Welcome to #XPLAP… Tonight we will refine ourselves and our classrooms. Thanks for coming. Please introduce yourself and share something that went your way this week?
Well. I'm Adam. US History teacher from SC. My baby was Baptized on Sunday. Tonight I sit in a hospital room next to my older son. Luckily, we took him to the ER this morning after 3 days of fever. Turns out it could have been pretty bad if we waited...Good Mom instincts. #XPLAP
Welcome to #XPLAP… Tonight we will refine ourselves and our classrooms. Thanks for coming. Please introduce yourself and share something that went your way this week?
DianaLyn Perkins, MS science teacher from TX. This week I let my Ss vote for a Genius project or a traditional Semester exam. The Genius project won! #XPLAP
A1: Hello everyone! I’m Andrew Arevalo. I teach 4th grade in Southern California. This week I was able to make a great connection and have my original classroom game play-tested in a new city! #XPLAP
Hey everyone - Adam from Cincinnati. 7/8 grade history. Something that has gone right this week - Ss seem interested and engaged in the causes of th Civil War. #xplap
✨Hi, #XPLAP Crew! I'm teach 7th grade ELA, and reside in NE. This week, I've really enjoyed checking out my students #BookSnaps creations for #BookSnaps 2018. They also did a great job on collaborating with our #GridPals on #Sketchnotes. So proud! #XPLAP✨
I usually dread it, but it's a nice weight off my shoulders when ever I can finally get caught up. seems like it never goes away. Thinking of trying to find a way to eliminate homework. #xplap
Michael Matera
Author, Podcaster, Youtuber, Presenter, Teacher, Father, and creative free agent!
Some really good conversations with great teachers happened today like @AGoTeach
who inspires me everyday!
#XPLAP
currently the majority of mine is just completion based. But many students aren't taking it seriously, so I don't know why I should waste the paper. #xplap
Josh Stock, 6th grade ELA from Olathe, KS. This week we wrapped up our Poetry Bracket Smackdown and finished it up with a Poetry Mannequin Challenge in each hour. #xplap
A1 I love my HEARTS system. Ss start with 3 hearts and lose a heart each missing assignment. Lose enough and they lose a special "power". I'm adding a flip to this. Some can choose to POWERUP the power which can make it stronger but less guaranteed. #XPLAP
A1: At my school we have Micro Electives… Some give their heart and soul to them, others put something together… I am proud to say, I stuck with it and refined my courses till I was serving my students. Thanks @AGoTeach for inspiring me and not giving up on me :) #XPLAP
The best unit I refined this year centered on giving students more autonomy and choice in their final display of knowledge. It is a unit I call "Accessible Playgrounds", but this year, I had Accessible dogparks, waterparks, trampoline parks, and zoos! #xplap
A1) Just got started (slowly) after Christmas break. Looking to make a bigger splash in the coming year. New teaching position will mean completely new everything. #xplap
I have some extra assignments like that that I tie into the hearts system I have. It helps them keep their "Super Power". As long as they do the extra work they can get a cheat sheet on a test, a couple free answers, etc... #XPLAP
A1: this year I added different hooks to lessons to add some excitement and increase engagement. I dressed up, used legos, used Oreos, mystery bags, room transformations, etc... #xplap
A1: For my genius hour class I built a self guided #HyperDocs In the beginning I didn't have a enough checkpoints built in to monitor progress along the way, but now I found the sweet spot #xplap
maybe tie it into a crafting type activity? Collect 1 type of assignment and combine it with another type. Different combos lead to different items or privileges. #XPLAP
Nice… Room transformation is @KimSnodgrass thing… I mean, really she does a great job! Connect with her… She will wave a wand and you will be forever changed!!! #XPLAP
A1: I chose to not give up on my original classroom game. I’ve worked on it for the past 3 years. This was my make-or-break year. Luckily, I stuck with it. Finally, I have a tangible product that I can call my own! #xplap
I had a bunch of different items they could buy. the most bought one was a random, where the computer picked what they got. Many could help on the tests. #XPLAP
Patrick from Oshkosh, WI We end our days w math and our class can sometimes have difficulty w focus during the mini-lesson. Today I did my first video mini lesson so students could be self-paced & their focus and effort was great! #xplap
A2 OK, so I have this half-baked idea of eliminating my traditional sit down tests entirely and replacing them with Plickers based Boss Fights... #XPLAPhttps://t.co/HGONiDWQmz
A1: This is a bit of a non-answer, I think. But, I'm a habitual tweaker and I don't give up on much unless learner feedback is "just no". Even then, I will likely reboot with changes at some point.#xplap
A2: technology this year has allowed Ss to blog on Google Sites from different perspectives through the middle ages or the new republic. Sites has allowed students to upload artifacts and reflect on learning throughout units. #xplap
A2: I was already creating cloze notes for my math lessons. Over the summer, I recorded screencasts of myself filling out the notes. I then created a space for students to access the notes and videos using Schoology. I now use an in-class flip, and I’m not looking back! #xplap
A1) I added so many components To my game this year, but the one element that I feel has become polished and refined through persistence is my use of dice. They serve so many functions in my room, and Ss are always excited to #RollWithIt#XPLAP
I started changing up a few written reflections to include some reflections via @ChatterPixIt. Great technology fun while getting students to speak and reflect! #xplap
A2: It would have to be the addition of collaborative documents. It's such a small change with HUGE benefits! Although give me a minute and I'd bet this list gets longer! #xplap
A1:✨CONSTANTLY CONSIDER CREATIVITY, CHOICE, & QUESTIONING!
"If you consistently ask questions that lead to creative and outside-the-box thinking, your mind will provide you with creative and outside-of the-box answers." ~@burgessdave✨
#TLAP#XPLAP
A1: This was my first year doing a year long game instead of having unrelated unit games. I stuck it out and have some great ideas for next year. Plus my teammates are started to pulled into the game too. #xplap
Josh! I am so happy to hear that… Love to hear more on the show too… Lets set up a time and unpack your experience this year for others to hear. #XPLAP
Love it Patrick… Thanks for your passion for the #XPLAP community. I love having you here and learning from you as well. Can’t wait to hear how this refines your classroom.
A3: (Love that book) I want to beef up my narrative, figure out how to end the game and find a meaningful way for Ss to use their gold. I want to tweet my game. #XPLAP
A3 Ummm... not so small, but I am trying to shift to a Super Hero/Villain based narrative. Builds on the Guild Concept, Boss Fights, Hearts System, and will have 2 interlocking narratives. #XPLAP
A3) I definitely have a few areas yet to refine! I want to spend my summer incorporating PVP mechanics more smoothly and building more choice elements into my quests. #XPLAP
✨A2: #SKETCHNOTES & #EDUGIFS! These are the perfect tech tools to smash! Students reflect, interpret, interact, and review multiple times. Information is solidified, and learning is fun! It takes a little practice to perfect, but persistance totally pays off!✨#XPLAP#TLAP
A3: I want to add a few new cards to my game. However, I want these card ideas to come from students who are playing at different school districts. I want them to understand that I am willing to listen and try out an idea they came up with! #XPLAP
I think it was an #XPLAP person that suggested "Temptations" (sorry I can't recall who). Mini challenges for 1 or 2 in a guild. Some risk/reward #XPLAP
A3: I’m planning to integrate “The Number Devil” and activities in my math class. There have got to be some little things I can add and tweak with that! #XPLAP
Hi all. I’m Kait, a science SME for a curriculum design company. One thing that went well was keeping up with the lesson ID plans I have to write. #XPLAP
Small shifts usually leader to larger classroom transformations- I'm exploring ways for students to track their own growth- hard to help 6th graders see growth... writing usually equals "more" (not quality); math usually means a better "score" (not problem-solving ability) #xplap
A3) I’d like to begin incorporating items and give students more choice. This year was mostly Classcraft and quests. Students loved the storylines though. #xplap
Just want to put it out there that some of us in the #XPLAP community have a shared folder for anyone who is interested in collaboration. DM if you’d like to contribute and share!
A3 (pt2) I have a "Skirmish" element I am building. It is like a small 5 question mini-boss fight. If guild defeats the "monster" it becomes an ally on the upcoming big boss fight. #XPLAP
I'm Nancy. I teach journalism at a community college in the Bay Area. I'm popping in and out #XPLAP because my family is about to eat. A win recently was when a student played her Killer Card to "steal" XP from the winners of a Kahoot we did. First time I had incorporated that.
So during a guild or boss fight the teacher would slip a mini-game challenge to a guild member. If they succumb to the "Temptation" they might lose time BUT if they succeed it could be a big bonus. Like when Gandolf goes off to gather the Riders of Rohan. #XPLAP
That one is hard… I would love to help you out on it… Want to do a game jam sometime around this topic? That would be fun. We could do a video chat and come up with some good workout ideas. #XPLAP
A3: I think that I'd like to set up more collaborative and reflective structures. Something a wee bit more intentional to add to organic interactions already going on. #xplap
A3.1: Another thing I look forward to improving and shifting are the videos I'm making for classes. Currently they're daily updates after school really only a one time use kind of thing. I want to create videos that have more life. https://t.co/SETgMWTO6G#xplap
a4) I do some pretty awesome stick figure drawings. but seriously I think the art comes from getting the kids psyched to do the work. I have special guest speakers show up once in a while. (it's me in costumes) #XPLAP
I’ve actually spent a lot of time talking with my Ss recently about this and getting tips from them too. They are the best source for honest feedback after all! #xplap I’d totally be in for a game jam/video chat
I like to think that I am a collaborative artist with my Ss. I like to get them as involved as possible in driving the learning and evidence of learning. The more choice I can give them the more interesting the “tapestry”. #XPLAP
A4: I’m an artist in my classroom in multiple ways. The biggest way I would say is by taking risks. Who creates a classroom game with their students modeled on Pokémon and Yugioh to foster number sense? Moroever, I had to put myself out there to share it! #xplap
A4 A misconception of art is that the artist is always inspired. My favorite Hemingway quote is "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." That's what teaching is... #XPLAP
Um this is awesome… I think you should start vlogging for education… It was one of the best moves I made this year. Happy to help in any way I can. #XPLAP
I'd happily collaborate sometime. Currently I'm only in the first year of teaching my curriculum, so a lot of this is winging it... but I'm flexing that creative muscle quite a bit more than in the past. Video is a great medium. #xplap
A5 I struggle with this sometimes. I am currently in the midst of rededicating myself (wrote about it here - https://t.co/hmXcoeEOBS) down 4 lbs and up to 2 miles running again. #XPLAP
A5: This one is dear to me… I think it is important to see ourselves as something that needs to be improved upon as well. I work hard to push myself to do better, be better and ask myself what have I done to do just that. #XPLAP
A4: ✨GOAL: DON'T JUST BE INSPIRED, CREATE!✨
"Creative inspiration is constantly at our disposal, but we will never see it unless we actively and consistently attempt to create." ~@burgessdave#XPLAP#TLAP#EduGIFs
A5 I say "no" to things once in awhile. I also know my limits in terms of stress and time. I can't reach new heights professionally or personally if I feel beaten down. #xplap
a5) my self care doesn't really happen during the school year, except I try to take Saturday's off. Got to much to try and do in not enough time right now. I'll sleep when I'm dead, lol #XPLAP
There is a reason they say parents need to put their oxygen mask on first in the airplane safety speech. If we aren't taking care of ourselves we can't take care of those around us. #XPLAP
A5: I refine myself be reflecting in my blog. I stay positive by thinking of 3 positives from the week. This helps refocus me and helps me improve as an educator. #xplap
A5: Self care for me has been huge! I'm thankful to be in a school that is supportive and encourages teachers to be agents of change. I've also been geeking out on creative outlets like video creation, & can't wait to share this course with students https://t.co/GJ5yqNUZY5#xplap
A5: I take time to create everyday if I can… There is so many ways to create in our world… Stop just consuming and step up and add your stamp on some corner of the world. #XPLAP
Yes! I have found that blogging has been a great way for me to grow. I'm going through my "Half-Baked Ideas" phase right now. Talking things out in my writing... #XPLAP
A5 during the school year my self-care seems to be focused on learning how to be a better teacher. It is my first year as an “empty nest parent’ and improving my class has gotten much more focus. #XPLAP
@moler3031 this is great. My daughter and I do roses and thorns… Describe what went well today and what when wrong. Roses are required, thorns are optional. We added rose buds, they are the things that have not happened yet that you are excited for. #XPLAP
A1: I'd have to say my whole game! LOL. I started out with just a lesson, using the words like XP before I even knew what they were. I also created some very complicated to use Moodle "layers" to the game. I've since refined--and built out--the whole thing. #xplap
A5: I refine myself by expanding my PLN and presenting about gamification and GBL whenever I can. I make connections with individuals that share similar interests! I gave my first Ed Talk last summer. Since then, I’ve been able to present multiple times and learn. #xplap
A5 I just posted a blog on Sunday night about how taking some time for myself helps renew me and makes me a better teacher Would love to have you guys check it out https://t.co/1uRP7J1bDb#XPLAP
Scott, thanks for sharing this raw feeling about your year… We are all here for you. It is not easy some years… All I can say, is stay with it… You are to awesome to be swallowed up by the shadows in our world. Be the light! #XPLAP
In reply to
@pentaclethra, @PerkyScience, @REDwhiteBIGLEY
A6 I took out my electricity unit this year. They learn it in their engineering class, and last year Ss complained it was repetitive. Magnetism was shortened too. #xplap
I have to remind myself that I can’t always do it all and need to take breaks. I have to take moments to relax and de-stress or I can’t design a good lesson, or be there for my kids. #XPLAP
One thing I'm struggling with is how to introduce items/weapons that will do damage in a boss battle. My game has taken on a secret agent story line, but I don't think I want to introduce modern weapons. #xplap
A6: this year I have changed it all - I started with a mission statement, reworded my expectations, I read #ditchbook and #tlap and implemented small changes throughout the year. My ultimate goal was to create a better experience for Ss in my class. #XPLAP
A6: I have had to cut out some content to fit our new schedule… Instead of complaining how my course has been reduced… I just embraced how it has been reshaped… Better way of thinking resulted in better outcomes for me and my students. #XPLAP
A4: I think the artistry comes to play in scenarios where the solution is complex ... interpersonal or scarcity of resources or tough material ... it's almost problem solving in nature. Thinking creatively and critically to get to the next step and beyond. #xplap
✨#ZENTEACHER status for me comes from challenging myself to try new things and improve. This year, reading @dbc_inc books, hitting the gym, and collaborating with my PLN have been a great escapes for me to relax, refocus, refreash, and RECHARGE!✨
#XPLAP#TLAP
I have learned so many great ideas just in the last two weeks! I don’t even know where to start! And so much to still investigate and research how to do and how to try and implement in our online environment. #XPLAP
Really going to take a close look at my daily random events in #classcraft over the summer. I'm constantly tweaking them. Definitely eliminating a few. #xplap
A6: I took out some assignments that seemed to be too redundant. I have also crossed off some that will be gone next year. I want to leave more time for https://t.co/tHJpEMiN7R I really think mixed with #gamification it could = powerful learning. #XPLAP
A5: I've decided to focus on the things I can change/control and not worry so much about the rest. I also love to learn new things so trainings and conferences are amazing! #xplap
A2: A technology that I've used that has opened up a ton of possibility is Twine (at https://t.co/df0uBcxLCn). It's relatively easy to build scenarios, individual games, or experiences that "branch out," giving learners multiple directions they could take the experience in.#xplap
A6: I thought it would be a good idea to insert a card into my game that would subtract points from a team. One day I had a student tell me he didn’t want to participate because he was scared he would get that card. Threw that card away after school! Listen to feedback. #xplap
Love this one… I have used it to add NPCs to my website… Students can then have branching conversations with them on there… Adds some nice theme to the game. #XPLAP
A5: Music, art, and reading with a healthy amount of just "being" thrown in. Tinkering around with ideas and giving them time to incubate is key for me! #xplap
A3: I'll be building the storyline of my game out better. I have two courses, each with their own storyline, but truth be told, I could not keep up with it. *That* is going to be my summer #xplap project.
A6: Moving from HS to MS this year, I've needed to take out some ideas about teaching young adults, and remind myself at this age, they're still very much kids. It's been an adjustment. #xplap
Have you noticed a "Window" of time where you are most productive? For me it is from 10-12:30. Its not a schedule thing. Even in the summer that is when I think the clearest. #XPLAP
Last state testing day. I merged a vlog on mini games from @HeckAwesome with some idea from #wellplayed and #XPLAP to create a game just before the kids came in. We were able to play and learn in a fun environment even after STAAR. So much better than watching a movie. #XPLAP
Welcome to MS…. I find it to be one of the best places on earth… That an Italy, oh and Colorado, Oh and… Ok it is not the best but it is pretty darn good. #XPLAP
One way I've used this re: my storyline is that it gave me a way to allow students to "interview" a character in my game. The questions they chose to "ask" dictated the response and the ending. #xplap
Currently just the camera's microphone, but I just got some audio recorders to use for class next year and will be exploring using those to record externally and sync video & audio. Wish me luck 😂 #xplap
In reply to
@mrmatera, @teachlikeaninja, @HookSounds
I teach two grade levels but had the same story and leaderboard for both. I think it is one of the good things I did this year that I will definitely keep. #XPLAP
A7: Each hour I have a different approach to teaching based on their social contracts, but sometimes something that "clicked" in one hour I will use again... and if it flops... never again #xplap
A4: Honestly, sometimes. Artistry is what drew me to teaching. As I lost more and more opportunities to create in the classroom, the four walls began to push in on me. Instead of blank canvases, the walls were designated for prescribed goals and objectives. #xplap
✨A6: REMOVE RIDICULOUS RULES. If it doesn't improve learning or increase positive feelings about school, why is it there? Reflect and remove the unnecessary! #XPLAP✨
A7: if I feel another lesson might be more engaging, I’ll change it up. I have asked other Ss this year what they wanted to learn about and let them run with it. One student in particular loves cars and engines. He researched a steam engine, and ran with it. #xplap
A7 I love trying new things on the fly. Especially when things start to feel the same or energy is low. It makes you feel like a mad scientist and keeps the kids thinking that anything could happen. #xplap
I want my storylines to build upon each other for my classes. Maybe my physical science class is in control of the mission that makes my Earth science class learn something. Haven't gamified Earth science yet though. #xplap
✨A6: REMOVE RIDICULOUS RULES. If it doesn't improve learning or increase positive feelings about school, why is it there? Reflect and remove the unnecessary! #XPLAP✨
A7: it’s simple, but I feel like this is answered with the word, “explaining.” When they don’t get it, I explain things in a different way, or model, or have a peer explain it. #xplap
A7 I am new to the LAP community (and embarrassed to say I learned late what LAP stood for:) so I am not sure how it can improve, but excited to keep coming back! Thanks for hosting @mrmatera#xplap
I'm looking toward having the storylines intersect. One is focused on media literacy and the other is focused on being a journalist. I've got an idea about how to do it, and perhaps it will simplify things for me, while allowing me to focus each class around their content. #xplap
A8: I’d love to learn more about the different games our community is using and creating. I only get snippets here and there. Hungry for more! Maybe do less questions that allow for more elaborated answers? I loved the GIF chat the other week. That was so much fun! #XPLAP
Maybe you should have a GHO with Me and @julnilsmith I think your game would explode…. and we would have a heck of a good time… Julie is a super hero! #XPLAP
I'm off in the other 99% of NY other than NYC and will not be at @USMSpark, but would definitely love connecting some point soon. I'm sensing some kindred spirit "dragon energy" 😂 #xplap
In reply to
@mrmatera, @teachlikeaninja, @HookSounds, @USMSpark, @USMSpark
First, I LOVE this chat. I couldn’t have gamified without it. So I am just thinking outloud here, but maybe implement accountability partners or something like that to help push us or let us know we will make it in those dark moments. Not sure how to work that on a chat. #XPLAP
