#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?
Hello everyone and welcome to another night of #games4ed
Tonight's topic: Planning your #GBL Game-Based Learning Unit.
Introduce yourself! Let's have a great chat!
Oooh...Sounds like fun! BTW, can't wait to hang out at @USMSpark this June! Going to be so many great people there again! Between that and ISTE, June is just gonna be AMAZING! #games4ed
Hi everyone!! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. I cleaned and relaxed on spring break.
Today, this is what it looks like in Nebraska. More snow :(
#games4ed
A1 - I start by listing goals. What do I want the Ss to learn by the end? Ideally along the lines of "mastering a skill" and not "create a product". Goals will be used to help define types of activities. #games4ed
A1: As Richard Bartle says, the first step is always making sure you know what is interesting to your students, and then building the instruction from there. Especially for younger students, incorporating fantastical elements is usually the best. #games4ed
A1: I think of the learning outcomes. Lucky for me my class is all about games so it’s easy to get creative when it comes to matching learning outcome to the game. #games4ed
You make a good point about the skill rather than the product. I also think some type of product is important, but I think that falls in with the assessment component later in the planning #games4ed
A1: I look at the outcomes I want them to cover, and the story of our game and what can be added to the story line to include this unit and what challenges can be created #games4ed
Agreed. The product should ideally be a way to showcase the skills they've learned. Easier to figure out what it could be after determining the skills. #games4ed
A1) knowing your goals for your students is essential, but so is the skill set behind the game (timed games to prepare for standardized testing practice, etc.) #games4ed
Hi all - I'm a UK PGCE trainee but also run a code club. Trying to learn a broad range of strategies so I might just observe and ask questions if that's okay? #games4ed
I am thinking along the lines of a space theme for the same reason. That way we can meet new civilizations and boldly go where noone has gone before as things get a little stale. #games4ed
Do you ever have Ss help come up with essential Qs? Just wondering b/c I can never get much student interest in questions I create, and I'm thinking of steering more that direction #games4ed
A1: Plan for the day and find games that best suit. I would get inspiration from Pinterest and other websites, getting ideas and try create my own making it fun #games4ed
I'm along the same lines. We did MarioKart first semester, Dragons 2nd sem. Thinking of changing it more next year to quarters, but silly me decided to add a 4th prep next year! #givingmyselfmorework#games4ed
The Majesti Tournament; each fifth grade class was a group of magical animals that ruled the Earth before people. I asked teachers to choose the ELA unit S's hate most: non-fiction informational text structures. #games4ed
A2: We did! We added characters to our story and used staff members of the school as those characters! We have been making video trailers to get the kids PUMPED about the units. #games4ed
A2: I use a storyline with my #gamification - we are a land battling a Horde of invaders (Warcraft style). The story starts with invaders and ends with closing of a portal, but middle can be whatever fits the curr and Ss #games4ed
A2 - I find story is really important. It's the narrative that ties all the activities together and provides the motivation/meaning behind why Ss are being asked to do what they're doing. Always more fun to solve problems that have context. #games4ed
A2: I try but it is a challenge. I do at least have a brief narrative to go with each quest even if it doesn’t tie to a larger storyline. I still want to task my students with a quest to go through my quest lines and develop a theeaded narrative. #games4ed
A2: That's why I am thinking about space or travelling of some sort. the narrative would be the exploration, but we can meet different civs. I am thinking that i can have the kids help with this (i.e. who would we meet, what would we need) #games4ed
A2: I do a lot of narrative when presenting new vocab words (and I work students' names into the narratives), but I don't do much to extend it through the unit. And not sure if I want to integrate the @Classcraft maps into narratives...those maps are inspirational #games4ed
A2: Using a fantastical story is best for my students (elementary school). We had class pick their magical animal group (Majesti), and make a poster to represent them. Each class then wrote and performed a skit; we filmed, and then showed to all in an intro movie. #games4ed
Good evening #games4ed - Michele 8th grade ELA teacher in NY using #gamification for the past 5 years. Our game is about uncovering the mysteries in books
A2: I use a storyline with my #gamification - we are a land battling a Horde of invaders (Warcraft style). The story starts with invaders and ends with closing of a portal, but middle can be whatever fits the curr and Ss #games4ed
LOL, you might be right. If you don't know Who, then it's lost on them. But a time travel theme is totally doable...the TARDIS could be an Easter Egg idea for those who could get it? #games4ed
In reply to
@jvanscoyoc, @legendlearning, @MarianaGSerrato, @Stella_Pollard
Amen! Totally love it, and love my classes EVEN MORE with it. My Ss are working on several different quests at a given time, and I love the variety and helping with them as needed. AND THEY PAY ME TO TEACH?! Seriously! #games4ed
In reply to
@MrBaskwill, @ClassCraft, @classcraftgame
A2 I always start with good intentions: lots of details, CYOA, dialogue...and then fade b/c I can't maintain that levl :O Looking forward reading others approach #games4ed
thank you! I'm near the end of my training, I do student-led activities. But I'm guessing gamification is taking that to a whole new level. I love the idea. not sure on implementing (but even HE students like some gamification) #games4ed
Yes, love @classcraftgame quest feature and have taken two reading units with their own quest one for social justice and second for dystopian realm #games4ed
In reply to
@MrBaskwill, @mpilakow, @ClassCraft, @classcraftgame, @classcraftgame
A3) I usually only use games that either I’ve created or have been vetted by other teachers. LOLs games are all teacher-reviewed, which helps. Same with PhET #games4ed
I'd love to know more. Can you give an example? I was thinking of doing something similar for each unit, a different game, such as an overarching breakout, or social deduction, or strategy game. #games4ed
A1: Backward design is always a good start. This means what do you want your students to be able to do? What are your goals? What is the end result going to be? How will the students get to that end result? #games4ed
A2 I always start with good intentions: lots of details, CYOA, dialogue...and then fade b/c I can't maintain that levl :O Looking forward reading others approach #games4ed
Totally agree! I think I was maybe 10 years into my teaching before backward design really finally sunk in, & it was one of the biggest moments of my teaching! #games4ed
According to the @gradecraft website, The strategy of using GradeCraft in the classroom is very similar to a backward design, meaning, the instructor starts with the end goal of the classroom, and focuses on the steps the students need to reach that goal.
#games4ed
A2: I'm new to this but...I assume what would be best is to plan out learning objectives. plan story activity around that and ways to challenge/ differentiate as needed? #games4ed
A2 - Steal! :) Well, steal the game idea anyway. Easiest is to start with things like jeopardy/wheel of fortune style. But look to games that exist and steal their ideas. #games4ed
Quest for social justice, CYOA & badges for dystopian, investigative journalism is a race to save the world, and currently reworking WWII & Holocaust unit now #games4ed
You have to think about the diverse students in your classroom and there are different players and interests so each unit I try to mix it up to meet all players/Ss needs #games4ed
At least this is what I try to do. I look at what I intend the learning outcome to be, and plan activities based on that as my "bigger picture" #games4ed
A2: I do use a story line with Story cube because all video games have a story. I love just letting the students roll the dice literally, and letting their roll and their imagination take them to their work. This also works great with @bloxelsbuilder#games4ed
That's really cool! I know some teachers have their Ss help develop the narrative, but having them use the Story Cube to do so is a great idea! Great tool to get them going! #games4ed
A4: Have had a game Council, a member from each team joins me once a month to discuss the game and give suggestions. And with 5th grade Ss will tell you their ideas and what they like/didnt like pretty freely! #games4ed
A3: I never really take a full game. I love take parts of a game. Games have elements that we can see and things we can not see. It is finding that right combination that will engage the students. #games4ed
#games4ed A3 board and card game are a big inspiration. Jenga review, Pokémon mod (real biomes & animals), MTG. others need no modding Codenames, Pandemic, Plague Inc.
I know story dice are a thing, but could make own as well by creating printed QR code cubes with stories, could even make that a student activity? #games4ed
In reply to
@natmak1118, @mpilakow, @bloxelsbuilder
A3: For example I love Self Determination Theory @BarryFishman Thank you! I use this in my classroom everyday, and my third graders love having purposeful choices in their lessons. They love that they belong in my classroom and they contribute to the classes' learning.#games4ed
A4: We put a survey into google classroom; very useful feedback from S to improve our design. Also separated very nicely into Bartle's player types by responses. #games4ed
Some of my best ideas have come from asking my kids what they like, don’t like and would suggest. Thenthey get so excited when their suggestion is used. #games4ed
A4: Ss should drive your game because they are your players and customers - Love the idea of a Game Council, also take periodic polls, have students write player reflections, & provide suggestions bank #games4ed
LOL, I bet they do! But I'd love that! Sometimes with jrs and srs, they are a little reluctant...at least until they know that I truly want to hear it! #games4ed
Exactly. and it also builds accountability. You cannot say this is lame if you were the one that asked for it ;) and they do have the best ideas. #games4ed
A4: Personally, I want to spend some time at beginning of year working on curriculum ideas with students. What do they want to learn/create with ELA? @trev_mackenzie has a great book about it! https://t.co/bMG4IcNQe1#games4ed
I agree, I been doing backward design for four months now, and I can not picture teaching with out it. Designing my lessons backwards is just natural to me. #games4ed
A5) I think I touched on this alittle with Q4 but, students like to know their ideas and thoughts matter- adding student ideas into the games keeps them motivated. Side quests or maybe student created questions #games4ed
Q4: I allow the students to give more peer feedback and self reflection than me telling them what to do and offering suggestions. Feedback is important, but I want my students to have choice in their feedback.#games4ed
Yeah, I already downloaded a book from the A-word during #lifelongKDG. And now put some story cubes in my inbox. Maybe they can go on requisitions instead... #games4ed
In reply to
@MarianaGSerrato, @MrHExperience, @ChibiBeckyG, @natmak1118, @bloxelsbuilder
We did a Breakout Room as an assessment piece earlier this year, which was a ton of fun. Used a similar model for our Celebration of Learning conferences this month. #games4ed
A5) I think I touched on this alittle with Q4 but, students like to know their ideas and thoughts matter- adding student ideas into the games keeps them motivated. Side quests or maybe student created questions #games4ed
Finally broke down and bought story cubes a few weeks ago, lol. Told myself my 9 yr old could use them, too. I do a lot of that justification :) #games4ed
In reply to
@mpilakow, @MarianaGSerrato, @MrHExperience, @ChibiBeckyG, @natmak1118, @bloxelsbuilder
I'm curious if there are any #games4ed Ts in middle school math classrooms. As a lurker to today's convo, I see great ideas from elementary & ELA Ts. Curious if anyone has had success getting their #msmathchat classes gamified. #mtbos
Q6: As our methods involve more and more student choice, it's important (and sometimes hard) to stay organized.
What tips do you have to stay organized and still provide student choice?
#games4ed
No I can't! Theirs are glossy and pretty and there are different kinds for differen themes and I want more of them so I can possess them and they can be mine! #games4ed
In reply to
@MarianaGSerrato, @MrHExperience, @ChibiBeckyG, @natmak1118, @bloxelsbuilder
A5: Most S feedback (except for the few Disruptors) is usually spot-on. Even when you think a lesson went really well, you'll find those that didn't care for it will tell you exactly why. It is impossible to simultaneously be in 20 different minds. #games4ed
A6: Trying to stay organized with Google Docs and Drive, keeping folders for everything. Also with @classcraftgame quests, keeps info and assignments in a organized way #games4ed
A6 - just wrapped up a Choose Your Own Adventure @classcraftgame quest today in which Ss we’re moving along 5 separate paths. Tried to line up the outcomes and expectations as much as possible, even though the tasks themselves were completely different. #games4ed
A6: @classcraftgame Quest features has a map that helps to track all the quests and games Ss work on during the school year + it's linked to @GoogleForEdu#games4ed
Speaking of DnD... Got this today. I was hesitant to show it to him but the art is amazing and he's really into mythology right now. He loves it... And I could use it, too :P #games4ed#dnddad
In reply to
@MrHExperience, @mpilakow, @MarianaGSerrato, @ChibiBeckyG, @natmak1118, @bloxelsbuilder
A6: I totally echo @classcraftgame! And @googleclassroom for distributing docs & directions.
I also really love my good old clipboard. I keep a colored-paper roster for each class (rainbow order throughout the day) to track reading and other notes #games4ed
A6: Trying to stay organized with Google Docs and Drive, keeping folders for everything. Also with @classcraftgame quests, keeps info and assignments in a organized way #games4ed
I love @classcraftgame , I could not get it off the ground this year. I would love to see a quest one day. Do you video or screencast your quest? #games4ed
In reply to
@MrHExperience, @mpilakow, @classcraftgame, @classcraftgame
Organisation is really important in education. I find that a year planner is the best way to stay organised! I have one in my room which helps me keep on top of everything #games4ed
We do this now! have a store that Ss run where others can buy HP and AP potions along with armor and eq for use in Boss battles! They also came up with the idea of a banker. Ss with weekly jobs get paid in silver :) #games4ed
In reply to
@MrHExperience, @mpilakow, @MarianaGSerrato, @ChibiBeckyG, @natmak1118, @bloxelsbuilder
Grade 8 English. Each path featured poetry response, article analysis, and a creative writing piece. It’s in the @classcraftgame quest bank now. #games4ed
In reply to
@mpilakow, @TeachingFactor, @classcraftgame, @classcraftgame
A6: I am earning my Ph.D in edtech right now with a strong focus on GBL and gamification. So I keep organized by what class do I have to write a paper for? Not the best system, but it is working. I mostly use Google Doc or drive to save things.
#games4ed
Yes organizes is key. I have a binder for each unit that I teach and I also create a Table of Contents which looks more like a Birds Eye Calendar to help me plot out what activities we to meet learning goals #games4ed
Organisation is really important in education. I find that a year planner is the best way to stay organised! I have one in my room which helps me keep on top of everything #games4ed
#games4ed A6 This year I used Schoology a little less & GClassroom a lot more - so many things integrate or post to it! Drawback is that with lots of choice Ss have a hard time sorting stuff out even with using topics tags :/
A7: This is where team work can come into play. Balance between team challenges and individual missions. Also, every Friday I give out additional rewards, points & announce who leveled up - this creates cause for celebration as well as inspire others to get involved #games4ed
A7: This was my life this year, I have learned that all students are interested in some part of games. It can be having a choice in their learning, Identity Play: making their own character, building relationships with friends and being able to fail in the classroom.#games4ed
A7: I was one of these students. I just found it awkward and didn't want to embarrase myself. I think you shouldn't force these students. Find something else they are interested in and come up with a different activity covering the same topic #games4ed
A7: Honestly, when I really started #gbl and #gamification a few yrs ago, I thought ALL Ss would love it. I was wrong. But I did learn that ALL Ss like having choice, moving at their own pace, being able to redo. #games4ed
If anyone wouldn't mind answering? Is there a good starting point for class gamification? I'm about to do action research for my teacher training degree and looking at what I could potentially do #games4ed
I personally started with just a simple leaderboard for a repeat assignment. This is my journey, if it helps in any way :https://t.co/GCnGyN5Kdu#games4ed
Here's the Hamlet one I created and revamped the past couple yrs. One thing I can do here that I can't do on Classcraft quests is hide Easter Eggs :) https://t.co/5XwG1pepGW#games4ed
Great question! I would start with one unit and think of how a game could be attached. Right now I'm doing March Madness poetry. Olympics theme is also very flexible. Do more than just a leaderboard & badges--I learned the hard way those may work for some, not all #games4ed
Love this idea! I tried making Players Guides for each unit too but (once again) fail to keep them up to date. Did I mention we welcomed a 2nd son into the world in September?! Lol behind all year even more than yrs past #games4ed
Learning about. I'm a trainee so in a placement almost done. But for action research have to try new things and report if it has any noticeable improvements for learners #games4ed
Oh wow, yes! That's so exciting! But totally understand and remember having littles...I don't remember hardly anything the year I had my third kid in four years! The fact that you're still gamifiying is a great sign! #games4ed
