#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 March 24, 2016
Good evening everyone! Welcome to : Games & Student Voice. Intro: Name, location, & position please. https://t.co/klNl2elLTc
Steve from NJ - I teach video game design and development to MS students -
Hey ! Keegan here, Educational Technologist from . Really excited for tonight’s chat!
Danica, New York City, Student Teacher for the Deaf
Hello Justin from New Jersey 8th grade social studies teacher.
Hi everyone! It's good to be back! I'm Joanne, a preservice teacher studying at Hope College
Good evening everyone & welcome! Robert - MS Computer Tech teacher in 1:1 iPad school in northern NJ + ambassador.
Akash coolman Mishra, WAMS middle school, and a student for the ultimate league of book hunters
Welcome Justin - more in the house!
Heidi here, from Nebraska. I'm the ELA and technology teacher at our high school.
Glad to be here. Excited to hear your perspective on tonights chat. :)
Matt, NJ, teacher, author, , designer of meaningful experiences for students
Welcome Justin! Go Jersey
Hi! Kris from LI, NY. School library media specialist
Thanks for being here Keegan!
Question 1 coming up in 2 minutes... Welcome everyone!
Thanks excited for the chat tonight!
Hello! Meg from Kansas City, 7th grade science
Thank you! Excited to sit in on another great chat!
Yay! Welcome Kris :-) I appreciate you being here.
Mike, Librarian from MD - 2ES
Thanks for being here Mike!
A1: well students that play games and really enjoy them try to recreate the greatness of that game or maybe they strive for better
Mark G, 5th Grade T from Southern NJ saying Hello and just started Spring Break today!
A1 allows students to either compete against themselves or others.
Hi, Rachelle from Pittsburgh, Spanish & teacher , culture w/ Hummingbird robots :)
hi! Absolutely games should be part of maker kids love making game cards- rules they can own
A1) Each process in design can be used to interject content. I imaging uses similar to PBL. Love to hear others thoughts too!
A1 It's all about agency. Creating it and experiencing it. That's why been a boon to my class!
A1: Putting kids in position to design game could be the most empowering experience you could give them! put them in driver seat!
Game Design allows Ss to build, create, & show mastery in their own regard, w/ creative freedom. Allows for indep & exploration
A1 I've watched my students take over as they create games. The start throwing rules around, not me.
I think this is key because you can use the game design process to motivate many forms of learning.
A1: Empowerment! they become more invested in their own motivation
Playing and creating games provides opportunities for kids to develop and apply problem solving and critical thinking skills.
A1: Design process puts outcome in hands of students - empowers them to select roles, work in teams, etc
A1: Games & design can empower by creating familiar contexts for reluctant Ss. Problem-solving, creativity, etc. Games=skills.
A1 adding a game takes the focus off of the material and puts in on fun. Materials flows in their ears and stays
A1: Allowing kids to co-create learning experience by introducing games and being the expert is certainly empowering
A1 - Yeah! What said! https://t.co/DCA20H8vkl
Game Design allows Ss to build, create, & show mastery in their own regard, w/ creative freedom. Allows for indep & exploration
A1: games & game design let Ss feel more in charge/independent in what they're doing & actively involved in what they're learning!
agreed! Giving students choice in creating can bring out them best in them creatively. Empower Ss with
Games and Game design gets students excited. It is awesome to see students volunteer to spend extra time on their "work"
A1: game design can help take Ss to the application level! Helping struggling Ss to visualize complex content in a different way.
we have 2 weeks til spring break :/
Games are ageless! Right now son is playing on Playstation and husband is playing on Xbox.
students certainly have a strong context for what makes a good game (as a gamer themselves, right?)
definitely. Meet the students where they are at in their learning with problem solving of game design & creation.
A1: engaged students= active learners=critical thinkers who are making choices
Love A1 - learn about taking risks and redoing after a fail, different levels, collaboration, communication & so much more!
Last day of school before spring break. These Ss stayed in from lunch recess to finish various projects https://t.co/O8FCcFPIB8
Ouch! stay strong my friend.
Question 2 coming up in 2 minutes...
yup, gamers might get tired of waiting for others to make good games and maybe make it themselves
A1 It's an extremely effective way to honor & celebrate in the classroom
A1 Game design, encourages active learning and creativity. No way to hide.
Give Ss a set & series of standards, Let them develop a game around their ideas.
Just came from several rounds of Star Wars Battlefront myself before :)
A1 advocated games w education since learning math via Lemonade Stand, Geography via Carmen SanDiego & coding via magazines etc
A1 The Ss can create, have autonomy,prob solv, think critically & learn, have some fun, more engaged, take risks
A1- it allows students to take ownership of their learning and can be motivating for students.
Amen! https://t.co/9AKzv840r6
A1- it allows students to take ownership of their learning and can be motivating for students.
Hello! Thomas Mision College elem edu student MN, also gamer also in class rite now too
Hi all. Melissa in Ohio. Middle school iPad and Resource room. First time joining your chat
Here's a question...Do you see boys and men play games more often than girls and women? I think so. I wonder why.
That is dedication! (It helps that games are more fun than recess anyways! ;-))
So true! We have the conversation- why would you want to give others the $$$ when you could make it :)
A2: Great question because I think some people 'poo poo' game design in and it absolutely is! so... YES!
Standards are scaffolding. Products and S interests are the window treatments
A1 I've had students work on social skills using Wii games (parents loved boxing each other...) & guitar on PS Rocksmith
A2 playing games: that is a no creating games is a yes
A1: Games and gamification immerses the learner in the experience
Tina from TN, joining a tad late
A2: of course games are one of the strongest motivation for making games and other large or complicated projects
Let the Ss develop the curriculum around standards. Here is a great article that does just this https://t.co/etA5zqig1I
A2 my kids are loving Mario Maker enough I'm considering having it as one of my coding centres as a way to intro maker spaces
A2 Making games IS making
A1) I think so! Look at and as examples. Could be lots of opportunities for great maker and game fusions!
That might be true, but I see lots of girls in my classes motivated by games.
https://t.co/NJYnrTzpBX
Along with your blood pressure and temperature, your creativity is one of your vital signs.
A2: Ss engagement & connection to the world they are growing up in & it makes learning fun
No worries Tina - glad to have you
sadly I think the gamer typecast has been male dominated....but don't tell my daughters 😎
Haven't heard of Mario Maker - tell me more
A2: I'm that anyone would ever question that game making is part of etc. -
Thanks! I've been wanting to do this for ages.
A2 if coding isn't all about maker movement.....
A2- if students are creating games they are making.
I think that making is anything that involves giving "creative birth" to something - an idea, a work of art, a machine, anything!
A2: Absolutely games should play a role! Make a board game, pieces, etc.
for the - make your own mario levels / worlds - My Ss using it!
A2: YES!! So many great video game CREATION tools on the rise:
Want to add PocketMine to my library. Just need to figure out how to keep Ss safe and inside my space.
Yes! and video games are made too :) https://t.co/HaKgzQWqU6
A2: Absolutely games should play a role! Make a board game, pieces, etc.
A2 Of course Game design is a huge STEM career right now. It's career readiness and design thinking.
perception that boys are all gamers
imagine designing your own super Mario level....as easy or complex as you wish - then share them online w others
I had a student create / publish a great using
A2 yes, Ss enjoy trying to make games, learn more, it engages them & learning is fun
prob b/c games marketed towards "boy oriented" things like shooting and action? Not saying girls dont like it,sterotyp
I use for my 6th grade iPad class as a final project. They love it. https://t.co/KnlGPLIgrY
I had a student create / publish a great using
Thinking about adding this year. Trying to figure out #
creating games is in. If students are playing games were is the making?
A2: See and other examples of embedding games
3D Printing is awesome, but not necessary, would love to have kids build games w/ automation, like Ardruino spinners
also rampant sexism agnst girls e.g. gamergate
In-game/in-world governance too, right? Students can co-create the rules
Well, then we go to games like - lots of making happening there. lines are being blurred! https://t.co/kkTMeHrDpC
creating games is in. If students are playing games were is the making?
Research shows that females comprise half of the gamer population. Surprised? https://t.co/BCPLyPEozt
Here's a question...Do you see boys and men play games more often than girls and women? I think so. I wonder why.
And with the 3D printers for making toys. Great opportunity for physical & table top game design + maker
A2 is literally constructivist building. Love our set!
I guess there is a difference with building games and other games
they love it and so do their teachers! One teacher even bought a set for her twins for easter.
Cannot make tonight, but there's still time if you can make it: Topic : Student Voice and Gaming. I look forward to the archive.
We need to break this stereotype. Different types of games appeal to different people, regardless of gender
What was the project? Do you have a lesson concept? How many boards do you have?
Love it! Girls are gamers, girls are coders, girls are makers. I know agrees.
we need to delve deeper than that. Can't just say are games in maker
certainly and so many games now focus on resource gathering / building / etc.
Yessss! https://t.co/huGYqN7XLL
A1: Putting kids in position to design game could be the most empowering experience you could give them! put them in driver seat!
A3: most games need a story that intrigues the user, and english requires creative writing so connection? https://t.co/1hHDf6oBT7
A3: Ss can use to create games on ANY topic → build main character & use story blocks to tell their hero's tale.
A3) I think about engaging faculty in game design or gamification design for courses. Aim to engage students & up curriculum.
true - maybe the question can point more toward 'how are games integral in making'?
A3: By introducing relevant skills that will serve Ss in real world & help us rethink outdated curric. https://t.co/zXX7Qwxzfd
Ss create their own video game, write description for app store & also create imovie trailer. https://t.co/nG0bTNbA2a
What was the project? Do you have a lesson concept? How many boards do you have?
Personally, I believe that games should form a part of the maker movement! & have a good insight!
A3: My entire curriculum is designing and developing games, so I guess game design is being leveraged :)
my son loves making MM levels at home! wish he had opportunity at school
What said! https://t.co/CE6fnbEoxJ
A1 It's all about agency. Creating it and experiencing it. That's why been a boon to my class!
A3: game development is probably the most engaging foray into computer science that there is - it's relevant to our students!
Great to see educators noticing the social benefits of games & making! Significant social +++ for learners with ASD!
Agreed playing & learning from games is 1 thing, but our job should be making producers of games not consumers
https://t.co/HokXiHGFfa
I go to RIT and most of the population is shifting toward female gamers and designers. They're out there!
sure, and playing is part of that process and other benefits come from playing - mutually exclusive?
Q3: new to it, but I envision leveling up as you work toward achieving learning goals & Ss would be encouraged to mastery learn
A3: Connect the context for learning to the game potential eg Prezi about Minecraft or Scratch creation about "Recycling"
A3 not as a 'reward' but as part of the learning experience. My son is using minecraft for his application to a PBL program for G9
you're not! I still finishing my masters
I sure hope not - this topic BEGS for - I don't think you are alone- I'm always learning = student
A3 find ways to connect Ts and Ss, build a story, work on skills of collab,
A3: For science they can try to learn a set of rules ir figure out what rules govern the interaction
Playing games -> logic -> interest -> whoa I can do that -> Playing games - > Beta testing -> rpt.
can you explain what is meant by leveraged? I want to make sure I get what is being asked before I put my foot in it :P
playing games that lead to better development is making. There is a difference between making and playing
A3. It's important to pick out the tech that's most helpful to students and filter out the rest. So varies based on Ss & material.
That's what teachers like us are trying to accomplish!
Yes - games can be center of the learning experience https://t.co/g0qFLwpZJi
A3 not as a 'reward' but as part of the learning experience. My son is using minecraft for his application to a PBL program for G9
Goodness, feel like is packed tonight! Excellent! Harder to keep up. You folks rock! Keep these awesome ideas coming
Goodness, feel like is packed tonight! Excellent! Harder to keep up. You folks rock! Keep these awesome ideas coming
don't forget to involve your librarian. We can help Ss with researching their concepts. Historical and subject accuracy.
Agreed! Playing games is a social activity that can help with emotional IQ as well for students. https://t.co/9GaUeIznem
Great to see educators noticing the social benefits of games & making! Significant social +++ for learners with ASD!
A3- it can help students (and teachers) explore the topic at a higher level as they create a game
We end with &create to show off what they have done. I can share the info with u after break. https://t.co/nG0bTNbA2a
What was the project? Do you have a lesson concept? How many boards do you have?
oh definitely! We've had Jennifer Kelly in the past, a teacher who developed various maths games
Just so. We need to have foundation which = teaching game design through exemplar examples = playing great games
A3.1: Or Information gathering - "Amazon Trail" learn about geography, society, vegetation +++ all while playing
How can we best use games to enhance learning
Earlier this week a student said: "Last year we were typing & now we're making video games...good change."
A3: ie zendo: one S picks a rule. Others put pieces togethet. First S says if it meets the rule. Others try to define the rule
A3: Alternative Reality Games can be build by Ss and teachers to leverage gameplay
Please give platforms in next Q :-)
A3 Even something as simple as issuing achievement badges in the classroom can leverage gaming in the classroom.
oh and I found her - Jennifer had some brilliant maths games
Yes - I have kids analyze game mechanics, write reviews, explore different genres - all sets context
A3 let students write game reviews for language arts. Play real life Risk to review history
Works for me. I'm on break too.
Ss use looking for new resources
A3. I was introduced to the 4 Ds by ! Design, develop, debug & deploy! By using these, we create stable ground for learning
- middle school can be awkward, but look 2 primary and interest iis pretty even https://t.co/gj1pW2qIGl
maybe when they get older, but I don't see it when they are in my middle school
A4) Playing with a lot for this. Heck anything with a map editor too! ,
In "developed" countries sure. Representation still not strong w/ many hurdles & intersectionality
A4... OKAY, here i go! I'll include links so the resources are collected by
Be sure not to cheapen learning, many games or "edu" games strip actual learning away from students.
Thanks Laurie! I would love to meet up with you at some stage to chat about and !
Physics, and often science, are important in game design. Think about a car racing game.
A4) Love to see battles recreated in RTS games. Once did Battle of Thermopylae (300) in StarCraft. That was a learning experience!
always happy to collect resources!
A4: I have used . I want to try &
For ARG's we use every free resource we can find: Padlet, Twitter, Youtube, etc.
A4 My Ss code games for social studies projects to learn historical empathy using
TY! You make an excellent point that probably carries across all aspects of education https://t.co/1TGC9mQHry
In "developed" countries sure. Representation still not strong w/ many hurdles & intersectionality
Agreed! Thank you for this one!
A3 I turned a penny challenge fundraiser into a game and the kids used strategic thinking to win. Converting silver to pennies.
and many RTS like have extremely robust level editors - great development / modding tool
A4 My 5-year-old can make games with
Starts out with force and acceleration, then can include friction, aerodynamics, torque, banked turns, etc
Yes but typing is so important. . Ss need to be touch typists.
I always prefer creating to consuming! And typing practice .... Ugh
Exactly! And it was perfect for me as a Ss because I knew the system and could focus on accuracy of the battle.
Games? How about the term simulations?
it's important but can be worked on inclusive to compositions not as a standalone "s s s space"
great idea. Accel, vel, position. And they all come with a nice ruleset. And you can add more
Doesn't matter how it's done. Just needs to happen.
Excellent. My PK Ss are my beta testers.
chess, checkers, stratego, battleship, risk...games help to visualize and develop logic...digital just kicks it up a notch.
Love GameMaker, such a great tool and free. Teaches kids so much, and great physics aspect too https://t.co/m3a29dzCUR
Question 5 coming up in 2 minutes...
No problem, it’s a very effective starting point for anyone interested in games or physics! :)
I dominated at kahoot.it in TX. History today. I love getting into classrooms as an admin. My students love it too.
Love to know more. I think I want to see if we can do a penny drive to bring Pocketmine to our library
When I was a kid, I was obsessed w/ finding all the cheat codes for SC. Black sheep wall!
Hi all, finally here! Melissa from Nebraska 11-12 ELA
We’re using , an extension of , to celebrate & recreate/mod the 1916 Rising here in Ireland!
Want to bring this. Need a board. Have the pieces.
A4: Scratch, Tynker, Tickle
A5: One benefit is that my students LOVE coming to class (oh yeah, and they're learning so much!!!!!)
! :D Although I sometimes mix up SC and WC…
A5: Students can express themselves & succeed in gaming & game design in ways that aren't typically provided in school.
A5: Kids are getting interested in computer science in a meaningful way that is relevant to them
Engagement, coding, interaction, imagination.....
A5: mastery learning & Ss engagement...2 must haves in education
A5: Game design involves working on design teams - 21st century skills abound!
A5: Games develop class culture. Ss work harder to achieve--also develops crit thnkg skills & collaboration
A5: gam,ing takes all that stress away and making games makes the mind think in different ways
A5: Making games is the play-dough of the 21st C
A5: Opportunity for expression, imagination, creation, collaboration
HAHA. Work work. Still play SC2 on occasion but really miss WC.
Follow
Really good stuff.
A5) To me game creation is great for transference. Ss get to simultaneously learn & apply knowledge while tapping into creativity
Joining late - just Lurking, Listening and Learning from some great Ts
A5 Making a game tasks Ss w/designing an interconnected system, learning deeply about content
Combine play-doh and games with and squishy circuits
A5 I always love seeing collaboration communication & community that tech brings -competition usually friendlier than others fear
A5. They're learning in a fun and conducive environment! But it doesn't necessarily feel like the "learning" they're used to.
So important too. Only can really learn when you want to participate in the learning process.
A5: tap into kids' passion! honor their passion!
Thanks Jonathan. Welcome to lurk. :-)
A5: Oh... and what this dude said! https://t.co/LFQqS7WiEg
A5 Making a game tasks Ss w/designing an interconnected system, learning deeply about content
A5 Teamwork, they enjoy it & look fwd to class, diff ways to learn and it is fun
A5: student engagement. Allows students to use their imagination while mastering a concept.
would never dream of cheapening learning. looking at opportunities to enhance learning for sure.
A5: Games make a culture of fun, lowstakes. We work hard, but find ways to learn--and learn better due to more thnkg & engagement
A5. One of the most rewarding aspects of game creation & gaming is the outpouring artistic expression! Im always blown away!
late to the party; sorry!
Yes! Building community and positive class culture should be part of the foundations we hope to establish to engage
Games help to promote healthy competition in a safe, nurturing environment. They help students to learn from experience.
but of course! Thank you!!
Q6: Which game or game design platform has elicited the most exciting response from your students? https://t.co/vEySubQCQw
One of so many great answers for #5! https://t.co/M4VJa1QEsj
Games help to promote healthy competition in a safe, nurturing environment. They help students to learn from experience.
- Plz clarify? Is it a specific concept that has value, or the skills acquired in making? https://t.co/EeiRjpceOv
A5: student engagement. Allows students to use their imagination while mastering a concept.
well my classmates in game design love the most A6
I just beat D3 in the last year. Need to pick up SC2 though. I got it last year for Black Friday too. lol
Once my students have the basics, I am eager to have them explore the 'story' element of bloxelsbuilder!
??? for those using is the free sufficient for middle school?
I just got our own server set up (or started) - will need some to make it epic
A6: still new to it,excited @ ,need to look into coding bc my kid loves it, minecraft rules & doing a little VR now
Teamwork is the most important skill to create something complex, high quality and faster - it's real world work
Bravo! https://t.co/rrPaIU6LYK
Yes! Building community and positive class culture should be part of the foundations we hope to establish to engage
A6: got a GREAT response to Assassin's Creed by SH Ss
couldn't agree more! How are you, btw? https://t.co/Zi3OOK11GW
Teamwork is the most important skill to create something complex, high quality and faster - it's real world work
A6: My 7 to 12 year olds are all Scratch mad at the minute
A6 minecraft has led my students to explore scratch which led to hopscotch and tynker as a centre approach in our library
teamwork makes the dream work (sorry, couldn't resist)
A6: boss battles & games are favorites. Also and any other games I can make up
after tonights chat on I may be reworking my game creating project. SO many ideas flowing now
My PK Ss love Scratch JR.
Amazing S quote: "The most important thing I learned from designing my game is that I am way more capable than I think I am."
. have you made your own memes in yet?! new feature, way cool!
A6: Not close- . Ss love how open-ended & creative they can be w/ it, + the physical & digital combo is fantastic.
Who knows a great source of learning "game dynamics" to help kids understand how to make engaging and well-balanced games?
A6) Keep thinking about w professors. Some of the most fun I had with my Ss! In the name of community/cation!
Got it, TY! Many Ts think of games only as a way to engage kids in content. Game making so much more! https://t.co/6bOai0znT5
I was thinking of the skills acquired when making.
A6 for all learners is always fun! gets a great response too! is an obv one. All because Ss create!
Glad to hear it! Love to know more . Need to know how to start. Overwhelmed. :)
Hey, thank you for the share. This looks really interesting!
I'm replanting my library projects for the end of the year!
so true - we CANNOT hijack the game for education - we must honor the game and respect it!
A6 My Ss love live and I want to do
I didn't like D3. Was too intrenched in D2. Been into watching this one YouTuber who speedruns D2. Good stuff
sometimes I say things and it occurs to me that I am channeling :)
Nice! I wish I was that organized ...
Yup. works very well for working in teams: 2-3 Ss is best I'd say.
A6: gameboard & cubes encourage iteration & student collaboration. Haven't found another game design tool like it.
Don't know a particular resource, but I'd have kids play & analyze some games, then have them dissect what works
That happens to all of us https://t.co/GWqbdHSF4e
sometimes I say things and it occurs to me that I am channeling :)
not that organized.....yet!! Gotta love 2 week spring breaks!
TRUER Words, lads, truer words! Thank you for saying it out loud!! https://t.co/wwDxkyJryn
so true - we CANNOT hijack the game for education - we must honor the game and respect it!
Love to know more. This is a great idea.
I still need to get it for the - seems like a great coop game!
Last question of the night coming up! Woah that flew by...
I am wary of quizzes draped as games, & "balanced" content games. Play is where the learning happens. Trust the T to do the rest!
Q7: What classroom activities can you incorporate with games or game design to encourage student voice? https://t.co/QD4YlfrUsC
Yes indeed. I manage 2 libraries. Just trying to keep my head above the stacks.
Played with family last weekend too! Can’t get enough. Highly recommend
but we can highjack the game OF school! Make Learning matter!
Want to keep chatting for the next hour? Join starting soon. Topic:
A7: instead of writing notes from a text book, have a video game scavenger hunt with the notes as quests
A7: Choose tools that give Ss open-ended creation opportunities; blogs & web design in tandem increase audience/authenticity.
A7 Activities that transfer roles outside of the magic circle of the game. Also remix & modding
https://t.co/fUcnaWQWpY explains set up - idea is to have mentors from industry , we have some Ps , & mentor eachother
A7: Ss can design games that summarize a unit
A7: Setting rules. Giving youth space to set and negotiate how they collaborate IRL and in-game helps develop
I wonder if there should be a SAMR model for games...quiz games would be an "S"?
A7 We added an open forum for learners to chat & give feedback on their game making experiences! Its extension of class feedback!
a good game is sacred space - we must respect it. sometimes we take over too much & take game away from kids
Some are "book smart," but lack common sense. Games can help to develop these skills.
You can map core mechanics to Bloom's. Kahoot is select/identify. Minecraft is create. https://t.co/ZFd5H7QLIa
I wonder if there should be a SAMR model for games...quiz games would be an "S"?
Q7: What classroom activities can you incorporate with games or game design to encourage student voice? https://t.co/cbekHbO00l
A7: Ss create games in game jams that integrate current learning--their creativity blows my mind!
WOW the remainder of my break might just be checking out the resources from . Lets see what I can change next quarter.
A7) This is where agency should be in games & assignments. Engage students in ways they want to learn & demonstrate comprehension
