#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 28, 2016
not seeming to see everything in the chat any insight?
Hi ! My name is Keegan, Educational Technologist . First game I fell in love with was Pokemon Red.
Sarah from PA. Pre-service T studying Middle Level Science/History education. Excited to be joining for the first time!
Steve from NJ - I teach game design and development to MS / HS students. fell in love w/ Congorilla/ Donkey Kong clone
Seeing everything now I think - might have been me :)
Sydney from Pa. El Ed and Special Ed Pre-service teacher! Excited to learn about
So glad to see all the pre-service teachers here!
Hi! Lainie in CO. Information and Learning technologies at UCD. Currently taking a Games and Learning course
Welcome Sydney! Looks like it will be a fun night in !
Hey Stephanie! Excited to meet you! Thanks for hosting this round of .
Awesome! How's the course? Would the awesome happen to be your instructor?
Great to be chatting with you tonight, Steve!
Akash from NJ, am a student of game design class, and my favoreite game has to be halo series
Jeff from NS, Canada joining in! I'll be in and out tonight.
Welcome, Sydney! I'm also from PA :) (Stephanie from Classcraft)
Justin from CT. History teacher.
Rodney. Reno, NV World History & History Through Film T.
Board game: monopoly
Arcade game: pac man
video game: duck hunt
I am excited is hosting , yes :)
Do you live in PA and work in NYC?
The course has been great! I highly recommend it. And Remi is indeed the instructor:)
Awesome. I'd love to take a course with Remi!
My pleasure! So excited to meet all of you and talk gamification!
Hi Steve, Rachelle frm Pittsburgh, Spanish T,games Dark Tower, Monopoly, Life,PacMan, Donkey Kong Frogger &Atari games
Lori from VT. On sabbatical studying & innovation in schools. Charades, Cards Against Humanity...
Hello fellow Pittsburgher! Stephanie here, community manager for Classcraft
wow! What a great sabbatical!!!
A1: easy to do, just use something like Kahoot
Welcome, Lori! Great to meet you!
A1: might be easier to incorporate regardless of content are and easier point of entry for many
Duck hunt! It's been a long time since I've played that...
A1) To me gamification has a lower barrier to entry than gbl. Also, can be universally applied. Harder to do in gbl imo.
A1: When done right, includes choice in learning pathway - powerful!
Love the infographic, Steve!
A1: Gamification is more rewarding to students. It also keeps their motivation up!
A1 Gamification can be the gateway to more in depth
Like anything, thought. It must be purposeful and well planned to ensure successful implementation.
Great point! A lot of GBL is content-based, but some gave non-subject specific applications (empathy games, etc)
A1 - Gamification is more coherent throughout the year, helping Ss to see predictability
A1: gamification is easy to understand and expand with, while gbl isnt
Hi all, finally here! Melissa from Nebraska 11-12 ELA
A1: Easier to implement, although potentially trickier to do well
Hey Melissa! Kinda passing the baton - time to eat :)
A1: gamification is more ongoing. I think if GBL as being a bunch of separate unrelated events.
couldn't agree more!!!!!! https://t.co/nkiVCetyAQ
A1: Easier to implement, although potentially trickier to do well
Oooh love that thought. Can you expand further, Mitch?
A1: Gamification can be adapted to content area. Whereas some great games just may not fit your content area objectives
I'm not sure it takes as much planning, it can be really simple, just awarding points & still effective
Motivation is super important! Definitely an advantage
choice in assignments/learning is something I wish was more prevalent. With or w/o gamification. Choice is powerful
very true. Gamification takes much more work on the part of the teacher in my experience.
It's at the center of my teaching. I believe it is very important. https://t.co/BsJCVeLq7s
choice in assignments/learning is something I wish was more prevalent. With or w/o gamification. Choice is powerful
True! The teacher definitely has to be invested - that gets the kids invested, too
Can't see first Q, but taking a shot based on other A's: is the under layer, is learning content thru games
Jared from NYC. In and out tonight, but love and so do my Ss!
Even when the choice is small, it is hugely motivating for students to have options
Love that way of looking at it, Jeff!
Absolutely. Goes to student choice and autonomy. Higher student engagement I find w/ more choice https://t.co/oJ56VmxNWM
choice in assignments/learning is something I wish was more prevalent. With or w/o gamification. Choice is powerful
Ts can start with gamification lite, see the increase motivation & then do more later
Awesome! :) So happy to hear that. Welcome to the chat, Jared!
...A1cont: must be careful not to cheapen learning experience w -- helps make this possible!
Thank you! Happy to be here!
great point! done wrong is just school or or
Worth the extra effort for sure!
A "layer" is a great way to think of it!
Agreed! Gives them agency in the classroom, helps them feel good about coming to class!
If makes more work for Ts, adoption is going to be very slow
A2 if we start avatars as students, then when they grow up they can become icons
Also an opportunity to engage students in their passions and skills. eg make videos, etc.
I think work is in finding the right game to meet objectives. We all need to improve at sharing resources--me included
That's why it's so important to create & share high quality learning games. :)
A1 Ss have diff options, engaging, meaningfl, need more time, both beneficial, new ways to bring Ss in
A2) I think Avatars are best when they are a visualization of the learning taking place. Show changes students undergo!
anything new and innovative takes work. It frustrates me when Ts arent willing to bring a great edu to Ss.
Mark G, just put the kids to bed and up for a little gaming chat.
It's cool to see how Ts incorporate into their lessons, though! Can take creativity and vision
A2: Avatars allow Ss to become someone different than real life. Experimenting w/ different identitites
A2 - And by being engaged the Ss can demonstrate their knowledge using their strengths
Avatars allow a sense of creativity and freedom. Its like Role Playing
Agreed but many Ts are already overworked
Great to see you, Mark! :)
A2: Avatars allow students to become someone else for a while. Just like Halloween.
So true! Buy-in can be so hard to get going. If done right, tho, it's not work. It's fun!
A1 Ss can make it their own, meaningfl, creative, Ss enjoy the choices and it represents them/their interests, unique
I love using both in my classroom. They're both motivating, but does more educational lifting
80% of Ts use games at least monthly
A2 - Ss can be motivated by using an avatar. A good system is allowing them to add features to their avatar as they collect points
I agree! Combinations of the two can help fill in gaps and provide different perspectives and experiences
And we don’t always have to start at 0. Lots of OER resources to accelerate development
Absolutely! Great measure of progress - students can see how far they've come and feel proud of their accomplishments!
I seem to keep missing the questions. What were Q1 and Q2?
Q2: What are the benefits of having student avatars?
What are some of the benefits of students creating avatars?
A2: one reason is it's a hook into the game. When the 1st S gets a new item others haven't seen before they get a lot of praise!
Q1: Benefits of gamification over Q2: Benefits of student avatars?
Yes, role play should be used more often. Get students to be politicians, & scientists & writers. Let explore the world!
So awesome - definitely meeting kids where they are culturally :) Force for good!
A2: Ss have the opportunity for self-analysis and creation. A chance to manifest their dream selves.
Or beserkers. How often does one get to actually be a berserker? https://t.co/QvWKRmqwkX
Yes, role play should be used more often. Get students to be politicians, & scientists & writers. Let explore the world!
A2: research shows most people don't feel as much at stake if they use an avatar, more willing to take risks
Q3: How can we encourage collaboration via gamification?
A3: teams encourages collaboration and competition both
A3 - Providing Ss with opportunities to work together and earn points together is huge. Guilds are a great way to do that
A2b: for some it's a way to make themselves stand out as being unique, and express their personality in the digital world.
A2 avatars are all about student engagement. I don't know any MS kid who doesn't want to try someone else on for size.
A2: So many fun things you can do w/ Avatars. Ss can work to build theirs, add to theirs, gain powers for theirs, form alliances….
A3: make prjects into games that require you to not just thiunk outside the box alone, but bring people along for the ride
Yes! Personalization is empowering for Ss; they design their avatars as they'd like to see themselves - as amazing!
A3: collaborative tasks required to advance in game play
Q3 already happened?! How am I still missing these! Is this part of a game?
This is a challenge. Ss want 2 work independently. I use a Pilot/Navigator Model 2 encourage partnerships. https://t.co/kyGui49jc1
A3: By having the game set up with indepedent work and group work. Ss keep the same group throughout the entire time.
Definitely the "cool" factor! Adds a little excitement
A2: Take on a "learning identity." Think Bruce Wayne putting on bat suit=business man to crime fighter. Ss go from kid to learner!
How did the Pilot/Navigator Model work?
Adults as well! We all love trying on new personas! https://t.co/ftfH337Tva
A2 avatars are all about student engagement. I don't know any MS kid who doesn't want to try someone else on for size.
Jumping in late! Hi everyone!
Yes! Really important, especially when kids are "trying on" different identities when young
A3: Collaborative decision making and "fleshing out" of play
One student is using Computer, other gives commands/directions to user. Larger groups, assign more roles.
yes and curiosity and compatition!
A3) Part of the design of the gamified rewards and growth should facilitate/encourage collaboration. Come together to overcome!
A3: I integrated battle days based on imaginary world with territories based on T names. Teams work together to take gain most.
And in a safe way as well
I find that collaboration is a natural result in my gamified class. Ss work in teams daily and love growing and learning together
I love this emphasis on team work! Helps Ss to rely on each other!
Guilds would be an awesome way to parse out collective growth too! :) See class’s progress.
I wonder what the deal is? I've seen this occur in a local state chat...hmmm...
peeps I am still not seeing questions. What is #3??
A3: I find collaboration is a natural result of teams growing and learning together in my gamified classroom .
Understanding roles is huge to kids learning good teamwork! Everyone helps to reach success
Hi Tisha!! Glad you're here! (I'm now free on Wednesdays starting next wk!! Yay for !)
Sounds like an awesome classroom management byproduct to me!
And build effective communication skills!
A3: group effort where each member is responsible for individual task & required to put all together to complete task or game
Hi all. Melissa jumping in late. Sorry for the tardiness....
Guilds/Clans work well. I use w/ Ss have various roles, warrior, mage, healer, they rely on each other
A3 cont....this week Ss are planning for cupcake wars! Love to see their team's wheels turning as they formulate a plan!
It's a game, make up your own questions.
Q3: How can we encourage collaboration with gamification (feel free to RT so everyone can see)
Totally - as evidenced by so many adults playing games :) (me included)
-10 HP for being late for class!
A3 you can also give rewards, like fun fridays, if everyone understands a lesson
Do you find that in game collaboration is a more middle to advanced gamification skill? Comes as the game advances more?
Cupcake wars?? That sounds awesome ... and delicious!
A3 Set some goals/ see what Ss do on their own, collaboration happens, they pull together, get excited
additional motivation for classmates to help each other learn and understand the lesson material
A4 sometimes it's good for the T just to get out of the way
A4: A large part of successful gamification is creating a system in which the points accurately reward the learning taking place
Q4: What roles does the teacher play in running gamification successfully?
A4: Lots of upfront teaching: expectations, roles, procedures. Then facilitate, allow for struggle and multiple iterations.
A4: Gamemaster, mutual player, moderator, resource, power up...so many roles.
A3. Teamwork and collaboration occur when s's work on "quests" or learning challenges, group reflections are a work in progress
A4: The T needs to make sure the game is fair in every way possible and making sure Ss understand the game and how it is played
A3--no idea what Q is, but love to see what kids choose in when given choice to help teammate or watch them fall
Teachers are the door to a hallway that leads to success in using gamification A4
I stand back & watch. I just gave the quest, answered questions as they arose didn't do anything special. https://t.co/DdUOLYgz4o
A4. teacher as referee often takes places, but gamesmaster is more like it
A4: Keep game flexible...create fun twists and turns to keep exciting. Most important....have fun...it's contagious!
Why does the game have to be fair? Could be used to generate great discussion
I think some of these ideas have to be considered when designing gamification environment : https://t.co/NEHbUhloRD
A3: lends well to creating teams within the class to achieve mutual goals. Built into and
A4: data says best practice is T to lead discussion on strategies, tactics, and problems after the game
A4: using the game elements to keep Ss engaged.
A4: Teacher is the Dungeon Master in a well designed classroom!
I like this point about points! Meaningful points systems, not just fluff
A4. Ts provide guidance for when the student is stuck in a game. They also facilitate the type of learning https://t.co/clbyclaWAA
Love that - creating fun twists! The more fun teachers have, the more likely their students are to have fun, too
Yes, the post-mortem discussions are so important...it's where succeeds. https://t.co/vPvO2UYKYG
A4: data says best practice is T to lead discussion on strategies, tactics, and problems after the game
A4: A well designed classroom requires a lot of thoughtful planning to truly bring the game alive. - Teacher's role
A4) Ts have to make the connections between content, standards, game elements, social interactions (etc.) to facilitate well
Would love to continue but there is ice cream calling my name. Will be checking back for the full run down!
A4: For some games, such as I love the Hint Card. Can be applied to many situations. Teaches management system
It is important for the students learning to not be compromised by other students cheating.
Exactly! Ss will see through point systems if they are merely artificial. They need to have meaning
A4: T's need to keep game interesting. Esp at this point in yr. Novelty keeps Ss engaged
Discussion of advantage, privilege, cheating, justice. Lots of possibilities there.
Yum! Save some for us too? ;)
A4: The T is the facilitator....the behind the curtain wizard.
When i looked Ss were involved. Needed buy in before diving in. They help build the game, quest, award points etc.
A4 T has to plan, match content with the set up CR, facilitate & provide support & fdbk
and establishing the value of the points. Points are subjective (like grades) & need to have some substantiation.
Big picture, I agree. but unfairness could generate a real meaningful discussion about values
I think you're where I got the idea of gold for hints. My Ss have to pay 500 gold to "ask the class" in boss battle
Agreed! Consistency goes hand in hand with that, too
This is such an important point! You need to have exciting aspects of the game spread out to keep students interested.
A4: it is our job is to read the players, the game, the pace and adjust accordingly
Beautifully said. If not aligned with content objectives, and games won't be effective tchg https://t.co/6SoU6zY8ak
A4 T has to plan, match content with the set up CR, facilitate & provide support & fdbk
Yes!! Lots of Ts let Ss make new random events, for example - helps them feel like they're shaping the game
I'm a big fan of serendipity and not over-planning
so true. Modify and adjust! The key to good teaching and good .
Agreed! Starting slow and small can help - dip your feet in before you dive. Don't get overwhelmed!
A5 - As a Pre-T, I haven't gamified a classroom yet, so I don't have personal experience with this yet.
A4: I always feel like I have the carrot on a stick. Sometimes they get it, sometimes its so close they can almost reach it
A5 lost passwords, toubles logging in :-(
I think there is also a place for Ts to join in - the wizard is more relatable when he isn't behind the curtain:)
A5: Ss do not collaborate or work as a team. Not all Ss are gamers (shocking!) Some Ss dominate and take over.
Has anyone used with different class periods as a team? Small group & want to have them compete by grade.
No prob. Are there challenges that you anticipate?
The element of surprise is really important, too - and super fun
A5: As a student in a class using gamification I believe that it is hard to keep track of the students points.
Thanks! does require good planning & also ability for spontaneity, bumps in the road, all learning process
A5) Can be time intensive to get right. Also need to prototype before implement—more time! Did I mention lots of time is required?
Agreed! Gamification is as fun for me as it is for my Ss. Facilitating learning is the an amazing feeling! https://t.co/vUu8YmVHrh
A4: Keep game flexible...create fun twists and turns to keep exciting. Most important....have fun...it's contagious!
A5: Lots of upfront Planning and set-up. However, usually pays off with high returns in learning, culture, and climate
A5 game doesn't end when the period ends :-(
I have a class that I've had to do a lot of work with to help them collaborate, even in games
A5: Not all Ss are motivated by . Or . Majority of mine are, but not all. Or maybe I just need to get better :)
I think it could be a difficult transition for Ss to change from a gamified classroom to a regular classroom
Great point - important to offer incentive to non-gamers, too
Yes, but sometimes those challenges pay off with the greatest dividends.
Me too. I never plan the out come of a game...just the beginning. The play determines where the game goes
Would be awesome to do for one unit/portion first. See what works with your Ss and your teaching styles.
Great point about culture. That's a HUGE reason I do it. I want a relaxed, playful, low-stakes class.
Love that! So true, Carrie!
A6 that Ss spend more time on task and gain deeper learning
Great chat, but by this time Thursday I am exhausted. Have a great night
Agreed. Tools for keeping track of this ? Spreadsheets? 3dGameLab? Badge softwares? Anyone use others?
A6 To motivate Ss to love learning by engaging them in lessons
Super smart! Important to be flexible and go with the flow - keep assessing as you go
A6: To get the students more engaged in their learning by using something they love to do!
never plan the outcome. But knowing objectives and planning how to meet & assess them can't be overlooked
something so fun and educational that the enitre class graduates with software engineering degrees https://t.co/hSqkcRvnAC
that is so awesome! Getting them involved in the design & feedback process will be awesome for their learning too
A6 there are a lot of parallels between and
A6 for students to learn on theither own terms.
Good chatting with you, Mark!
thanks. It has been an eye opening experience with their knowledge.
A5 enough time for setting up, tech working, Ss remembering login info,
A6 My goals = Learning that is fun, engaging, and LASTING. I want to create experiences that students will remember!
My teacher uses a google doc and gives each student a number. But this method really wouldn't work with younger Ss
Q6: What are your goals with gamifying your classroom?
A6) Been thinking about how I will standardize some gamification elements in my faculty trainings. Coming up w/ good system!
A6: Making learning the standards fun, impactful, & relevant to their lives! Making my class where Ss want to be & want to learn!
A6: Goal is to create lifelong memories for my Ss...that the learning lasts long after my class is over.
Goals: keep learning interesting & wanting them to work outside the classroom for their own good.
Love it! Gives them control over their learning, life - helps with making it relevant
Sometimes by remembering the experience, you remembering the learning better! Plus, the people you learned with :)
A6: My goal is to make it reach all subjects and aspects of the day, so we can live it from start to finish
A6 Engage the Ss in diff ways, motivate them,make learning fun & diff, find somthng for all Ss
A6 redefining learning as an adventure
A6: Games are a great opportunity to get to know students and see them take off their school persona.
Ya, if you could reduce points/state to colors (or something) & have ever-present in classroom. Hmm got me thinking.
Absolutely!!! https://t.co/E08lTG0gbH
never plan the outcome. But knowing objectives and planning how to meet & assess them can't be overlooked
Sweet! We'll definitely have to chat about that sometime!
The "different" is often what sparks their interest! Peaks curiosity for learning
I have found some that were "unreachable" suddenly become reachable.
:D Hahaha! So many good ideas going around - it's hard work keeping up!
isnt that the best though...cause you know you are totally bringing it!!!
Whoa, what? Was there a contest I didn't know about?
I am game. Just let me know a good time. May as well have open invite discussion!
yes. Mini-Games are great for starting small and then you can build off them (it)
And you are AWESOME for doing it!
sounds like a great goal to achieve transference!
There's nothing like a little "mystery" to get people interested!
Lol thanks! You guys kept me on my toes!
Let's wrap this up with outros & your takeaway tonight! Melissa from Nebr, 11-12 ELA Takeaway: Adding more mystery for srs last wk
Thanks all for the AMAZING chat! It was a pleasure! Gotta hop off now to switch to our 1st ! :)
A super huge thank you to Stephanie, community mgr at for hosting tonight! What a great and fast hour!
Loved joining tonight! Great chat!
Great having you! Come back anytime!!
