#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?
Dianalyn, Middle School Science teacher in Tx. I like to try new recipes in the winter. I can cook without worrying about heating up the house. #games4ed
A1: I want them to dig deeper or show a better understanding of the content. As a science teacher I want them to try citizen science so they can be a part of something bigger. #games4ed
A1) I use them as enrichment. It's a chance to teach the fun stuff in history that often doesn't quite fit into the more "academic" part of class. #games4ed
A1: Being library classes, my side quest are additional support and opportunities for the students to achieve library standards and earn badges. That way they gain more access in the library. I also use them for differentiation and ESL support. #games4ed
Hello! Beth from Alabama. I teach 9-12 Ceramics and Video Game Design. I like hiding under the electric blanket either with a good book or with art supplies and YouTube. #games4ed
I like that--there's sometimes good stuff out there that you want to share but don't always have the time--side quests are a good way to get that in! #games4ed
A1: My entire class is quest based so while there is a main questline of creating a game, all the side quests contribute to relevant learning objectives (review games to analyze game mechanics, coding quests, VR etc.) #games4ed and choice / quests support passion driven learning
I find it interesting that my ELL’s are some of the first to ask for side quests. I think the fact that they aren’t “graded” appeals to them. #games4ed
In reply to
@MrHExperience, @mpilakow, @MrRoughton
The ungraded aspect can take time. It's a cultural piece that can be either freeing or frustrating. Delicate balance to create that trust and engagement. #Games4Ed
I feared this yr when I got rid of most daily-ish grades that Ss wouldn't do the work. Not the case. Hasn't changed their work effort much at all! #games4ed
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @PerkyScience, @MrHExperience, @MrRoughton
A2: I am just starting gamifying my math only, and I'm really learning as I go. I havent planned out a full into yet. Trying to incorporate skills that we are working on and trying to encourage them to dig deeper. #games4ed
A2: Some is planned on curr - we had a poetry side quest where Ss would research and create poetry, others are created on interests of students and extensions of class material or opportunities like MakerEd #games4ed
A2: I try to provide opportunities for students to explore and find their areas of interest and pursue them on a deep level. All quests relate in some way to game design and game design industry #games4ed
I try to develop side quests for the different player types. Also, certain side quests are worth more for certain characters. Best part about teaching history is the side quests reset every unit. Here they are: https://t.co/92PCGZfBr6#games4ed
A2: I really try to plan them to extend what we are doing in the class in a different and perhaps fun way. My problem is what I think is fun doesn’t seem to match Ss idea. My SQ participation is not as high as I would like. #games4ed
A2: "I wish we had time to...." = sidequest. I am just starting but trying to hit a range of everything from hands on to reading to teaching. #games4ed
I try to develop side quests for the different player types. Also, certain side quests are worth more for certain characters. Best part about teaching history is the side quests reset every unit. Here they are: https://t.co/92PCGZfBr6#games4ed
I've sometimes set up some "quick and easy" SQs to lure Ss, just to get a taste of them. For my kids it's sometimes the time factor when they're in HS #games4ed
I like to expose kids to different competitions through side quests. I had one student do the science super hero comic through NSF. So fun to work with him. #games4ed
I never thought of thinking about player types. I try to think of different interest areas, but player types is an interesting way to design, too #games4ed
"I'd like to purchase an Orb of Healing and a Totem of Cloning for 200 GP. Then use them for a +20 on Core Ideas...I feel like I'm playing an actual card game!" Stuff you hear on the last Store Day. #games4ed#xplap
A3 - Overachievers! Like in MMORPGs, there is that one that is WAY above everyone in lvl, skill, gold, items, etc. Sidequests can offer more farming area for them! #games4ed And this can be a problem for the balance of the class.
A3
Challenges:
- more interesting/fun than main quest
- time consuming to make/track
Solution?
- instead of linear main quest, turn side quests into alternative main paths
#games4ed
My students have to complete a side quest submission form via Google Drive. Once they're in the folder, I enjoy the illusion of organization! #Games4Ed
I'm in a similar boat. Especially when we're in a writing unit--it's hard to keep up with student feedback, especially when they're working on multiple projects #games4ed
A3: Ss who need some guidance getting started with them, or with @classcraftgame Quests I need to approve each before they can move to the next part of the quest. #games4ed
A3 Hi #games4ed. Managing side quests can be a bit overwhelming without a good delivery method. I have a Google site and have some physical cards I have hidden around the building and encourage sharing.
That's a good point. I offer lots of game benefit for finishing books, but then I have a few really avid book readers who take huge advantage of these quests #games4ed
A3: When I didn't have a full quest based course it felt fragmented and kids didn't always really 'get it' in terms of the side quests. Now, it's part of the culture of the class #games4ed
I found it is just easier to have them make them digital in some way and turn them into our LMS. Then I can get to them at my convenience. My organization hurdle is in finding the time to create them. #games4ed
I think that's where I'm still struggling. Trying to find the sweet spot of the ELA standards they need to cover but doing it with student choice of quests #games4ed
BUT....just this week or past few days, you can program Classcraft to allow students to "self-progress" through without you having to approve! So happy to see this new feature! #games4ed
In reply to
@MrBaskwill, @legendlearning, @classcraftgame
I've been trying this... The big issue is the 2nd point. Time is finite in the planning process... Love the concept of alternative quest with a parallel narrative #games4ed
For the current unit it is "Create a Mayan temple." I've done create a castle, create a Renaissance sculpture, roman chariot, etc. Anything works really. Kids love the Minecraft feel. #games4ed
This is baked in the cake in my class, Ss can often go on their own missions and most of my time is checking in on progress and providing feedback. Does get overwhelming at times #games4ed
That is a good point. With using @classcraftgame, one advantage is being able to set a sidequest that isn't accessible until after another assignment is done... #games4ed
A4: All my SQ are done with @classcraftgame which organizes things beautifully! Can check in on each part of quest and each student at any time. #games4ed
A4: Google forms makes life easy. I get an email with link every time it gets submitted. Couple this with the @mrmatera control center google sheet and it’s a lot more manageable than people assume. #games4ed
LOL...I do like @classcraftgame quests for organization. Also, I use Google Classroom to distribute assignments to avoid the "share it with a teacher" problem. #games4ed
I will have to check out @classcraftgame... my organization currently is in LOL playlists, which I love, because we can schedule them and end them accordingly-- and have many going at once! #games4ed
In reply to
@MrBaskwill, @classcraftgame, @classcraftgame
A4: In my classroom, students are all working on different quests. Thank goodness they submit them via @classcraftgame and I can track their progress. Approved quests becomes their measure of success. #games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
love this idea of the bank system-- gives student choice within a defined topic! Similar to leveled playlists in LOL based on learning objective! #games4ed
A4 A takeaway from teaching #PersonalizedLearning : teach students how to write a SMART goal for what they intend to accomplish during class time. Then build in 3-5 minutes to allow them time to self-assess, reflect on their process, & alter future behavior as a result #games4ed
I reward mine with Capes! Or prizes! for new challenges they overcome. I also have passes for certain things that are worth points-- they can earn points for finishing quests and trade them in for snack pass, free seating, etc #games4ed
A6 - Get them involved in the creation of side quests. Make them more open ended and totally different from "normal" class room activity. Include "perks". #games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
A5: It's great for Ss who show mastery of curr material early, and for Ss who want to gain more Pts in our gamified class, and for those parents and Ss who want a bit more for home #games4ed
A5: I use those “lame duck days” (delayed opening, half day, day before break) as side mission days. Much better than just putting a movie on while kids zone out! #games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
A5 - I use a concise narrative for the whole class. A fantasy adventure D&D style called The Stone of Truth. The side quests offer information about the lore and supplement the story too. Curiosity has been my main motivator for sidequests. #games4ed
I see side-quests as differentiated activities. So a regular learning activity for one group can be a side quest for another. Helps with planning. Encourage through reward system such as additional gold, xp, or power-ups, but randomize rewards. #games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
I have a similar set up... Though students and I usually conference which serves as submission. If they need to rework it doesnt feel like a submission and they get fast feedback. If its good I take the product and display it... #games4ed
Q5: Some Ts struggle with encouraging students to try side quests--or more challenging side quests. How can you encourage and entice students to try sidequests?#games4ed
A5 in semester 1 I had a 3 part quest. Each part led to a tri-frorce like card. Armor, sword, and wings of illumination. If all 3 were collected they erned a mythical rare card #games4ed
Thats true. I think the constant checking in also takes away the stress of submitting work. Constant feedback means "failure" never occurs (well doesn't seem like it) #games4ed
In reply to
@PerkyScience, @mr_isaacs, @classcraftgame
Next week I am starting a game maker group of students. I was going to give them an option to plan a quest. I’m interested to see what they turn out. #games4ed
#games4ed Still in the idea stage. Think I finally have developed a theme idea.....remember Y2K? I teach a variety of software/graphic design/photo/HTML/video Thanks you for allowing me to lurk around
Giving up control was hard for me at first, but I have found that several students take on a 'leadership' role and it is nice to see some come out of their shell! #games4ed
I've always found that Ss are usually harder on themselves/each other than teachers. So usually if you give them control, you actually have to make what they do *easier*, not harder. #games4ed
In reply to
@legendlearning, @PerkyScience, @mpilakow
A7: The coding quests have become a fan favorite - especially @codecademy for the kids who start down that path! They just keep going to a point that I have to add quests to the quest line :) #games4ed
A7) Mine really liked making virtual sculptures for the Renaissance. Something about starting with a block of clay and just creating really appealed to them. #games4ed
A7 - My kids loved one that compelled them to solve a riddle that needed them to find extra information somewhere in the school. I was impossible to make on their own. And they had fun asking other teachers and challenging them too! #games4ed
In addition, there's something about momentum. When they control the pace, they get momentum. A fellow teacher set up her first hyperdoc this wk and couldn't believe how fast some Ss worked through it, some doing a week of work in a night! #games4ed
In reply to
@MusingsOnEdTech, @legendlearning, @PerkyScience
A7 Ss iagined creating a movie that answered an assigned question. Then made the trailer using primary sources #games4ed (not sure if the link will work)
https://t.co/lRgvzMGewv
Ooh, this reminds me of a Q I've had for all of you (maybe for future chat)? With quests, how do you make sure it lasts all semester/unit and some don't zip ahead? Had a T give us all assignments at unit start, I finished in week 1/4... #games4ed
In reply to
@mpilakow, @legendlearning, @PerkyScience
Thanks so much to #games4ed for sharing thoughts and ideas about Side Quests tonight! This is a topic I'm so excited about & loved sharing with you all!
Love doing Ss conference assessments & check-ins. Ss do too once they realize the power of iteration & mastery - then they look forward to it. Next semester I have 35+ in classes. Been there before and conferences always suffer #games4ed Maybe more Ss @Flipgrid as alternatives?
In reply to
@legendlearning, @MrPowley, @PerkyScience, @mr_isaacs, @classcraftgame, @Flipgrid
