#2ndchat is a Twitter hashtag that can be used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other second grade educators from around the world. Every other week we will discuss a different topic. It's a great way to help grow your PLN (Professional/Personal Learning Network) and share ideas with others.
Hey gang! Let’s start with a little introduction and get to know each other. Share your name, Grade you teach, and location! Remember to include #2ndChat!
Hi #2ndchat! 👋 N from 🇨🇦 checking in. I'm an #edtech creator, cofounder and enthusiast. I'm particularly passionate about games. Excited to join your chat tonight. Thanks to @edtechSAE for letting me know.
Brittany - Kentucky. Graduated with my MAT a few months ago and subbing. I'm currently in an RTI Math Intervention position, but only for another week. #2ndchat
🏁🏁Here we go! 🏁🏁
🌟 First question 🌟
What does # gamification in the classroom mean to YOU? Could be your personal story, what you’ve seen done with gamification, what you know about it, etc.
Tweet your replies with Q1 and #2ndChat!
Q1: To me, gamification means adding gaming elements to curriculum in the classroom. I also like the idea of using badges to incorporate visual elements of gamification. #2ndChat
A1: I’ve been really successfully with #gamification in @ClassDojo making Pokémon come alive with the class points. They could evolve Pokémon or catch new ones. #2ndchat
A1: gamification for me means creating moments and experiences in a classroom that is designed to bring out the very best in my students and me through play, game mechanics, imagination and fun! #2ndchat
A1 - for me, #gamfication is about finding ways to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by harnessing the power of games. Earning points, going on quests, working as teams, battling "evil" bosses, seeing failure as an "oops, better try again" instead of the end. #2ndchat
🏁🏁Here we go! 🏁🏁
🌟 First question 🌟
What does # gamification in the classroom mean to YOU? Could be your personal story, what you’ve seen done with gamification, what you know about it, etc.
Tweet your replies with Q1 and #2ndChat!
A1: It's turning learning into playtime. With my 1st grade group, I did different sports for the Olympics and for the last two weeks we've been searching around the school for lost leprechaun gold. It's amazing how fast 1st can do 60 math questions when they're playing #2ndchat
A1 Putting some kind of 'regular' content into a challenge, possible video game type format. Lots of possibilities here. I think it's a bit different than game based learning #2ndchat
Q1 I draw A TON from @mrmatera. He defines gamification to be incorporating the most MOTIVATIONAL elements from gaming into the everyday classroom environment. #2ndchat
it can be that. I think also think of gamification as taking what you are already doing in your classroom and layering over it game theme, mechanics and elements. #2ndchat
A1: I think Gamification means making learning into a game, but I have limited experience in this realm. I think it would have high engagement. Ready to learn! #2ndchat
Q1: It is adding exciting elements of games, badges, and goals. It has purpose and can help lead to higher interest in a topic or subject. It can involve @breakoutEDU@GetKahoot or something you create
#2ndChat
YES! These are things that kids remember and the learning sticks better. We're the same as adults. If it's fun, we want to learn more & grow in that area. #2ndchat
Q1: It is adding exciting elements of games, badges, and goals. It has purpose and can help lead to higher interest in a topic or subject. It can involve @breakoutEDU@GetKahoot or something you create
#2ndChat
And so much in many classrooms is designed to prevent that. With the "time to move on to the next unit" requirements over confirming mastery of content. Games are designed such that you only move on when you've mastered the skills needed. #2ndchat
Q1: It is adding exciting elements of games, badges, and goals. It has purpose and can help lead to higher interest in a topic or subject. It can involve @breakoutEDU@GetKahoot or something you create
#2ndChat
"The Entertainment Software Association has reported
that more than 200 million hours are spent each day
playing computer and video games in the U.S. The average American has spent more than
10,000 hours playing such games." A great article! https://t.co/6yk9CEiygI#2ndchat
Absolutely! And even better you can start as small and slow as you want. Your game can grow as your skills as a game designer grow and best of all your game is always in beta!! #2ndchat
If your students didn't have to be here would you show up to an empty classroom....#tlap I always like to think about this while I prepare for the day #2ndchat
Q2: I’m a first year teacher, and since I’m crazy I jumped in the deep end with a fully gamified class. So my experience with traditional edgames is different than others might be. However I do use them! Not every game we play ties directly into our theme. However—-cont. #2ndchat
A2 - No classroom, but I keep games and gamification in mind in everything I've worked on in #edtech (and continue to work on). My goal is always to make highly motivating, engaging, exciting and fun apps for kids, while making sure learning stays a top priority. #2ndchat
A2 I use mini games every couple days for math review we've done boss battles, basketball, shuffleboard, flick football, putt putt, danger cards, crocodile dentist and daily assignments for XP and GP #2ndchat
My favorite way to use games in my classroom is with mini-games. Short bursts of games. So much fun to create and Ss love them! A few of my favs... https://t.co/X6FEB6GHPc#2ndchat
Q2 cont. I always frame them that we are at a “bonus level challenge” or a “mini game”. At the beginning of the year I compared it to how mario goes down the pipe and is in a different place. ANY game can be part of a larger #gamified structure! #2ndchat
A2 I like playing dice games with my students. We often play little boss battles that act like an RPG. This last unit I had students actually make some board games! #2ndchat
A2 I've done several @breakoutEDU activities. I've also used Google Forms to create a math-based Choose Your Own Adventure story. Here's a link to the one I created: https://t.co/i8X9IFqjfQ to review adding 10s. #2ndchat
Q2. Have tried things like @GetKahoot & @GooseChase with some success. Just wrapped a modified RPG to teach plot structure & reacting to challenges in acting. Planning a gamified frame for tech & directing next. #2ndchat
Also, dont under sell the academic power of games these day. So many of them not only hold great game elements but are also super charged with language, processing skills, reading skills... #2ndchat
Q3: I mentioned that #gamification is largely layer a theme, modified language, and a storyline on top of what you typically do. What are some themes you can think of? How would you apply a theme to your class to change the mindset of your students? #2ndchat
A2 I use mini games every couple days for math review we've done boss battles, basketball, shuffleboard, flick football, putt putt, danger cards, crocodile dentist and daily assignments for XP and GP #2ndchat
A2: We had a grant a were able to get ozobots that are color coding bots. The kids use them for story retell, measurement, sight words and math facts. #2ndchat
A3: I'm thinking a game about collecting info about characters for my series book clubs.. maybe trading cards to help other preview the characters? #2ndchat
A3. Theme for advanced class the end of the year is to form their own production company for the final project. They will earn money via quizzes, grant pitches, etc. #2ndchat
A3: Since I have an m&m classroom we do lots of activities based on the candy theme. Also, they love @nightzookeeper so the animals from the books and website have become a class favorite. #2ndchat
Q3: We are the GUARDIANS OF THE HIGH SEAS, sailing the Kingdom of Kiran, defending the King’s land against invaders that seek to stop the spread of knowledge!
For each new unit, we will land in a new “world” and encounter a new boss to defeat. #2ndchat
We have a Pioneer Days thats a big deal for 4th grade so I choose my Theme off that and went with the Oregon Trail! Every time they level up its the next stopping point along the Oregon Trail so it ties history into the game as well #2ndchat
A3. We did a glow theme and had questions on Jenga, cones, cups, etc/ review- was for 100 day so was a review of all subjects everything we learned in the 100 days #2ndchat
A3 - mysteries are always fun and easy to tie in, since learning new things is essentially solving a mystery. Also races or anything about "striving for a goal" (like reach for stars) is good, since games focus on getting better and "more" (usually points) #2ndchat
Q3: I mentioned that #gamification is largely layer a theme, modified language, and a storyline on top of what you typically do. What are some themes you can think of? How would you apply a theme to your class to change the mindset of your students? #2ndchat
Q3 cont: We have explored Pokémon Island, a Haunted Castle, battled a Kraken, sunk to Atlantis, found a flying steampunk city in the clouds, gone into outer space, and encountered a post apocalyptic waste land! Next we’re headed to a fiery lava volcano world #2ndchat
Q3: I have used the Winter Olympics (they loved their opening and closing ceremonies) and holidays. As a sub, nothing long term. But I love these ideas and being able to incorporate history...I am so excited to have my own classroom! #2ndchat
Your theme doesnt have to match what your teaching or what your students like but it does have to be something that you are passionate about! Skys the limit!! #2ndchat
A3: We have done weather, Olympics, Detective or Clue themes, animal or jungle safari,Famous Americans, Insects,or seasonal themes. We did cardboard challenge games too. #2ndchat
A3: I read the Third Grade Detectives series and since secret codes are layered throughout the book it gets the kids excited to come up with their own codes and mysteries. #2ndchat
Hey #2ndchat - I'm away tonight at a Girl Scouts thing. Glad to see @HeckAwesome here! She's one of the best. Can't wait to catch the storify later. Have fun!
Q3: I have an ocean theme, so I might incorporate a storyline of traveling from island to island. On each island students could find new treasure (badges, clues, etc.) #2ndchat
That would be fun, too especially those that are around the early American history or famous Americans. Fun way to get the social studies standards in. :) #2ndchat
A1: Gamification is using game element/s in a non-game activity. For instance - if you solve page 25 correctly you get 50 "gold" to spend on a prize of your choice. Here's the website for my gamified class (in Hebrew, but you get the pic right?) https://t.co/HmoYfHctu8#2ndchat
I didn't call them a boss but once I brought up salt bags from the school basement and Ss had to overcome several academic challenges then come up with a plan to get the bags back down. #2ndchat
Now, I'm really thinking. I could get some type of big fairy tale book or a blank book (and put a copy in it) to signal a new location or quest. :) #hamsterwheelinmybrainnow#2ndchat
A3: We did a lot with the Winter Olympics and it was super fun! VR with Google Cardboard, sent videos to Olympians via Twitter, research, and a Mystery Skype! #2ndchat
My students in Canada mainly speak English as a mother tongue but I like to incorporate other languages in gamified aspects. There's always Google Translate! #2ndchat
Students could be sucked through a trap door or hole and into the world of _____ where they meet and have adventures with all kinds of fairy tale creatures and elements. #2ndChat
A4 - Goal should be that #gamification starts the drive ("I want those points/badges") but then intrinsic motivation takes over ("Huh, I wonder ..." ) #2ndchat
Just like using pbl- when kids are totally involved in the learning experience, you can't stop them from wanting to learn & work. They like challenges as long as they are fun! #2ndchat
In my game use the spreadsheet from @mrmatera they can go ahead at their own pace. The XP's for completing assignments are motivating badges for leveling up and using GP buy items cards is very motivating. I have some students in 5th grade math already! #2ndchat
Q4: I have had students do book reports, models of the solar system, write dictionaries, dioramas... all things that were not assigned... simply to move forward in the game. Call it competition, exploration, curiosity, whatever you want... it works! #2ndchat
A4: Ss seems to be motivated by "getting to the next level" and not by trinkets and physical prizes so gamification is the way to go! I may have been hooked on Candy Crush and know that feeling of "having to get to the next level" and competing with myself! #2ndchat
A4. Ss become engaged in the "chase" of the game and forget they are learning. Helps combat the playing school effect... from what it sounds like anyway #2ndchat
Sorry have to cut it short. Have to put my son to bed. Thanks for letting me drop in and was great learning from you all. Enjoy the rest of your week! #2ndchat
A4: They aren't sitting and getting!! They have to solve problems, collaborate or create stuff. This builds confidence and leads to more independent thinking and learning! Much better than a WB page! #2ndchat
A4: Tons of examples! "Hey, don't take the computer away! I need to solve 2 more English exercises to get to a 1,000 XP." or "Hey teacher, please don't explain it again, I'll do the explanations so my team can understand better" #2ndchat
@MrsW2nd@mr_watkin BUT at the same time, I love that I can look back over 27 years and KNOW that I've moved in the right direction. So much more fun now. :) #2ndchat
In reply to
@MrsW2nd, @mr_watkin, @MrsW2nd, @mr_watkin
A6 I prefer teams (actually I've never done solo) as teams can help each other. There is a competition aspect but in my experiences it seems to get drowned out by engagement and empowerment #2ndchat
Q6: Playing in a team is two fold: You want to do well for yourself, but also the person next to you. I make sure to stress the importance of accepting wins AND losses. The kids can take it! Don’t be afraid that you’ll hurt feelings. They will learn and grow so much. #2ndchat
A6 - Solo can be great in learning to compete with yourself and not be worried about others (and how you measure up). Collaboration can allow for more complicated games where people take on different roles. And learn to value each others strengths. #2ndchat
Hey! I've had this idea for awhile to have a digital type edcamp for #2ndchat. I asked @mr_watkin if he would be willing to have our first one. He could get into how it all works. Anyone interested??????
They need to SO learn this in the primary grade. Everyone does not win & how do you handle both? It's the same with my Big, Bad Wolf pbl- only 1 house gets picked by the 3 pigs. :) #2ndchat
Q5: Collaboration is a very powerful aspect of gamification! Students get to share ideas and hear viewpoints from peers. They're also working together and learning to respect the ideas of others. #2ndchat
Q7: Final Question!!! More of a sharing opportunity. What digital resources can you share to bring the game to life for your students? As we said, tech is not necessary for #gamification, but can certainly enhance! #2ndchat
