#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 October 27, 2016
For the next hour my tweets are for the discussion.
Hello everyon! Welcome to Excited to be moderating tonight with , master of and Quest Based Learing
Take a moment to introduce yourself - Name, location, role, what quest would you like to embark on?
It is in fact! Thanks for lending your expertise tonight!
Steve from NJ - I realized I am just the oldest learner in my classroom :) I'd like to Quest to New Zealand / Australia
Woo-hoo! X-tra XP for being early?!?
Dr. Chris Haskell, Professor , created the worlds first game based LMS with
I'm Tiffany and I'm an ESL teacher in Texas. I would like to learn more about how to implement gamification in my classroom.
7th grade Language Arts teacher in Denver. Hoping to get ideas on how to implement quests and still balance everything in school
Yes! Complete a few more quests and you will level up!
Quest#1: Introduce yourself - name, location, role, Quest you would like to embark upon
Hi Tiffany! Great to have yo uwith us tonight :)
Wait, that was you? the awesome - I use that!
Phillip, 7th English, Omaha'ish, Nebraska
Hey Shannon - good question on the balance - the beauty is that quest based learning can fit into any current course
I wonder if will join us tonight to learn about Quest Based Learning :)
Ginny Hagin, elementary teacher, Minecraft Club advisor, VA
I'm also questing to create a class with College freshman that uses and Minecraft with npc's just like
My entire 8th grade Game Design and Development course is Quest Based - hoping some of my students join us tonight
Hey Ginny! Good to see you :)
so awesome - loved the presentation on your virtual world at -
I'd be all in if weren't in for the second time this week for not my kid's Halloween costume 😑
Are we on the first question yet??
I'm looking for methods to transition from grammar gaming to quest-based. Maybe even incorporating the writing as well!
I'm going to be watching and prob not commenting much since I don't have any experience with this. Just learning!
ask lots of questions anyway :-)
lurk away but certainly jump in with questions to further the discussion :)
first question coming up right now
request as a learning activity that you choose.
Hello all..marcos from nj! Love gaming and the world of
Hi everyone! Glen from MN joining the conversation
It's not so much modifying a current course as it is scaffolding and differentiating in a timely manner.
A1 Reading a suspense story wrapped in a game..gotta love it! Hey
exactly, branching architectures. Where choices lead to more choices.
A1: Quest-based indicates an ongoing experience - ongoing game: ongoing learning. Scaffolding!
A1: I see quests as several narrative-centered tasks that students can choose from to demonstrate understanding of a concept.
Hey Marcos! Speaking of We got for the yesterday and OMG! so awesome !
A1: For me Quest based learning can be the key to successful classroom choice is that powerful!
Melissa--teacher librarian in a middle school in CT
A1: I don't have much experience with this, but I definitely think it puts the student in control of their learning
A1: For me Quest Based is the most powerful part of because it involves and driven learning
My names Nicole and I'm a SPED student from Ohio. I'm excited to be here to learn about gamification in the classroom!
exactly. QBL is choice-driven, where students can explore rather than just receive things for things they've done
YES! and the branching / choice based aspect is so powerful and empowering
This! https://t.co/X4ciUt1zpw
A1: For me Quest based learning can be the key to successful classroom choice is that powerful!
narrative driven absolutely!
A1 the power of choice is the strongest part...learn from experiences!! Love it!!
absolutely - and different ways to meet learning objectives
is right. We can add points and badges to things but choice and agency is getting from the student perspective
It gives them the illusion of control under managed circumstances which is even better https://t.co/Pwpi8nGOJ9
A1: I don't have much experience with this, but I definitely think it puts the student in control of their learning
Hi Nicole - welcome :) Where in OH? My brother lives in New Albany, we visit Columbus area a bit
for sure! How's your mini arcade?
Yes - that part can be a challenge and one I need to further develop
We are questing with Minecraft every morning 3-6 grade S come by choice. Smtimes we play to find out why we are playing.
I'd argue that it's not an illusion when choice is really at the center
nice! blisters on your thumbs?
if we open it up, they can have REAL control. We can add curriculum for just one student
Hey Lisa! Hope you can jump in and chat with us - topic is a bit relevant : )
the choice is not an illusion, but control is :)
Absolutely! https://t.co/97fqzaRNBL
if we open it up, they can have REAL control. We can add curriculum for just one student
I just explained quest based learning to my 9 yr old...he said "sounds like I like it!"
I don't believe they need control as much as support
Quick side question if I may. What experiences have you had with self-paced QBL?
Wait, is Haskell channeling
Hello! :) I’m a student at Kent State University which is about two hours from Columbus!
A2: Choice allows for greater engagement and better products. Ss can show mastery in the way they know best.
many students finish faster than we actually are prepared for :-) great problem
A2: S choice gives student voice. Additionally Ss take ownership of the learning. It makes a difference https://t.co/wx6QXJAF2d
also, requires creative design to make sure they have the opportunity to interact with others.
A2: When choice is provided Ss are more invested in their learning. More likely to get more meaningful, deeper learning
A1:I’m new to this but I’d have to agree with Tiffany! I think it lets a student set their own personal goals while having fun!
A2: Providing choice in learning allows students to have agency in the learning and allow passion to drive the process
A2: To create an environment of engaged, motivated learners
A2: Students learn in the style that "fits" them. More individualized.
A2 by allowing ss to make a choice, then be able to go back and analyze provides an experiential learning opportunity!
In my class, students need 700XP for A+ each term -I have students this term approaching 1400 :) learning doesn't stop
Let's be clear that we are speaking of meaningful choices, not choice of which crayon to use to color inside the lines
A2 Making choices requires taking responsibility for the consequences of those choices
A2: Choice is massive! As a T'r, choice is empowering, passion building, energizing, motivating! It's the gas in the tank!
and they recognize that their choices make a difference.
Noooooooooooo Can you still provide a quest based learning environment?
I wonder how to find possible choices. I need a menu of menus for my skills and standards!
Yep! https://t.co/LAf6tbDyBG
A2: Choice is massive! As a T'r, choice is empowering, passion building, energizing, motivating! It's the gas in the tank!
absolutely - and strategy comes with choice of learning path - makes it kind of like a game :)
A2: students take more ownership in their learning and it doesn't feel like "work". Boosts engagement
A2 it gives them the feeling that what they do can actually influence the outcome
That's where I need help..finding the right combination of quest types to fit every student
I will honestly say that moving to a Quest Based Learning Environment completely transformed my teaching!
use a real-world problem it's amazing, when it's not the lesson can fall short. Heres a discovery lesson… https://t.co/G6HggNzwHt
Quick side question if I may. What experiences have you had with self-paced QBL?
A2 I support multi-directional learning where Ss can backtrack and make different choices
The cool thing is that as you develop quests you can continue to iterate on which work, which don't add new options
A2 Choice is everything. student voice, ownership, motivation
In my class the paths stay open so a student can start down one path and then tap into another - see what fits for them
this is where you draft the students. The brainstorm ideas, new connect to standards and add context
A2: It allows for personal interest which engages students. They can see the outcomes and use this as a tool for future learning
Mine is essentially self-paced - It's worked out great - all quest lines address learning objectives, students choose
I'm also curious where direct instruction of a skill falls in QBL. It seems QBL does best with end products, not always the path
I guide students through a few paths, but they have autonomy and choice in which path they take or which tool they use
I would think that class methods would work for any direct instruction in quest based learning...am I wrong?
Can you share an example and the technology you use for us and other Ts. Great idea! https://t.co/QWKrfjlYjP
Mine is essentially self-paced - It's worked out great - all quest lines address learning objectives, students choose
Raids. Activities that we all do together which may start with some epic storytelling, i.e. direct instruction :-)
I used blended learning and occasionally, a flipped lesson.
put a little cool music on in the background and any lecture turns into epic storytelling :-)
One of the things I like is what I call iterative grading - kids submit, I give feedback, they iterate til mastery
I use what I call "dramafied" learning that uses comics and narrative that resembles a quest in https://t.co/bzaJN9WkyV
I use what I call "dramafied" learning that uses comics and narrative that resembles a quest in https://t.co/F1hYuDoKoT
you got to check out his YouTube videos! Required viewing
I teach game design and development - quest based system i use is by
it's perfect for blended and flipped because some of the quest are for school and others or not
Quests align to learning objectives related to iterative design process, game development, collaborative design teams
Is that basically peer review?
Hadn't thought of that...need to wrap my brain around the integration. Not all content relates to the game story.
Quests for product like scaffold skills guiding students through process of creating sample game,
Doesn't that cause you to drown in work, though? 120+ kids doing 4 or more tasks at once...
we are about to release a video that shows how to use to give instant/continuous feedback. I… https://t.co/5lvtXWjfBI
One of the things I like is what I call iterative grading - kids submit, I give feedback, they iterate til mastery
Quests relate to further developing game design through modding, writing design document, creating game, peer testing,
this is what I do. Didn't know it had a name. Makes grading easier. More a conference than evaluation
some activities involve peer review, when student submits quest if it is not on point, i provide feedback
Not all kiddos have devices, though. They can't stay after school or sacrifice social lunch to access tech
some quest can be auto-approve others require review. Some systems allow you to assign students to review
It can, but it takes expertise from content developers to do so :) https://t.co/1eiNpv06X3
Hadn't thought of that...need to wrap my brain around the integration. Not all content relates to the game story.
Yes - but key for me is not to just 'grade' something - i despise 'grades' if the assignment is not complete
I'd rather give kids multiple attempts to get it right rather than just giving a grade and moving on
never heard dramafied before. I like it. I've tied narrative to flip class to increase completion
well, the kids enjoy receiving XP for completed quests, I enjoy seeing them submit quests -time consuming but worth it
My quiz on Microsoft Forms this week proves that Ss want that, too. Some Ss retook it 3 times and passed.
I was a working playwright and am now adapting those skills to edtech :)
i'm a stack for quests in order and auto approve, the fifth one has me look back at the previous four.
sometimes I delay the grade...just feedback for further inquiry and improvement
agreed, using shorthand. Giving a percent grade implies less than mastery is ok
I have some auto-approve but I have come to find that reflection is best way for Ss to dem
I'd call it Disneyfied. It's the difference between a typical roller coaster and Space Mountain.
I wish I had you as a teacher when I was a kid
Q4: Are you currently gamifying your course? Do you incorporate a quest / choice based approach? https://t.co/fl4MoNaj0e
I'm writing my own story. I bet it's terrible but I'm getting colleagues to voice act. They and Ss seem to b having fun
interesting approach - i might need to tap your brain on that one
the "story" doesn't have to fit a predetermined standard, solving the story does. Embrace creativity
Awesome conversation guys. This is what Teaching is all about. for our Students!
A4 I have 10 fully QBL courses each year and have taught over 3,000 Ss in 6 years of QBL
you're singing my song :)
Guess that's only Q3 :) Whatevs
A3: Currently using mostly for behavior management. Been hoping to evolve to content-focused uses.
I do Choose Your Own Adventure every unit where students pick from a menu of 75 quests to complete as they please.
A4: My semester long Game Design and Development course is completely gamified / but more importantly Quest Based
You are a brave soul and I celebrate your courage! I hope you keep at it. https://t.co/6mPE135DIF
I'm writing my own story. I bet it's terrible but I'm getting colleagues to voice act. They and Ss seem to b having fun
A4: not currently. I have a lot of learning to do. This is helping!!
is beautiful and so engaging for students for sure! Love the team aspect especially!
A3: I am grammar and behavior gamified using an expanded version of . Started a quest design, but ran out of time.
A4: Yes, gamification and but not fully quest based learning. I want to get there though!
Great idea! Use your resources!
A3 lots of choice in my gamified USHIS class. Debating decreasing opts though. Heard too many choices causes panic...
I'm a little behind in pushing the Qs since the conversation has been so rich. I will toss out the next few with less of a gap
local actors will do it for free ;)
I would love to see how you do this! Sounds amazing!
A4: My course is elective - I have some flexibility, but I plan thoughtfully so that all quests align with learning objectives
A4 think of learning outcomes in verbs and go from there
A4: Hoping to get ideas on this for LA class on this. So much grading and huge skill ranges. I worry of drowning.
one of the great suggestions of planning a Quest Based Learning course is to map out the learning paths with popplet or bubbl.us
A4: Provide choices that all lead to the desired outcome (met objective)
A4: learning is fluid - learning how to learn through choice allows us to teach differently
A4: By Turning Student Choice into Student Voice! Heres podcast ep. on Student Voice you may like https://t.co/ryQYYFcoR0
I find that once quests are in place, the course flows beautifully, it becomes more about the interaction with students
Make the learning objectives the end goal. A mastery demonstration of the objective is 'Mission Accomplished'!
A4: Choice also allows us to honor different interests, approaches to learning - very important
And that's completely the goal!
A4 agree on backward design. I have content stnds & SS skills framework called from combine then I think about audience
This is why I LOVE and this is amazing thank you!!
Another side question for the QBL Yodas. How many of the choices or modules are plug-n-play into other quests or Ss choices?
Like find different reading levels of articles and student must show understanding of that level to move on?
Ts fear of losing control might prevent Ss from having chance to have meaningful choices over the curriculum
A5) I really think choice is imperative. Giving kids options drives motivation and means more effort and less revisions.
A5: Quests should be bite size when possible, scaffold learning, create environment of "blissful productivity" a la
Time sure flies when you're talking about Quest Based Learning with a bunch of passionate educators!!
A6: As an ESL teacher, my biggest challenge is meeting all my students at their different levels.
A6: Sometimes I find that I need to double check what quests are available and not or switch things up
A5: I think small group quests are more likely to aid learning with branches of individual Ss demonstrations.
Doesn't QBL require certain skills that many Ts may not possess?
A6) constantly making new side quests for my overachievers. They finish some almost as soon as I post them.
A big thank you to for introducing twinethreads in twitter! My students' creative brains will e… https://t.co/6qWdkbG9ep
How to fight frustration levels? Scaffolding/hints when failure occurs?
I think Quest Based Learning fits beautifully in when we think of
