#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. Mariana Garcia Serrato. MS STEM from San Jose, CA. I am inclined to give an alternate answer: sand castle (not much snow here ;)) #games4ed
Hey everyone! I'm Arcadia and I'm a Tech Ed coach from Virginia Beach I also just started teaching a Game Design elective on Monday! I think I'd build a fort. I've made lots of snowmen and angels, but never a fort before! #games4ed
Hi I'm Oliver and I teach secondary Social Studies in York, PA. I am interesting in hearing how others gamify their classroom, and I would build a snow fort #games4ed
A1: Being as I am not a teacher yet, I do not use leaderboards but I am interested to learn how others use them because they can be so useful in building confidence in the classroom. #games4ed
A1) I JUST created a leaderboard for the first time. I've been struggling with how to balance characters kids have worked on for 3 years with new kids. I think I've got it and I'm STOKED! @classcraftgame#games4ed
A1: I use Classcraft, mainly for non-grade activities. Often we'll do random popsicle stick draws for "completion" assignments--it's hard for Ss to resist the chance to get the high XP sticks! #games4ed
A1: I do not currently use leaderboards in my classroom, but I am interested in learning how others use them in hopes of continuing to bring a sense of competition and added engagement to my classroom. #games4ed
I'd been thinking about this just today when I was creating questions! I love this! And also that it's the top 5, so kids who are lower aren't publicized, too. Just being on there is an achievement! #games4ed
What tracking system do you use to track the most improved? I want to do more of this, but with classcraft, I have to record in a spreadsheet periodically, which is a pain #games4ed
A1 cont: This year they only see top 10, and in their individual pages they see two above and two below. This seems to give a more attainable goal to all #games4ed
A1 cont.) Everything my students do they get @classcraftgame XP for. Plus we have Extra XP side quests & "Easter eggs." I want my board to be totally separate from grades. Sadly, as hard as I try, grades aren't always the best measure & not what I want kids comparing. #games4ed
A2: It provides an incentive to competitive students. Though it can also be demotivating, which again is why now I do not publish "full" leaderboards. #games4ed
A2: Two edged sword. Inspires many to compete and promote teamwork. Causes a few to give up. That’s why I introduced the most improved if they are doing poorly, they can score well and get recognition #games4ed
A2) The advantage I am *hoping* to get is some healthy competition. Students only get XP if work is done on time, so turning in late work hurts your chances. #games4ed
A2) Another advantage is a chance for kids to see how they stack up against other classes. 5 classes across 3 grade levels are competing to make it on my board! @classcraftgame#games4ed
I like doing the team leaderboards. Promotes teamwork and doesn't pressure individuals. They naturally compete among themselves, it seems, without needing to promote individual scores #games4ed
A4: I’ve used community volunteers to judge and even display work in their places of business. One S built a model of Stonehenge and it was placed in an architects office. #games4ed
I like the idea of using the leaderboard across classes? I too teach the same class to three different classes and find additional excitement and drive when competing against one another #games4ed
A3) I think a leaderboard should be that, a board that shows the leaders. The top few. I would feel discouraged if I had to look at a board where I was 22/24 or something. It makes climbing to the top seem unachievable. It stops being a positive thing then. #games4ed
A3: I know sometimes it helps when the students can use an alias as their name for the leaderboard so they can see where they stand but there is no embarrassment if they are at the bottom. #games4ed
This is such an awesome idea! I need to do more of this...maybe put our college comp narrative pubications in our dentist and doctors offices! Brilliant! #games4ed
A4: I’ve used community volunteers to judge and even display work in their places of business. One S built a model of Stonehenge and it was placed in an architects office. #games4ed
A3: I used to publish "full versions", and while it worked for some, for others it almost became a "I will never make it so I'm not ging to try". With that new mini-version, the kids are much more motivated and often "sneak peaks" to see if they've gotten this or that. #games4ed
I know some teachers also have students even create their own avatar profile and/or playing card. Really a chance to play with a "new" identity! Good idea! #games4ed
I agree with the digital working for me. I've automated many of the things that go in it so I dont have to worry about updating. Otherwise it would be a nightmare #games4ed
A4: This is an area I'd like to improve, especially to recognized SEL skills. Reaching a goal, improving something. I need to get more organized in how to track, though #games4ed
A4)Mine is fully XP based. And while 100% on tasks earns you 100% of the available XP, there are a lot of other ways to earn, so kids who aren't necessarily my top in the gradebook still have a chance to shine. #games4ed
A4: I put in there almost everything they do. For example side quests are never for credit, but they have a high XP value. Same goes for easter eggs. #games4ed
"The technology industry—and gaming, in particular—have in recent history stirred criticism for providing few opportunities for women or people of color." Here's how gaming could be a solution: (2017) https://t.co/4Mzwt2jMpm#games4ed#edtechchat
Fun chat #games4ed folks! Thanks for sharing ideas and input--and also thanks to our Coe College students for joining in tonight! Come back whenever you want :)
A3: A leaderboard can be negative when the students get too invested. Depending on the topic some students may find it more beneficial to look at their individual scores and progress rather than whole class #games4ed
We have started some of this, though still have not figured out the "reaching a goal" part, but perhaps it can serve as inspiration. https://t.co/2wEmm4d11D#games4ed
