#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 21, 2016
is about to start! Come hangout and see what Play Like A Pirate is all about with
Hello everyone. Iram here, principal of a k-7 school in surrey, BC, Canada.
Hello! Steve from NJ checking in. I teach video game design and development to a great group of middle school students!
Thanks Steven -- middle school is the best!
Keegan here! Educational Technologist at . Ready for some goodness.
akash from nj, am a student in class
Go ahead and introduce yourself and let's answer Q1 -- what's the last game you played In Real Life? https://t.co/RoNKMRPvNR
awesome! Welcome to Akash!
John here, Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech. Great question list!
Rebecca Gauthier from Green Bay. World history middle school
Kevin, 7th Grade History T from NW NJ finally able to check in on again
A1: Hanabi with my two daughters :) great game
Awesome Akash! Love having students join us for these weird chats!
Hey Kevin! NJ in the house!
A1: Dan from FL here. Last game with friends? Heads up.
Thanks John -- nice to have you join us!
Boss monster is the last game we played
A1) I just got to play today. Played remotely with conference folks. Was a BLAST!
Thanks for being here Rebecca!
A1 video game: slime rancher / board game: fresh fish gosh, I can’t get enough of slime rancher right now!
A1: i played the entire campaign of halo 5 on legendary with my family with only 3 deaths, props to my dad
You may have just won the GIF of the Night award.
A1: Jason from Ohio, K-5 STEM guy just popping on for a few minutes... with the kids
ooo that’s a good one. Haven’t played recently. Need to pic it up again. My family likes the song cards for sure.
"Slime Rancher?!?!?" Sounds awesome. And a little gross.
Hey Alex - love the graphic :)
That's awesome!!! Props to your dad for sure!
Last game with friends was Settlers of Catan
A1Jenga, but I want the giant sized version (using 2 x4s) next
A1 Last game I played was Snug As A Bug in a Rug (sorry I have young daughters)
A1. Cheri from Florida. Professor of psychology. Ticket to Ride Pennsylvania Edition with fam after dinner.
Hi, rachelle from Pittsburgh, Span & teacher, A1 and
don't try this at home, but we played fire jenga when we used to camp - mega campfire
It is a great game. I haven't been able to play it in awhile either... new baby
*raises hand* I've played Fire Jenga!!
it's actually really cute. Easy to fall in love with those slimes!
Hi Cheri - I love Ticket to Ride!
!!! Are the pieces on fire while you play?
A1 Played Stardew Valley alongside my wife for a while. My first foray into her favorite genre!
no - adding wood to top of fire - not 100% true to jenga rules :)
Sorry - just finished an on-site ... so I probably won't get home in time to join you tonight! Love though!
How is it - making it's way on to my radar
That sound’s like a lot of fun. Hoping to pick it up with my wife at some point too.
I've seen Ts use those soda 12-packs (empty, covered, decorated) as giant Jenga blocks. Not as heavy/dangerous
I feel the love. You're good.
Have to innovate to beat the LA traffic
what kind of game is that?
Well, either way, it sounds like it is 100% safe and FUN.
we love Ticket to Ride around these parts too
Q2 Let's bring it into your class--are there particular subjects that are more gamey than others? https://t.co/XKCx65ishU
Anybody else feeling a strong desire to drop everything and play???
Hola everyone ! Tuning in a little late. I'm Andrea, Customer Service Manager at - I taught Spanish/Sp.Ed for 5 years
To be fair, Middle Schoolers are also "gamey" but that's a hygiene thing...
That's a great idea! https://t.co/Pzu4pJmmBr
I've seen Ts use those soda 12-packs (empty, covered, decorated) as giant Jenga blocks. Not as heavy/dangerous
I am in the middle of Quantum Break, so YES! but I’ll stick around ;P
A2: Civics and History seem to lend well, but with a tad bit of creativity all subject areas for sure!
a possibility but I don't drink that much soda! Seen cardboard "bricks" that would work
Thanks :) What is Quantum Break? (feel like I should know...)
With strategic thinking and understanding what your kids need, I think games can be incorporated into any subject area.
A2: well if it requires math and science, then the ability to visulaize- it needs a game
A2: As a former English teacher, literature and games go hand in hand
A2) For me, I’d like to start at either the most fun topic, or the least fun. Both attempting to increase Ss engagement
agreed.... https://t.co/u0VcoIiiXr
With strategic thinking and understanding what your kids need, I think games can be incorporated into any subject area.
A2. I give a lot of lectures, & it seems that the math depts struggle the most, but I think all subjs are "gamey" :)
It's a beautiful example of how even work feels super fun with the right game elements.
I'd like to say I don't drink that much soda...and I'm on a 6 month break from it right now...but I'LL BE BACK.
A2) But lots of factors to consider here.
A2: Whenever the game can enhance the learning taking place.
A2: I am struggling w/ this. Any game suggestions for writing?
I always think of the great potential of narrative games, text based games, etc. Games are form of storytelling!
It's a farming game! It's been compared to Harvest Moon a lot.
I'm part mesmerized and part freaked out by this.
That's the question. And possibly the answer.
A2: Anything that is process-oriented can be gamified, and there are so many great options in .
A2 I think more the https://t.co/EffXLSRFK1 does a game fit into the curriculum, Maybe cuz in elem. things are more integrated?
A2 I'm up for games in any subject - but love using student designed games for alt. assessment and also for
which is kind of funny because math is embedded into so many games in powerful way... and math lends well to puzzles...
Agree and not just because I teach History. Give me a map today & my students could be "fighting" a war tomorrow.
I think it comes down to teachers knowing their kids and not being afraid to take risks.
A1 The last game I played was with MarioKart on the Nintendo Wii - To add I kicked some ass with Toad
Hey Mark! - how bout using and have kids write text based games? or other IF tools (inklewriter, etc)
yes!! So many good games thrown into the chat!
Ok, let me be more specific, games for comparitive essay writing.
A2 I tend to use games most with subjects that I/Ss think are boring...trying to find a new, fun approach to a dry subject.
I was almost more of a Yoshi guy myself.
Ss gravitate toward the interaction with narrative in games
Depends on age group. I use games w/ social component (e.g. MMOs to FPS to SecondLife, etc.) to let sts work on writing.
Great answer...we'll come back around to that risk-taking. In a few minutes. https://t.co/gdQ1heL8vb
I think it comes down to teachers knowing their kids and not being afraid to take risks.
A2: It's fun to use games like for behavior and class managment.
agreed. It comes down to the way instructor implements and engages.
A2 Based on games sts create games for all subjects but I think History is a great fit https://t.co/jz2wRuPdsu
Q2 Let's bring it into your class--are there particular subjects that are more gamey than others? https://t.co/XKCx65ishU
I used games to liven up Chem class - periodic battleship and periodic guesswho
we also played physics vector dance dance revolution
I keep on hearing about this...I need to check it out.
Q3 coming up in one minute...
second all these other awesome suggestions. Anything that facilitates story telling & stringing together ideas in words
YES! Can't wait to play it
A2: Short answer is No. To me, depends on my capacity and resources, but play make for inspired learning in any topic
Please expand. They're 5th grade. We're working on camparative essays, 2-3 sources. Any game or suggestions
But it isn't narrative, its more essay style
Not quite what I had in mind, but sure! As long as you can 'res' the 'patient.' heh
A3: well everyone would know what to do, play and learn so planning and other things would be efficient
I started - sadly I've been neglecting my poor astronaut. Should get back to helping him!
Can I just say that I am so sad to hear of Prince's passing :(
A3 For me, I feel like I need to know my students before I drop them into a game scenario; games get more complex over the year
Ah. In that case, I think a “draw cards games” that determines topics and essay style parameter would be fun.
A3: If trust, student voice and management is in place prior to game, it should naturally transfer to chosen activity.
A3 The T has to release control & allow for some perceived chaos. Sometimes in those moments some great learning occurs
A3: What classroom management :) In a game based environment often the culture takes care of classroom management
maybe in a way that all the writing of the class feeds into a theme, topic.
How about Chyna from WWE. Only 45.
A3: I expected my class to be a bit louder when we were playing games/having game based lessons.
or THEN build a story around words on the board
I think I was more shocked about that one than Prince. Both sad.
That's part of the challenge, Ss need to determine a theme across multiple texts. I know they're only 5th grade. Crazy
yes, so true, have to let go and let the magic happen!
and on at same time - divided loyalties
Good point! RT : Ss gravitate toward the interaction with narrative in games
exactly - when kids are engaged you don't have to worry about managing behaviors - kids are motivated to learn
You didn't say *whispers* "have fun quietly please" https://t.co/UgWL4oSlXH
A3: I expected my class to be a bit louder when we were playing games/having game based lessons.
Going to have to check that out. Thanks!
A3: You do have to understand that there may be a high level of energy in a game based lesson - accept that it might get loud
Missing this week :(. Putting the final touches on my lesson for tomorrow. Looking forward to next week!
As long as they involve games we will let you slide
"let the magic happen" great way of putting it
We still love you! especially!
A2 Depends on topic, or if verbs, then def try to do somethng engaging and fun, great to use and
literally just watched this episode this afternoon. Great choice. :)
And you classroom neighbors have to accept it may get loud too LOL
A3) I think the culture becomes more central in gbl. Ss have idea how “normal” class works. Not always case with gbl.
A3: We played Laser Maze this week, had to talk to Ss about not getting into the laser's path https://t.co/gocNCrKnon
I didn't let it get out of hand obviously, but no... I didn't say have fun quietly.
it's Amazing the magic kids can create when we give them the space to do so.
A3: You have to relax to allow for students to milk the ecperience yet maintain control. Takes touch. Like a safecracker.
I do warn my neighbors if we're going to have a loud game/music/revolution day. https://t.co/2VWLCNxBcF
And you classroom neighbors have to accept it may get loud too LOL
A3 Depends on the classroom culture & expectations - GB lesson calls for organized chaos w/ aha moments! https://t.co/4wg9ZbYcYn
A3 students aren't usually in their seats
what about rolling giant dice where each side/number correlates to a different Q to be A
A3 Sometimes it is louder, depending on game, lots of exctment, competition sometimes, have to let them enjoy
Honestly relaxing was the most difficult part of it for me. https://t.co/Kwx9g9MNVl
A3: You have to relax to allow for students to milk the ecperience yet maintain control. Takes touch. Like a safecracker.
This makes me think about using “Story Cubes” to produce topics that Ss would have to develop theme for
A3b: With games it's reminders: pack it all up, taking turns, not trash talking people who do better than you...
A4: We are doing research on in the classroom - when we had the for a few weeks - kids were often out of their seats!
I'm a pretty good mix of old-school and new-school ideals. Once I did "let go" a little, it was easy.
Maybe some GUIDED trash talk? ;)
right! Story Cubes helped many of my students with writing!
A3. Many of my sts are online now. Not class mgmt issues, but have concerns w/making sure they know how game is related to content
minecraft, because when students pvp there and lose. there are massive wars and war never changes https://t.co/nIPiKUSrw0
A3 Allow free flow. A S yelled in a game once "I will brutally enforce world peace." He lost, what a great learning lesson
This week's favorite math game- an innovative version of with math vocabulary for geometry - FUN https://t.co/SLUDZQzbKw
joining in late - Michele 8th grade ELA teacher from NY
Yes, I am thinking about this, comparing two games or even two story plots within two games in a series. I'm liking this
Always! I showed off my awful Mario Kart skills last week. Next week, Tetris! Love teaching math with games!
A4. My biggest discussion starter has historically been World of Warcraft. It is rapidly becoming The Walking Dead.
So....a kid learned what millenia of rulers haven't.
Dumb rulers.
A4: serious answer, the htc vibe it's hands on and needs you to stand up to play
A4 duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck duck https://t.co/w6YvNHvQ62
A4: Anything done playfully. This week has kids high fiving and jumping out of their chairs.
Great answers -- I do think that almost anything can be done "playfully" and it upgrades the whole lesson
A4 A WWi game based on Diplomacy.Ss like the game is about socialization, making alliances, signing treaties, & then backstabbing
kids had to draw as many symmetrical letters as they could during the song "Happy" -
A4 I like turning reviews into relay races, previews into chains of active events...anything but desks.
A4 When we play Minecraft we have kids getting up 2 show their friends their creations, worlds & how 2 do things. Very dynamic.
I'm doing some research on myself with . Sounds like you had a great response.
As a teacher u can make anything fun & playful! I <3 this response - agreed 100% https://t.co/Sz8SoXgaVv
A4: Anything done playfully. This week has kids high fiving and jumping out of their chairs.
A4 any game, but Ss enjoy using their devices, competition, diff options, quick feedback and prizes :)
Not sure that is what you need, but it would be a fun way to see how writing to games translate & vice versa
Awesome, thanks, checking it out now!
Relay races are the BEST! Did this to teach sts how conjugate -ar, -er, and -ir verbs https://t.co/UUS0BsDFOC
A4 I like turning reviews into relay races, previews into chains of active events...anything but desks.
It's been pretty great! You? Maybe we should chat!
Prizes are something it took me a long time to figure out--it can be the cheapest, silliest thing ever, and they go nuts
show them the awesome things you can make and how to make them, then let them take the wheel and drive https://t.co/1BXTsh2zLJ
A5 first get them to play games and see what they feel makes a good game and what makes a bad fame.
A5 have them rebuild their favorite game and play with others
A5) Depending on age, establish frameworks for prototyping early. Rapid prototyping model will help Ss understand their designs
one of my favorites was a race w examples of three landform regions. Can be done w just about any topic.
YES! love the reverse engineering activity in recreating a game
Sounds great. I am at the beginning of my explorations. I would love to hear your exp.
Exactly! So many cool example to engage Ss (often) with materials already at hand.
Makes me want to play D&D. Havent done that in over a decade.
A5 by modeling,let hem explore. I have had thm create as HW to use in class
Today my students went nuts for stickers of their shields for teams
A5 creativity, content-focus, clear communication (of rules), critical thinking, collaboration +
In that case mission accomplished! ;)
it's why I was so excited you'd be here! What are your best tips?
A5: Provide resources and an open mind and allow students to pursue game design in a supportive co-learning environment
True. Ss given a MLB team name & match w/baseball card on desk to find testing seat.Search became game. It relaxed them
Or combine games even to see what rules/mechanics are cohesive, etc.
Yes, they love prizes, I have cool Spanish prizes, they want my stickrs and more
A5: For gaming to ultimately work in the classroom and have majority buy in Ss need to be part of the game creation process
I have a "prize box" for my face-to-face classes filled w/conference freebies. You'd think it was gold. :D
I think making some of that explicit (metacognition in game mechanics) can help older Ss
I had a number of projects funded to help bring tools to kids - much self directed learning https://t.co/0zFldD7oDo
I had a number of projects funded to help bring tools to kids - much self directed learning https://t.co/NL7MFafz2E
A5: Teaching game design is much about the iterative design process - design / build / playtest / give and get feedback / iterate!
Something I whipped together based on the old game Diplomacy + RPG I played the role of game master
what a great idea - anything that mixes it up a bit keeps it fun and interesting!
I have chupa chupas for my Ss to buy w/gold points - they go crazy for them
Yes, especially if they’re design games for younger Ss versus themselves. Be a fun exercise
A5: as recreating a classic game (and then modding it) is interesting as well. so many great opportunities!
A5: Look to some of the incredible educators creating their own immersive games like
A5 For game design make it an iterative design process w/ a lot of collaboration & feedback https://t.co/zGnZYigJ0Y
I have a prize jar, bobblehead turtles, bracelets, pens, worry dolls and more. They want my stickers :)
gives purpose - a game has to have an audience!
This sounds like fun. Have you posted the content online to be accessible? Interested in taking a look.
A5: Immersing ourselves in their interests. Teach coding to help ideas become real. Always nurture creative process.
A6: competition is great for some kids, but often those are the same kids that compete in school without games involved
A6: There's a definite place for games in school too - collaborative work at it's finest.
A6: competing against our personal best is probably good for everyone
A6: The students love competition, even when it's just for fun.
. Ed is a hobo from a previous century. He needs games so as to keep his chin up. Also his pipe. https://t.co/MBuNGAYNwc
A6: but competition is fun and does have a place for sure - brings us back to our discussion of -
have you played any of those cooperative games in class?
I think it depends on the game, Ss, and purpose - for Adventure quest I post leaderboard but not 4others https://t.co/YK0Q5CFkmA
A6: competition is great for some kids, but often those are the same kids that compete in school without games involved
Many in our after school game club
A6 we have to be considerat of all our learners sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t.
A6 I nearly always keep score, but I also give Ss/classes a chance to redeem themselves. Until I crush them.
We have been playing the mod for - coop - small group building island together
what's the best of the coop games? what grades?
Institute of play are friends of mine and are awesome
A6) Con: Diminishing focus of content as opposed to who is “winning." Motivators, but not final end all like learning should be
Good question - Love Hanabi - great for middle school maybe younger?
A6 Competition is great & motivates sts - game should def have a higher purpose w/ a learning objective https://t.co/VmgsdGe4Bw
A6: Competition for sure. Also, if game is used as formative/summative assessment, then we have level of mastery
A6) Pro: Score could be a fun way to tell student how much they are learning about topics. A way of giving personalized feedback.
the forbidden island series are games
. This post of mine from a while back touches on similar. Mistakes make for great learning! https://t.co/35FyZygX6S
A6: When we'd play Kahoot, students were more interested in winning and would get upset/quit if they got kicked off the game
Awesome, will take a look!
A6 love this discussion...I've been on both sides of the argument as both student and teacher.
I'm elem - wondering which would be best we've discussed using those for SEL and cooperative group work
A6 The paradox: No one likes to lose, everyone likes to win.
No, never completely written it down.Did video tape few turns & fact I said VT shows how long ago that was
A6 it makes it easier when handing out candy to know the score
A6: Con: "...But I didn't have time to practice!" 😭
I will take a look. Thanks!
true in my room too - wish would take the scores off - too distracting
A6: Are we talking winner takes all or everyone has an opportunity to win? I do both in class depending on game
Well, I think it would make an excellent resource! I encourage you to record some way :)
I think a lot of that Q does depend on the game. Some games there's more to win/lose. Don't want to destroy them.
What builds does that work on?
A7: Today was quick fire bingo and then go right into boss battle. Fun "did you read" farm work, then quiz for analytical thinking
pandemic is a great coop game that elem, students can play.
I'll check it out and share it Mary -- math tends to be my weakness. My 8th grade son rn has an amazing math T.
A7 targeted question asking
My 6th grader LOVES that game. Kind of disturbing how good at it he is. https://t.co/eCJCa4mBCq
pandemic is a great coop game that elem, students can play.
A7) Have the Ss build it & oversee learning objective integration to ensure it happens :)
On board games castle panic inspires team work
A7: Make each new target a new mysterious "level" with new opportunity for experience.
flashpoint fire rescue too
A7: First rule of game based learning - don't hijack the kids game - maintain the integrity of the game - build learning around it
Everyone has chance 2succeed. It's not race 2 finish line but ideally get everyone 2finish line at own pace
Can't wait to talk survival skills during testing season using ! chat starts at 9pm!
A7 Willing to end game when interest high & debriefing can begin instead of waiting for "winner". Can turn game into myth status
A7 Make sure it is relevant, beneficial, have a balance, keep looking for new opps, let Ss have control, input
Thanks, Quinn. Love to innovate with math and still teach the curriculum. has to be fun!
Biggest concern I hear from Ts when I'm preaching is "but but but testing and objectives" -- you CAN do both.
Q7. I start w/objectives in mind. I'm glad they are having fun, but need them engaged w/content. They may forget, but I never do.
Yup. Really enjoyed working with too
A7: Do new games, adventures, & quests each unit - keep Ss on their toes & surprise them with treasure 4meeting standards/goals
oh and forbidden island and forbidden desert are also good co-op games
brother - it takes creativity! https://t.co/t4fUHAXldy
Biggest concern I hear from Ts when I'm preaching is "but but but testing and objectives" -- you CAN do both.
Great way to put it -- "they may forget, I never do." We need to keep those targets in mind. https://t.co/GKIjTAxq0c
Q7. I start w/objectives in mind. I'm glad they are having fun, but need them engaged w/content. They may forget, but I never do.
Thanks for a great chat everyone - calling it a night! Great job moderating !!!
I totally agree with this - keeping the goal in mind is key! https://t.co/HnYRhQbJUv
Q7. I start w/objectives in mind. I'm glad they are having fun, but need them engaged w/content. They may forget, but I never do.
Thanks for a great chat - happy to meet you all tonight! fun group
Looks like time is up for -- thanks for having me host!
YES, it is possible and I have been doing it all year!!! https://t.co/MMw9sSYwfs
brother - it takes creativity! https://t.co/t4fUHAXldy
Biggest concern I hear from Ts when I'm preaching is "but but but testing and objectives" -- you CAN do both.
Thanks everyone, off to a meeting, see you next week!
Have you tried Forbidden Island or Forbidden Dessert? Same creators.
Thanks for some great discussion and encouragement &
