Jay from NE, MS science teacher. So far the year is going ok. Working on getting 8th grade to buy in. 7th grade seems pretty excited to play a game in class. #xplap
Ryan, 8th Grade US History, Olathe, KS. So far, so good, though trying to create a more efficient system for giving feedback on assignments. Also some Ss are getting distracted by sidequests & not completing assessed tasks. #xplap
Hello everyone. Mariana Garcia Serrato MS STEM from San Jose, CA. Things are going well. Students liking the new version of the game. Student sheets have been a success. #XPLAP
Hi, I'm Patrick Amel. 4th grade teacher from Oshkosh, WI. Year is off to a strong start and working hard on building community with my students. #xplap
I'm Scott, a fifth grade teacher in Lockport, IL. My year is going great! I'm introducing a new ELA game to my students on Friday. They are already excited and they know pretty much nothing about it. #XPLAP
✨Hey, #XPLAP Crew! I'm Kimberly from NE, and I teach 7th grade ELA. It's been a crazy fun year so far, and so much sweetness on the horizon! Can't wait!✨#XPLAP
Hey #xplap crew! Dwight here from the Adirondacks... I organized my shelves today to get ready for this week's chat! (My shelves aren't the ones pictured...)
Hi #xplap! Im Adam. The year started off well... Then we have been off since the 1st week of Sept due to Hurricanes and subsequent flooding. Glad to be checking in and chatting with other ed professionals!
Rich Anderson
North Syracuse
9th grade Social Studies
Having an amazing year with some truely awesome Ss..... slowly rolling out our game—The Quest for Global Domination—but excited to see it unfold
You were great on #wellplayed today. The pirate / ship theme sounds so fun. I love your "overboard" idea. I think that's what it was. The kids will love it! #xplap
A1: Sara Freeman, Technology and Innovation teacher @MapleWarriors - just introduced my first gamification plan last week and the kids are excited and creating team pennants #XPLAP
Brittany - 4th grade teacher. First year #gamification The start has been a hot mess, but I have a great group of kids and we’re having a fantastic time! #xplap
#xplap Tama Trotti here from ATL- trying to hang for a few- we are 1 hr ahead- did marshmallow challenge w/ 1 group- interesting- so far no one was able to build it to stand
Josh Stock, 6th grade Language Arts teacher and host of the Kansas Moonshot podcast. Tomorrow I'm gearing up for an epic trek up Mt. Everest. I'm still cutting out construction paper for our campfire. #xplap
A1: I have so much stuff saved in google keep. I'm starting to save ideas from chats in there too. I've replaced having a million tabs with having a million links. #xplap
a1) I almost always have a notebook on me to jot down quick ideas (or on my hand) also have about 50 bookmarks on my computer now, and about 5 different word documents with ideas from #xplap
A1: I love tech. But for some reason, my brain really likes to slow down & step away from tech. So in comes the journal & planner. Great to keep ideas & a running set of tasks to get accomplished. #xplap
A1: I had to build a spreadsheet with multiple sheets/tabs to keep track of inspiring ideas. One day I’ll get it all organized into a manual/slash “Nintendo Power”-esque book. #xplap
A1 This really isn't a plug (maybe a little) but my blog has been my most effective reflection and organization tool for game inspiration.
#xplap
(https://t.co/FMPJUo0pfu)
Casey Reierson. STEAM teacher at a BRAND new elementary school in Bemidji, MN. Elated to be a part of our new program here! Today I taught students about gravity, lift, drag, and thrust/force in my physics garage! #XPLAP
Google keep has been my go to as well. With the ability to tag, and organize by color. it seems to get all my ideas. I even took a picture in Target yesterday with it and then added a voice note. #XPLAP
A1-I start with a basic structure and make sure I have room to add in extra innovative things. I have created major story markers for my gamified year but I have left room for small story additions and hopefully room for kids to add in as well #xplap.
A1: I know this is super boring but I write them down on notes on my phone... I do the same for vlog topics and #xplap topics. These inspiration lists are huge when you are in a drought!
A1: I have post-it notes, a couple of different spirals I've started and abandoned, napkins, I wrote some ideas down on my hand one day that I didn't want to forget. I'm a mess. #xplap
A1 I have found it easy to hyperlink websites and sources of sidequests into my presentations, notes, and student resources. This way I do not have to bookmark everything and link everything it is a live doc full of resources, challenges, and hints #xplap
A2: I am just now dipping my toes into the #gamification pool but to see the kids reaction has increased my excitement too! I am creating as I go and don’t have it all worked out yet. Maybe should be called the “make it up as you go” game 😂😂
A1: I keep a Google Doc with a running list of ideas. I started adding the links to things I've created so I have it in one place for next year. #XPLAP
Love it Sara, keep moving forward with your kiddos. They will continue to love it and you will see the full design potentional as you build more from year to year. #XPLAP
A1: I tend to jump right in when an idea hits. Or as @TaraMartinEDU would say cannonball in!
If the idea fits with what I am covering I use it right away!
Like with my Hacker competitions that I introduced this week. (Inspired by Big Brother!
#XPLAP
Ss are intense about my new game element inspired by Big Brother this season... the hacker competition
One S will anonymously win and be able to secretly change the game.
It might be my new favorite element! #xplap#tlap#hastasticlearning@tishrich@mrmatera@HeckAwesome
A1 I didn't feel very organized at all last year. Always in awe of those who can have every detail planned out. Feel like things are getting more cohesive this year. I use lots of lists and categories for my ideas. #xplap
A1 This really isn't a plug (maybe a little) but my blog has been my most effective reflection and organization tool for game inspiration.
#xplap
(https://t.co/FMPJUo0pfu)
I fear this for myself...I am trying to keep note of things and not overwhelm my game. But finding the balance between keeping Ss interested and not overwhelming is tough #xplap
A1 I started an #xplap doc in Drive and add to it all the time. Links, images, everything. Started as my brainstorming of theme, setting, etc for my game.
A1: I have a huge list of ideas in the Notability app on my iPad. When I can't fit that in my pocket I have to scramble for a notecard and hope it makes it there. #xplap
A1: I love to also vlog about my ideas and share them with people. If you have a moment, and care to subscribe I would be honored.
https://t.co/SB0FREshu7#XPLAP
Haha same.... I call #tlap and #xplap my edu bibles. I had one kid ask me “where are your books?” because they are usually within eyesight for planning (they were on a different table at the time) lol
A1: I have a Google Folder for my game, and other folders inside for cards/items, images of characters, backgrounds, & items. I have folders inside of folders. I may be out of control. :) #XPLAP
A1 part II Adding to @KimSnodgrass using Google and adding comments in my lesson plans and docs helps me to improve and stay organized for the next year's game #xplap
I think we all have this desire for things to go perfectly even though we know it never does. I just try to keep that perfection monster in check and just try to focus on my growth as a teacher and my goals for my students. #XPLAP
A2: One good thing about elementary is that I have one class instead of many during the day (benefits & drawbacks to both) so this part is not too hard to manage. #XPLAP
A2: I'd love to hear how others do it. I tried out a form that students fill out when they complete a side quest, but I got busy and didn't keep up with it. #xplap
A2: After finding a way to give autoXP for them, they are submitted through a G-form that identifies unique url and categorizes by grade level and type. Now I just have to go in every week or so to catch the awesomeness :) #XPLAP
A2: I struggled with this last year & just had Ss turn them in like other assignments. This year I created a form like @mrmatera’s that Ss must submit with their quest & turn into their camp mail slot. I collect @ end of day & return by next day. #xplap
A2: I'm starting sidequest this year, so hopefully hoping to throw the first one up this week. I would find some time during the day to meet with them, but I am curious how others do it. #xplap
✨A2✨
IT'S COMING TOGETHER PIECE BY PIECE! I'm posting side quests in Google Classroom, but having them turn in to me in person on Fateful Friday, so I can quickly assess and give points during their reading time each period.
#XPLAP
Curious if anyone is on a similar situation, I see Ss once a week for 45 minutes, and trying to #gamify, it's slow going, and momentum is hard to build #XPLAP
A2 So far the interest in sidequests have not picked up so it is relatively easy to assess, evaluate XP, and send back to students, when it picks up it will be a blessing to have my XP system in place with weekly checks #xplap
A2: I house it all in Google Classroom and am consistent with the timing of some quests. For example, my "Grammar Fail" challenges come out ever Sunday #xplap
A2) I use Google Classroom for some side quests. I can give feedback as soon as I get notifications of completion. My other main org tool is a Quests basket where Ss can turn in work as they finish. I check it every day because many of the quests unlock additional paths. #xplap
A2: I actually just had an idea hit... Using Google Classroom, set up a sidequest classroom assignment without a due date. Students can submit at anytime & attach any Google Docs they create when turning it in. #xplap
I've got @mrmatera leaderboard and I embed the student version to a game website. I would love to learn more about creating sheets, though. Definitely a novice in that area. #xplap
A3: so far I am posting all assignments and side quests on google classroom. This way I get a notification when things are turned in. I have put together a leaderboard website with badges earned that they can access through classroom too #XPLAP
A2 I have a rolling admissions policy. ss never 'turn in' work rather we confer and iterate till done. Side quests work,the same way and can be submitted at any time, confer, and resubmit if needed. XP goes in with demonatration of content or skill competence.
#xplap
A1 - I have built Google Sites for my classes, and have Slides that are hyperlinked with all of my assignments. My Drive is a mess, but at least the linked Slides keep me sane. #XPLAP
A2- I have been using @classcraftgame to keep track of my side quests and it’s adds a special feel for students when they turn it in there instead of google classroom. I am just starting this unit with side quests and I already have a great showing from students #xplap
A2 Starting sidequests this week—I am trying to decide wether to put them on Google Classroom or my website, or both. Then how to collect? I have a place set up in class (and trying to figure digital). First year w/regular access to chrome books. #xplap
I am every other day & every other Friday. Itbtakes a but but when a buzz gets going among the students they start asking when things will happen,that they heard about feom another class.. #xplap
A2 I may have students start keeping their own tallies in their science notebook as an appendix so that it is more meaningful and tangible to them #xplap
A2: My sidequests have been mostly miss instead of hit, but I'm trying to show the Ss that the students who do them see a larger amount of digital currency in their bank accounts. I'm hoping that once people buy some items and the others see the results it'll pick up. #XPLAP
I am in the same boat as a specials/encore teacher, it has been slow going but I am already starting to see a pay off as I have the leaderboard pulled up for them to look at as they walk in. Keep with it! You’ve got this! #xplap
A3: I have a friendship container that I will be using for badges. I also have a crafting folder that the students turn in their cards, and will go to the folder to grab their card that they made. #xplap
I encourage physical. But for digital I started using dropbox to collect those quests. You can share a link for students to upload. They then attach the file and fill in there name. Makes it super organized. #XPLAP
A2 I sent out a side quest as an activity in Seesaw... a couple students already jumped on it! I can respond and suggest revisions for more XP, and it stays in their portfolio. #XPLAP. At least that’s what I’m thinking now.
A3) Before the year started, I wanted to get some baseball card sheet protectors for all my Ss items/powers. However, I wasn't able to make it happen this year. I still may try at some point, if I can find the time. #xplap
A3: This year I bought baseball card holder sheets for all of my students. It was a small investment but completely worth it. At the end of the year I'll probably try to collect them from them. I'm hoping to get about 1/2 back to reuse for next year. #xplap
A2: My sidequests have been mostly miss instead of hit, but I'm trying to go over them quickly and reward their bank accounts so that items can be bought and that other Ss will see items get purchased. Having my other assignments auto-grade makes this easier. #XPLAP
a3) for my 8th grade class I gave them a baseball card holder for the items, any badges would be stickers (haven't given them out yet), for 7th grade I think I'll have a binder with each groups items. #xplap
A2: My sidequests have been mostly miss instead of hit, but I'm trying to go over them quickly and reward their bank accounts so that items can be bought and that other Ss will see items get purchased. Having my other assignments auto-grade makes this easier. #XPLAP
A2: I also use my Google Sites to provide Ss with access to resources for tasks. I hide sidequests within each unit. Feel free to explore it! https://t.co/JtHCtlm9m3#xplap
A2 I have a folder for anything that fits that way. Office space for larger things and a turn in folder in Google classroom for docs. I also use a submission slip to know that things are being turned in. #xplap
A3: My students have a baseball/trading card plastic sleeve page in their binders to keep their physical cards/items for the game like magic wands, sleeping potions, etc... I'm also giving my kids digital badges for content mastery in a shared Google Doc for each kid. #XPLAP
Mine too! It is permanently within reach. I have so many 3M tags on pages, but at this point I don’t even need them anymore. I know page numbers! #XPLAP
I have a transition period which is the test date. They can still get a conference and XP for past content but can only work on current unit materials during the new unit. (Unit 2 work during unit 2 time). There is a deadline when grades are due #xplap
A3: I don't have a mechanism for trading items or cards yet, as they're digital only at this point and are single use. I did buy some basecall card sheets and hard cases but haven't used them yet. #XPLAP
I do daily announcements for my class. I record it before school (takes about 5 minutes) and play it each hour. It keeps me from forgetting things and frees me up to check in with kids while the video is playing. #xplap
Goodnight #xplap... It's late on the east coast, and I don't want to hit the snooze button again tomorrow like I did this morning. Great chat as always. Have a great week out there!
At the beginning of the year there are so many systems to get Ss into that it's hard to devote time to rolling out the game, but soon we will get through those things and can focus more on the game #xplap
Today after a quiz student says "Dang it! I had this power to get a free answer on one question and didn't use it!"
I think he'll use it next time.
#xplap
A3: I too bought baseball card holder, which I’m finally see some excitement over! I’m currentlykeepingbmy stash in a recipe box...it’s too small.🙃#XPLAP
A3 This was a but of a struggle last year but I believe my spreadsheet is much clearer for my students and myself! Still looking to eventually move to a non digital format like @mrmatera! #goals 😁
#xplap
A3: I use a baseball card holder filled with all items. I seperate them by unit and have a section for year round items. Each unit is like a set of cards they can earn for a limited time. They love it! #XPLAP
A3: Ss keep item cards in trading card sleeves behind front cover of of their “Field Journals”. Badges are taped to the front so they can show them off. #xplap
A3: That is where my student sheets came in. These auto update from the LB so that I actually do not have to do much myself (other than grade and input). Everything adds up and assigns automatically. The latest version also has "perfect bosses" https://t.co/02FUZ3fzgY#XPLAP
🔭A3🔭
LOOKING FOR IDEAS!
I like the idea of printed cards, but still trying to discover a way to keep it all organized and easy to use! Can't wait to read responses to this Q! #XPLAP
A3- @classcraftgame helps me keep my digital characters in order and my physical cards (new this year) I took a page from the great @mrmatera and give students item chests to hold thier cards #xplap
A3: I created another page in my sheet that lists all students names and which badges they have earned , my next step is some conditional formatting to simplify and automate this process a bit. May be a while! 😂 #XPLAP
A2: I also use my Google Sites to provide Ss with access to resources for tasks. I hide sidequests within each unit. Feel free to explore it! https://t.co/JtHCtlm9m3#xplap
A3: Here is an example of one student's digital badge page so far. I still have physical cards/items for the game. This is for content that they show mastery in during the game. #xplap
A3: I had my Ss tape badges to their science notebook. (bragging rights) if the badge had a single use power I put a check on the badge when it was used. Items were kept in plastic baseball card sleves. #XPLAP
A3 I use baseball card sheets for students' physical item cards and I keep a binder with sheets for myself also. In my binder each card type gets a slot. I save all the masters in Google Drive so I can print as needed. #xplap
A3 For analog items I will use the back of their science notebook as the utility pack for storage, similar to @mrmatera idea of using card pockets, for digital badges and items @RedCritter is used by one of my colleagues, @PotterTeaches and it works well for her #xplap
A2: I am v. interested in all of your ideas. I haven’t officially introduced side quests. I don’t know why. I think I am a little scared that students won’t do them. #XPLAP
Thanks for #xplap@mrmatera! It has been an anchor in some stormy seas the last 3 weeks. I enjoy all of the people here and always fprget its only 30 mins now!
Maybe start with a few easy ones. I have ones like: Show me you have @quizlet app on your phone; Take a selfie with two teachers. Then go bigger. #XPLAP
Agreed! I have tried to incorporate some of the beginning of the year team builders as part of the game, hoping to have kids make videos of procedures to show younger Ss and reinforce for older as side quests next. #XPLAP
We wanted something quick that we could share with students in their Google Classroom so they could check standings. It sounds like I need to get @mrmatera's leaderboard! #XPLAP
In reply to
@jcoswald, @mr_reierson, @psamel, @mrmatera
We wanted something quick that we could share with students in their Google Classroom so they could check standings. It sounds like I need to get @mrmatera's leader board! #XPLAP
In reply to
@jcoswald, @mr_reierson, @psamel, @mrmatera
Yes! Yes! Me! You spend so much time getting the mechanics of the class down with the students that this just adds one more ball in the air to juggle. But this slowness is always is the cas. Always takes time for the year to come up to speed. #XPLAP
The best thing I’ve done is utilize @mrmatera’s leaderboard Sheets file and incorporate auto-grading ImportRange formulas for the bulk of my assignments. Frees up so much time for side-quest marking, narrative-creation and other game-master functions. #xplap
My students didn’t use any of their item on their first boss battle. I reminded them that they had them, but I think they were a little gun shy to be the first. When the first one is thrown down though, I’m sure all bets will be off and the game will be on! #XPLAP
Same with some powers I give Ss. Some Ss have a power they can use once a day to get a Starburst from me. No one has started using it yet. It will happen. #xplap
Thank you everyone for all of your great ideas and convo. You all inspire me weekly, and I feel encouraged ! Thanks to @mrmatera once again for creating this opportunity! #XPLAP
Its a low tech high tech hybrid. Ss have Indy qr codes that the T can scan with a phone or iPad. You can see me scanning a class in the 2nd half of the video in this post. #xplaphttps://t.co/gPlqU4Bwxo
In reply to
@TraceyKast, @missmac100, @mrmatera, @plickers
