and perhaps more and deeper engagement w/ political processes
A5: allows students to have more of an interest. Brings out GOOD conversations..
A4 root of question is if games can change behavior...yes. do you have data on that? has social impact games too
A5. By encouraging collaboration and civility and perhaps more and deeper engagement w/ political processes
"Turn down the learning" = not word or number based out of a text book, but through open play, much like a lion cub
A5a) Sportsmanship can really help the process. Instead of repeating our candidates, they have to speak appropriately
A5: That you can be an opponent and not an enemy
A5: Good games require creative solutions to complex problems, sounds like politics to me!
Ok give Q5. some thought... we need solutions!
"Our current political climate is in rough shape. How can games help?"
Love this answer...especially in this year's election. https://t.co/S2pGNqWCNk
A5a) Sportsmanship can really help the process. Instead of repeating our candidates, they have to speak appropriately
A5 Games provide a safe space, or "magic circle" for people to step outside of their ordinary lives and hypothesize & play
A5 Games let U step into roles & experience them as participator rather than observer. https://t.co/x6iBZRFCRK
"Turn down the learning" = not word or number based out of a text book, but through open play, much like a lion cub
A5b) S's can still oppose each other, but do so in a manner that isn't a "smear campaign"
A5: By reinforcing that you can be an opponent and not an enemy
A5: In both games and in politics, you win some/lose some. Help Ss see both sides of a topic and of winning/losing.
A5. I'm not sure it can. We need to be objective the current state it's hard to be. We'd need new games to can change w/every move
Great insight. Love this answer!
A5: Games can depersonalize. Ss can take on a persona and pretend - Ss played and several were Frank Underwood
A5 People love to be entertained, games entertain and educate so yes!
Kind of like our political candidates. It's become a spectacle https://t.co/TMoNHnbEMi
A5 People love to be entertained, games entertain and educate so yes!
A5: Fair play, unsportsman/womanlike, respect, rules & consequences, ideally empathy. How do they not? Model first, teach 2nd
Political participation is having a passion for politics, staying true to what you believe, spreading message, acting, doing
I'd like to see Trump, Cruz, Kaisich, Clinton, and Sanders all sit down to a friendly game of Apples to Apples.
Games are great for taking on the perspective of the other side and learning what they support https://t.co/HEDsrkatNN
A5: Games can depersonalize. Ss can take on a persona and pretend - Ss played and several were Frank Underwood
A5 hmm, I think has written a bit about that :)
Sorry I forgot to put sportswomanship. Sometimes the PC kills my character count in a tweet
Exactly, so tap into that spectacle and use it to teach.
A5 Games can play root of issue and take away party labels. Most agree on issues&solutions.. https://t.co/GUZAVcRAyD
A6. People are good. People want to help. Teamwork makes the dream work. Game play is the democratic way
A5: Games remind me of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Make this choice and this is the result etc.
Variable pace is key! Some of us don't process info at expected rates, but we still learn!
Time flies when you're having fun. Before you go.... Q6. What do we learn about ourselves and others when playing political games?
Perhaps it would be more accurate to say "turning down the consumption of content" Interesting conundrum https://t.co/x6iBZRFCRK
"Turn down the learning" = not word or number based out of a text book, but through open play, much like a lion cub
All the feels on this one! https://t.co/UGK8DtWgiF
A6. People are good. People want to help. Teamwork makes the dream work. Game play is the democratic way
A6) We learn the values we hold deep and what makes us tick. Opens up conversation to learn about the other side of spectrum
A6: I don’t see a distinction between political games and just plain games. Competition usually reveals character
Sad to miss today, back to school next week and this chat is mid morning so chat again next holidays, it has been fun
A6 Participating in politics can really make a difference.
Have you played Risk or Monopoly? Global Domination and Cut-throat capitalism. Never brought out the best in me ;p
We need to try tho. How would Ss & Ps reacted to games portraying the current state of politics?
A4: Political participation can stem from caring about issues. RolePlay in games can amplify emotional investment from varying POV
A6: We learn (hopefully) to be respectful when advocating beliefs, not looking at others as villains
A6: Can learn that I need to stand up for / support what I believe, Political games encourage choice, no sitting on the fence
A6: We learn we are much more alike than different.
My only problem w/ politics being a game is reminding Ss that men in suits send men in boots to war, which is over-gamed 4 youth.
This is what happens in Win the White House! You can play as a Democrat or a Republican! https://t.co/DYrDymgA3k
Games are not divisive and therefore disarm the politics for students so they feel comfortable engaging in the process.
You're not alone. games are effective at teaching systems thinking and casual loops!
A big shout out to & for moderating tonight! It was a blast! And thanks to all who came! Great chat!
A6. I didn't know I thought that way. Wow!
all I know is I love win the white house and the discussion it promotes when played with partners.
"Turn down the ..." is a phrase I learned from It's about simplifying process and not overwhelm, games do this
Games can help by having kids compete, it gets stressful, competitive, and in the end they have to congratulate opponent.
Awwww man... we are running out of time. This has been amazing! Share any last thoughts, links or GIFs using
Sorry I missed out on the chat tonight, last night of spring break in FL, and dreading heading home to SNOW!
