#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 June 16, 2016
We're excited to be joining chat on PD and Games! Here are 4 ways to gamify PD sessions using BloomBoard. https://t.co/WabKPL9sBX
Hey hey! Welcome to another Twitter Chat! Tonight we're chatting using game-inspired PD for educators/adults! Are you pumped!?
Let's start tonight's chat with introductions! Tell us, who you are, where you are, and your current game favorite!!
Lucas Gillispie, NC - Currently re-hooked on ARK: Survival Evolved.
does school politics count as a game?
Paul, Richmond, Va, Fifa 16
. - No kidding, dude! And I see you brought Jared with you!
Matt from NJ. Just finished Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, on Xbox, this evening. Emotional game! 🎮
Jennifer Olsen , Florida. Trashketball
Katherine Goyette, Edtech Integration Consultant, central California. is great but interested in
Ivan from NJ, biased here, but have to go with Sydney's World
. - A classroom favorite!
Mark Grundel, 5th grade teach from NJ, still hooked on good old fashioned , haven't seen any Polar Bears yet though.
Gina from Cincinnati. Last game I played was Settlers of Catan.
Dianne, 4/5 T from CA, new to the chat
Melissa from Nebraska 11-12 ELA. Clash Royale, though it's been a week or so :( Letting down my clan...
Glad you're here, Dianne!!
- Huzzah! Board Games represented!!
Good to see you :) Happy Thursday!
Fav game is and always will be Monopoly. I kick butt. 😂
Board game junkie right here!
Will be spending tomorrow's 1/2 day - the last day - of school playing One Night Ultimate Werewolf with students, a fan favorite!
You all have fantastic taste in games (and gifs)! Tonight's chat will follow a Q1/A1 format.
Hey everyone! Steve from NJ here. I support middle school students learning to develop their own games!
Tisha Richmond from OR checking for a few while my plane boards. 2 rooms and a boom with and
I just got this game! So excited to play!
Tonya, Media Coordinator, Surry County Schools, NC
Doing some gaming PD right this minute lol
Good evening, sir! Excited to finally get to have coffee with you for reals in a couple weeks!!
Hi Tisha! Good to see you!
- Tonya!! Nice! is in the house!!
Thank you This is my first chat
Thank you This is my first chat
Super extremely utterly :)
- Glad you're here Ivan! This is a great crowd!
Is everyone coming to Steve and Nathan analog game night on Wednesday
you haven't - my students were very quick to jump into 1.10 to check out the polar bears!
and certainly not your last :)
Hey, all! Jared from NYC, ELA Teacher for the Deaf. Heads Up is my new gaming addiction.
You all ready for level 1? Here comes the night's first question!
Q1: We focus on engagement/personalization for students, do we do the same for Teachers/Adult Learners?
Hey, Steve! Good to see you!
Such a fun game! My kids love it!!
A1: Its unbelievable to me that we do not do this for adult learners. We do exactly what we would not do in the classroom
Hey all! Alicia, media coordinator from here! Chiming in from
Anyone heading to next week in NYC?
Do you give your students action research proposals & presentations? Sadly I've been working on mine through the week
A1: And we hit the ground running! I don't think we do focus as much on Ts, but we certainly should!
. - Woot woot! More of my colleagues are here!!
A1 Adults have passions & interests to follow like kids. Learning is diff tho... andragogy is diff than pedagogy
I would hope so since you have top billing
A1: Not typically - 'normal' PD is boring and directed.
A1: We would...but most administrators still aren't is my guess.
So do mine! What category do you play most? I love the literary figures. :) And Broadway, of course.
A1: trying to come up with a plan to gamify our staff next year to build morale and culture
- Expand on that Matthew. How is it different?
A1: Not in my district. At all. Our tech committee is trying to, but that's about it. But outside our building--a definite nope.
It is a hard sell to convince administrators, it has been in the past.
Me too! Love to share ideas with you if you're willing?
A1: Part 1 - Ha! This is exactly what I am investigating in my research right now! The answer is NO! https://t.co/on2QuCdLjW
With the kids we tend to do easier ones. Animals is pretty popular with my boys.
A1 Adults need to play to learn, like kids. See the work of
I did a zombie theme that really pulled everyone in and got them motivated. https://t.co/sFdGNJfpkT
A1: trying to come up with a plan to gamify our staff next year to build morale and culture
A1 the answer should be yes, but it takes effort and time to make it happen
A1. No we don"t engage teachers/adults... I believe we become products of traditional learning approaches
Makes sense. Anatomy is a tough one. Or Act It Out. Or Sound It Out. :)
Good evening! Becky Critz, high school science and digital nerd here from
Working on this as well. Would love to join in the conversation. https://t.co/tY12KykNJM
Me too! Love to share ideas with you if you're willing?
That's awesome that staff members got into zombies! Interesting idea!!
A1: Edcamps/CUE Rockstar Events/Unconferences have become increasingly engaging/differentiated for adult learners.
So even in your districts, with you guys in it...the answer is still no?
The more, the merrier! More people means bigger and better ideas! :)
A1 not really and I wish they did. Everyone likes to be engaged.
A1: not enough for adults, our District heading more that way 😊 https://t.co/ufGZcPktQV
Q1: We focus on engagement/personalization for students, do we do the same for Teachers/Adult Learners?
+1 for teaching me a new word today - andragogy... Putting that in my back pocket
- BOOM! Another educator is here! These folks are awesome, btw!
A1: Cont - leads to greater collegiatlity, increased sense of empowerment, & improved self-esteem, all equals higher self-efficacy
Andragogy is theory of adults ed, self-directed, different than pedagogy. PD is sometimes delivered like pedagogy
LOL! Nathan, you always find the best GIFs.
and they love me. Wife almost as much as me
And that’s the key. We need to put as much time and effort into our learning and experiences. https://t.co/vy485WrxMx
A1 the answer should be yes, but it takes effort and time to make it happen
nearby district does that. Looks so much better than what we do!
Really wanted to, but my school couldn't afford it this year. Hoping to go next year. Will be at tho!
A good point. It's hard for classroom Ts to plan personalized PD bc of time but others won't do it https://t.co/OGxzOiZpq4
A1 the answer should be yes, but it takes effort and time to make it happen
A1 I've always questioned at what point we grow out of the need for engagement, differentiation, personalization?
See my second post. I pulled it from an article: by farrell and weitman (2007).
Welcome, Becky!! Digital nerds always super welcome!!
Infect certain people with ideas in the morning and try to spread them through the day. Last alive wins. https://t.co/87dWIph5mc
That's awesome that staff members got into zombies! Interesting idea!!
Never! I never want to grow out of engagement!
love these examples. Hadn't thought of them for my original answer
I'm in a district w & PD is changing rapidly through , which is why I said 'normal'
Elementary math teacher here~ looking for ideas
- Welcome Anna! Glad you're here!
Sadly, yes. It's hard with higher ups determined to do it their way. And then there's the matter of time to plan it.
Good! I wish my district would do this more!
- I'll let Becky, Tonya, and Alicia explain...
A1 Been to a lot of PD over Ts ZPD. They're wowed with Google extensions & digital tricks, but can't see themselves using
Picture this...opening faculty meeting of the year, Quizlet live to review/intro school vision and policies...
I would say never. Am at a different level for some ideas than colleagues, all need something different
I'm picturing and I'm liking.
I would love to meet with anyone at ISTE that wants to gamify staff to build culture morale. Anyone in?
Don't leave us non-ISTE-attending Ts out, please! :(
I would be in..but won't be at ISTE.
Ugh, yes. It's the torture of the "park and bark".
ha! Of course would love you to be a part too! Come one, come all! :-)
Game-based PD in which we earn badges (& CEUs) for quest chains.
Let's see how the convo moves as we look at Q2... coming up
is now trending in USA, ranking 43
Q2: How can we leverage games/game-thinking to improve adult learning?
Its awesome! I love being part of it!
...this pic is worth 1000 PD sessions 😂😂😂
How ironic is it to attend PD on student engagement and receive a...lecture...on student engagement?
Sorry to miss out on the chat tonight! See you nxt wk & see some of you soon
A1: No we don't. We need to treat teachers like students, engage, excite, inspire...then teach, rinse, repeat.
late to the game, TX teacher, r searcher, and tech game consultant...
THE. ABSOLUTE. WORST. And the irony is completely lost. https://t.co/afwJEwO1tT
How ironic is it to attend PD on student engagement and receive a...lecture...on student engagement?
Q2: side quests that earn XP for things like spirit dress up, PD, attending student performances, games.
A2: said it: quest-based PD where you actively problem-solve an actual S problems within teams.
A2 Games require critical thinking which is what adult learning will require. My Critical Thinking page https://t.co/ldM6jduovk
A2: Games get Ts & adults enjoying & engaging & creative with planning! That benefits Ss & school culture!
Better late than never! Glad you're here, Robert!!
A2: Leaderboards and gamer types have really drawn me in. Making it a game is just more fun.
A2 gamethinking develop positive attitudes and enhance meaning by creating simulations
- Always a work in progress, and we have our very own Ts developing quests now!
A2: Turn current PD into games.
I love this idea so much!
this is being done here to tap into what higherEd students are doing...
A2: Getting staff to collaborate and work together outside of cliques is very important.
A2 I run a game day for the kids at A Harry Moore which doubles as teacher PD. Here's a bit on the school: https://t.co/ZCjVqBnkjg
A2 I run a game day for the kids at A Harry Moore which doubles as teacher PD. Here's a bit on the school: https://t.co/Xj1PlzbiLK
A2 - I'm exploring things like chance, uncertainty, narrative, risk/rewards
A2: they're self-paced, invoke collaboration, never have to repeat a lvl because "we think everyone needs to" play it again.
A2 Also is a wonderful teacher PD!
A2: teachers tweet pic to # achieve quest then track on leaderboard. Been brainstorming.. That was an idea by
Will have to remember that for TLC
is also wonderful for tracking photos, especially in a scavenger hunt format! My Ss loved it!
A2 wouldn't a nreakoutedu be fun to start off the year and get teachers working together!!!!
A2: For our tech PD, I'd love to set up quests for our staff to choose from. Then they'd become consultants.
I need to look into that. Used it once for conference
That's a great idea!! Love it!
This is one time I don't mind my flight is late to board. I may feel diff if I miss my next flight though!
Different quests for different teaching/learning styles, smart.
What better way to spend the time?
A2: Rewarding learning on own time vs punishing personal improvement by requiring the whole staff PD. "Hey Jim, skip this one."
Until they tell you to put away your cell phone... :)
A2 - I really like the idea of a questing mindset. One quest unlocks the next. Down the rabbit hole!
Alright that was a good one..cant beat Amy and Tina
I would legitimately do that dance to a 90s boy band!
Yes, I love this! I'd much rather have a portfolio type option to PD and then get out of other requirements
Let's take this a bit deeper in Q3 - coming up!
no no no!!! Did put you up to that?!
A2: The games scenarios mimic authentic problems the building actually has. Fix problems/Play games/Love job
questing is a great way to model the learning journey for students
Q3: Do adults want to have fun while learning?
in small bites so it doesn't overwhelm.
A3: Adults want fun as much as kids. Who wants to sit in yet another boring PD going thru a textbook
A3 Only the ones who are breathing.
Love how gifs are syncing nicely with this 90's playlist I'm listening to.
A3: We have all be trained to sit through these meetings. Not sure we know we want to have fun.
A3: As long as I'm engaged...it doesn't need to be fun, but it's a nice bonus if possible.
A3: absolutely! Never too old to have fun! Play is ageless!
My staff would disagree, we tend to throw choc or other things if it gets too boring :)
I think this is a key idea!! https://t.co/YVl6k7lNGh
A3: We have all be trained to sit through these meetings. Not sure we know we want to have fun.
A3: I think so! I do anyway!
YES! Having fun keeps the learner engaged!
A3: Yes, but just like kids, their ideas of fun & games are different. Not all are going to be well-received
...Gettin' Jiggy Wit It...
True, there are some who like to be taken step by step in a quiet way, just like the kids
Sorry about spelling tonight ...iPad died on worlds smallest phone igh
exactly! & growth mindset ppl aren't likely to opt of PD to take a nap. They'll likely be doing MORE PD, different topic
A3: Cont'd...We may need to be prepared that some Ts like the "lecture at me so I don't have to think" PD. Sadly.
A3: Who are you calling an adult? Of course I want to have fun while learning & learn while having fun! https://t.co/ueHYvHbNqV
Late, sorry! Chris Goodson, tech facilitator in Gaston County, NC. Might be a bit distracted, playing Minecraft with my daughter
A3 - Ever watch adults at Karaoke? Playing Guitar Hero? I think folks simply need an excuse. Let's give it to 'em!
Glad you're here, Chris!! And keep going on that Minecraft!!
Or so they can play meeting Bingo.
A3 Adults want to be in a state of flow, not necessarily "fun." Writing a blog is fun for some; playing golf is work for others.
Hey Friend!!!! Miss you & the gang!
A3 Some adults have trained themselves to think that they shouldn't be having fun while learning.
A3: You're never to old to have fun or be inspired. It's changing the mindset of leadership. We take ourselves to seriously in Ed
And if they are having fun, then they are not working.
A3. Fun is great as long as the content is interesting. Otherwise it is same ole same ole
Absolutely true. We have to be prepared for some pushback at first with prof dev
A3 If games are a series of interesting choices, as Sid Meier says, not fun - but engaging.
I think this is ALSO a key idea. We've erected a false wall between work/play learning/play - https://t.co/v9K7fKxM25
And if they are having fun, then they are not working.
Def some reluctancy and non participation. We were looked at as immature.
I think that's key. They have to see the meaning and purpose of the game and be engaged in it
This comes from our institutionalized education. Hard to break a cycle.
A3:Who doesn't love fun? Culture is key to effective environment, leaders: work to create activities to engage adults in learning.
But who doesn't love a good challenge? :)
Sign that says "above all, have a good time" by Julia Child is posted in my culinary classroom. Imp for Ss & myself to remember
This Simpsons are jamming to Kris Kross - Jump Jump...
for those who are interested this is how most of the NC edcamps go that we are at
So this is a nice time to move into our next question! Q4 coming up!
Unfortunately, these also tend to be staff who often lack interaction and engagement in classrooms. https://t.co/7QB3CMDbT1
Def some reluctancy and non participation. We were looked at as immature.
Q4: If we use games/game-thinking for adult learners, do we need to apply it differently than we would for younger learners?
That is exactly what is happening. Now its a challenge to get them board. Challenge accepted.
A4:Yes and no. Depends on the game. Some games are ageless. Some require differentiation.
New quest! New quest! https://t.co/0lXdUUZ62P
That is exactly what is happening. Now its a challenge to get them board. Challenge accepted.
A4: Just as you would differentiate for Ss, adult games should be different
A4 Depends on the content and the experience you would like the staff to walk away with.
A4 some adults may not be into getting into games as students are. May have to hid it a little at the beginning
A4: I think it should be different. Different language and more complex, but the general mechanics are similar.
A4 Depends on prior knowledge, what content and what you are looking to acheive
A4: We use it differently for different grade levels, so yes.
A4: Game thinking for adult learners, in theory, should not need as great a focus on norms of behavior.
A4: Students are confident & try new tasks as a challenge, some adults not so much, how to help teachers feel confident?
And here's a key idea... Agreed! https://t.co/siJy7LPB11
A4: Students are confident & try new tasks as a challenge, some adults not so much, how to help teachers feel confident?
So true. Vital to create a safe space where it's okay to be silly, to fail, to try again. Ts need that as much as Ss.
A4: Keep the main game elements the same for all...goal-setting, recognition, competition, achievement, etc.
Good point. Ts can be less willing to take risks
A4: Similar mechanics, but framed differently.
Maybe Ts need "safe place to fall" more. They've been schooled in the "right" answer pedagogy
This would also allow them to see that kids need a safe place to fail.
A4: Ts should have the same opportunities to engage in games, explore and design, just like Ss. Adults may need more encouraging
Many adults are afraid to engage in "fun" activities, their joy and creativity is tucked away.
I am the only gamer on my staff.
Q5: What elements of games do you think adult learners find most motivating for learning?
Which makes is harder. But keep doing it. Kids talk. Other teachers listen. It will spread!
A4: Adults like kids don't want their time to be wasted. If they see the value, they will enjoy the gamified experience
A5: Winning is definitely a big deal no matter your age. Competition works for some
A5: Customization, the joy of success after encouraging failure, healthy competition.
A5: There must be an emotional connection for the greatest level of learning to occur...and its also the most motivating.
Which is a terrifying and saddening prospect. We need to find the fun again! https://t.co/xrD1eIuEh1
Many adults are afraid to engage in "fun" activities, their joy and creativity is tucked away.
A5: Choice. PD is such a turnoff because we're forced to do something. Ts are used to having ownership.
A5: Choices, goal-setting.
My teaching changed when I "found the fun" again
A5: competition was huge on our staff. Zombie tag ended with teachers crawling out of windows to avoid the bite. Crazy
A5: competition, completion, opportunity to shine, engaging
A5 Decision making, critical thinking, competing against others, challenge, fun & goal of trying to complete each level and outdo
A5. Competition or succeeding as a team
Choose Your Own Adventure: Teacher-directed PD
- I think that's true! And, WE may need to help them make that connection.
A5: collaboration which creates unity. Have seen that happen in big way in my classes
Would love to see that as PD!
A5) Great question--for me, I like thinking, intrigue and strategy. My husband wants less of these; Prefers Trouble and Yahtzee. :)
A5 instant feedback and a chance to do it over
Thank you for sharing. Our sixth grade theme this year is Superheroes!
Thanks, will look into it. Might gamify this fall
OK... let's wrap it up with our final Q!! Q6 coming up!
My pleasure! Teaching is a profession of sharing! It was an experiment I'd do again w/ modifications.
Talking gamification this week at Camp Wannatweet! Stop by if you get a chance!
Q6: What will you do with what you’ve learned in tonight’s chat?
I’m writing a book about it this summer.
A5: collaboration, creativity, problem solving..imp elements of gamified class. I gamify my classes for entire sem/year
I have added game elements to Teacher Tech PD at my school but it's a harder sell than with students. Teachers "have no time"
A6: Oh, the possibilities! I'm already thinking about how to get colleagues excited about gaming at my school!
A5 seems like most adults are excited about the end of the game and not the game itself
A6: Adults need games too! Make it fun for Ss and Ts
A6 Amazing ideas to work on Pd for next year. Thanks so much for sharing. My brain is working overtime right now!
A6: Work with my tech committee colleagues to create a quest based system for PD
A6: play games with and at ISTE! Connect with others wanting to gamify staff.
A6: explore the possibility of games in the classroom & continue to promote in
Oh! And there's a bonus quest!! Before you leave, follow at least FIVE new people from tonight's chat!
That bugs me. Ts find time when it something they want. Used to be that way though :(
Agreed. We always argue that we need time set aside on PD days for playing with technology and seeing what works
A6: Participate in a future chat. :)
A6: Participate in a future chat. :)
our game PD is on our own time. It's great that I can do it at midnight if I choose, or during my planning period.
A6 Promotion of gaming in the classroom
A6: I did action research along w/ chat, so I'd like to incorporate teacher driven reseach/PD into games in my districts PD Model
