#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 3, 2016
Intro: Aimee NY 4th Grade teacher Because of Winn Dixie
Hi, Rachelle, Spanish teacher and culture, from Pittsbgh, Loved Paddington, and beverly Cleary
John, student, favorite book?! AAHHH! Too many. (Currently reading, Supper of the Lamb)
Happy to have any time with you!
Marvin from Paw Paw, MI. Grade 7 SS. Favorite story: Any old school Star Trek episode.
Whew! Just breezed in from road trip in time for ! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. Loved Monster at the end of the book!
Q1: What do you focus on for your students to take away when you teach lit?
Welcome! Love Cleary. Read all of her books as a kid.
I'm Jared, HS teacher for the Deaf in NYC, and I was a L'Engle fan. Specifically, A WIND IN THE DOOR. (2nd of the Time Quintet)
Shelly instructional coach from Toronto
A1: First and foremost, enjoyment and imagination. My Ss struggle with this.
Welcome! I prefer Picard but I'll take a Trekkie :)
The true meaning, hearing things in such a literal state is displeasing.
Hey Jared! Long time since we last chatted Happy you're here tonight :D
Such as smilies and metaphors, the root of the idea
I was a DS9 fan. My cat was named Major Kira. (Before she got promoted to Colonel)
Happy to be back! Been far too long, but I couldn't miss lit as a topic and you as a mod!
John Morelock, Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech. Favorite story was that of the SNES game Illusion of Gaia.
Aww shucks. Thanks. I'm trying to get back into the swing. Life is crazy
A1 Focus on interconnections, i.e. The Crucible & Werewolf- History, Empathy, Systems Thinking, & Gaming https://t.co/Bx6ItejbYH
A1 Focus on interconnections, i.e. The Crucible & Werewolf- History, Empathy, Systems Thinking, & Gaming https://t.co/RJDrUCPply
A1: To be able to relate the story to their own lives-make it relevant.
I know, right! So super excited Mallory is with us tonight!
I love how many people are already expanding their definition of literature in the chat!
Oh, I hear ya! Been totally revamping my semester, so I feel like a new teacher. But I love my gamified classroom.
A1. Our curriculum in 90% non-fiction, so we focus on evidence, 5W's+H, Text Connections, & making meaning, getting the big idea
A1 Just finished Ep 3 of Life Is Strange. Wow.
Wow. All great skills for Ss to learn :)
I totally just spazzed out over you finishing it. We have to talk ;)
My name is Gonzo and I like chickens. Let's chat
A1: focus on perspectives; what voices are missing?
Hey all. Steve from NJ checking in
A1: With literature, the human experience. That goes for any art form: movie, painting, story.
Only the best video game of all time. It is my number one game.
A1 Making connctns, try to understand in way that makes sense to them,I always say we read same book get diff story
Hey there! Fancy meeting you here! :)
Intro: Beth from NY remedial math teacher gr 3-5.
Looks like I have some homework to do.
An amazing & emotional narrative-based story game. You MUST play! It's so great!!
A1: I like Ss to focus on relationships. How people relate in stories, what they care about, how we show it in a text.
A1: don't teach literature per se but I want my students to gain understanding of importance of narrative and storytelling
To eat chickens, or to raise them? Perhaps as housepets?
I'm teaching characterization and part of that is relationships. Such an important part of stories!
That's a great answer. Wish I would've thought of it!
A1: all about critical literacy; identifying POV & biases/assumptions
Hey Steve! Long time, no type (totally my bad). Happy to chat tonight
Couldn't have said it better myself https://t.co/FdpG4WDSIV
A1: With literature, the human experience. That goes for any art form: movie, painting, story.
Hey Steve! Glad you popped in
My Ss LOVE Twine. I had to beg them to stop writing this week. Really, no joke! Here's one: https://t.co/WDNtnrANvO
That's a beautiful way to say it. I felt that way the first 5-6 times I read To Kill a Mockingbird
That's the beauty of stories!
I'm hoping to involve Twine in my classes, but it's taking me longer to learn it than I'd hoped.
hey would you share more deets. Grade level. Prompt you use.
Wanting to teach agri I want my students to take away something they can apply in their life.
Have you tried Inklewriter? How do you compare? Or maybe put my Ss on both and let them choose?
A1 's Ss experience literary devices in , then reflect
Q2: Good video games have a narrative. They hold great character and conflict.
Leanna from Lexington KY joining in this evening
Q2: What overlap exists between traditional literature and video games? How could VGs fit into the definition of literature?
To me, it's one of the main reasons people tell stories!
Oh yes :D Some fantastic homework
A2 Depends how we define literature! Any insights?
A2. Survival genre of lit is perfect connection games, one life to life...Oh how I miss teaching lit instead of CCCS canned curr
It's crazy at first but you get used to it. Just jump in when you want :)
Type in the box, add [[door]] and a door branch of the story builds. Super easy! There's a Twine wiki
Nevr read it until law school, loved it, read it in Spanish with my Spanish IV students, great book
A2: Story. How we relate our human experience. The basis of all art forms. A good story transcends all genres!
One of my favorites is how characters develop, through interactions and experiences. Great games and literature have both
Grade 7. Prompt: rewrite history as illuminati conspiracy, a fave is Ss
dropping truth bombs here at https://t.co/lYUChbACpK
A2: Story. How we relate our human experience. The basis of all art forms. A good story transcends all genres!
I don't envy you. I think we need more non-fiction here, but 90% is an awful lot.
A2: maybe already said, but all great video games have some sort of backbone, or directional guide, like a story has a plot.
A2: Video games are still storytelling vehicles. Character, plot, conflict, theme, journeys. Different wrapping, same stories. :)
I agree. The ones that really pull you in have a good guide.
My grade 6 like inkle; 7th this week preferred Twine. They liked the freedom it afforded. Of course they choose!
A2 I agree with good books and video games have great characters
A2: such great crossover as rich narrative is huge part of games. Love the episodic adventures and lore in
I agree- a conversation I have quite often
Several girls in my class play & make games on
With more of an interactive feel. Characters in books never listen to me. I can affect them in VGs. https://t.co/NijzcHAjgM
A2: Video games are still storytelling vehicles. Character, plot, conflict, theme, journeys. Different wrapping, same stories. :)
Awesome comparison! https://t.co/ZPKJlBCEFc
One of my favorites is how characters develop, through interactions and experiences. Great games and literature have both
A2 There is a story involved, characters, maybe conflict/plot, theme of story, action, etc. draw you into them
A1: both have purpose, audience, conflict, problem, characters; both can be great if done correctly
I try to see CCSS as the goal, but games can still be the way we get there. :)
Sometimes I think we need to rethink what an anchor text can be in the classroom
A2 great games and literature both involve imagination of creator and participant
didn't think I could really stay away did ya?
Literature transcends time and space. It speaks to all manner of audience.
Can you explain that idea a little more?
What is literature? Um. A combination of text and art. Someone else can add on to that definition
Question 3 up in a minute!
A2 Games as transmedia for literature
Lit doesn't necessarily have to have words; pics can tell a story! Great way to use Instagram in classroom!
I now have a new favorite word: "transmedia." :D
Q3: What are the benefits of using/viewing video games as literature?
Or even gestures/body language. I suppose literature is the art of storytelling through any medium. https://t.co/NxwMXd3RaV
Lit doesn't necessarily have to have words; pics can tell a story! Great way to use Instagram in classroom!
A3: I'll shoot for the obvious-increased student engagement.
You reach students, you might not ordinarily reach by looking at it through video games
A3: A sense of ownership. A playfulness. And a juxtaposed feeling of adventure and safety.
A3 it provides a framework for students to go meta analyze the game and themselves
It was postulated that an effect of programs have been used to purchase good-quality ECEC services than do either goal alone.
A3: almost a 'movie' version. I have Ss create movie trailers & cast movie version; persuade now why these actors work?
Love this definition https://t.co/gQkOK4tvUo
Or even gestures/body language. I suppose literature is the art of storytelling through any medium. https://t.co/NxwMXd3RaV
Lit doesn't necessarily have to have words; pics can tell a story! Great way to use Instagram in classroom!
A3: Ss are familiar w/games, so they can serve as gateways into more difficult texts
A3: Expanding the ways stories can be told and crafted. You can not only see the story, but actively live it and change it.
A3. Grim Fandango = dia de los Muertos, hispanic heritage, mexico culture, fun & animation. Storytelling & POV similar to movie
sorry gtg; we have dance class see you soon
A3: appeals/hooks Ss to lit. Draw out parallels. Have them create a video game & narrate as short story
And from there it's only one more step to analyzing literature.
I do this as well. Ss love getting up and portraying their favorite characters.
I think when we select text for instruction, we think of print- Ss read same book. What if Ss played the same game?
A3: Many games are open-ended which makes the story open to choice no individualization.
it demonstrates the significance games can have as a story and art medium
Agreed! Communicating through variety of mediums; emotions, perspectives etc... https://t.co/s9MO46MhCh
Or even gestures/body language. I suppose literature is the art of storytelling through any medium. https://t.co/NxwMXd3RaV
Lit doesn't necessarily have to have words; pics can tell a story! Great way to use Instagram in classroom!
This happened to me in my student teaching. Thank you, Goat Simulator and Gears of War. Haha https://t.co/Qryp8PNXmY
You reach students, you might not ordinarily reach by looking at it through video games
A3: Someone mentioned stories being "different" for everyone. Video games also achieve this as Ss "write" their own experience
Connecting to students on their level.
A2 's amazing work turning Walden's Pond into a game experience
https://t.co/AGwhHyRgCU
A3: Expanding the ways stories can be told and crafted. You can not only see the story, but actively live it and change it.
Thanks for joining! Have fun jamming!
Ss today, especially, speak tech before they speak any other language. VGs are meeting them on homeground.
Video games as literature can promote rich discussions regarding multimedia elements and mood- music, artwork, lighting
For sure! It's medium that is different; all equally valuable https://t.co/rGuOm9aIvf
But a work of art can tell a story, such as a sculpture or painting. What makes it different from literature?
I'm trying that next week with in my mythology unit. Here's hoping it works :)
This has been 1st chat! Although I am a math teacher I have enjoyed reading everyone's tweets. Thanks!
A3 Ss can create, diff opps for conveying the theme, story,
Glad you joined us! Please come back next week! There's a wealth of information every week!
it hands person involved new ways to experience and understand the literature hidden behind the visuals also :)
A3: I definitely see that ownership and sense of active engagement. They are a part of the creation, not just consumers.
That ownership is a powerful motivator.
Can you say "cross curricular opportunity"? Haha. https://t.co/zKLNqyQ6kh
Video games as literature can promote rich discussions regarding multimedia elements and mood- music, artwork, lighting
It would be interesting to do an "author" study of games-does a game designer create games in the same style?Characters?Audience?
A3: for one thing, we recognize video games as an art form when we view as lit
Question 4 up in a minute!
https://t.co/fSQIOF6I5Z
Ss today, especially, speak tech before they speak any other language. VGs are meeting them on homeground.
Video games as literature? Yes. And this is how vgames have a leg up on traditional literature https://t.co/euMGXGw6oF
A3: I definitely see that ownership and sense of active engagement. They are a part of the creation, not just consumers.
Thanks for the chat. First time doing this.Enjoyed everyone's thoughts
Thank you for joining us! Hope to see you next week :)
As an author & teacher, I would love to work w/ a game designer to learn more about how they develop these elements!
In Minecraft, Ss post signs by their projects-"This is a class project, do not touch." Like a museum piece.
How much do I love this idea? THIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSS MUUUUUUUUCCCHHHHHH! https://t.co/rDPQyreqEM
It would be interesting to do an "author" study of games-does a game designer create games in the same style?Characters?Audience?
Every time I think of VGs as lit or art, there's a slew of them that come to mind. https://t.co/Bg53a33Eb8
A3: for one thing, we recognize video games as an art form when we view as lit
A4: A challenge would be perception. Many do not see the validity of using video games in education. Think it's just playing.
I bet it is hard to find a kid in your class who has not played a video game of some sort.
A4: Ss may focus only on gameplay & refuse to acknowledge or ignore the discussion/analysis part.
Yes to this idea. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Ah! Just yes. All the yes. :D https://t.co/8WZGH0S9ey
How much do I love this idea? THIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSS MUUUUUUUUCCCHHHHHH! https://t.co/rDPQyreqEM
It would be interesting to do an "author" study of games-does a game designer create games in the same style?Characters?Audience?
I've had this discussion with other Ts in my school. One said, "I just see VGs as a waste of time." :( https://t.co/qjraMLZa8U
A4: A challenge would be perception. Many do not see the validity of using video games in education. Think it's just playing.
A4: finding appropriate games; pushback from Admin & parents
A4: Vgames are seen as "low brow" art, just as YA literature is. Misconceptions & misperceptions must be debunked
A4: Having enough funding/copies of the game for everyone. Hard enough to get $$ for books, let alone games and systems.
It's next to impossible. Especially with the advent of phone games. https://t.co/pqwGO2udon
I bet it is hard to find a kid in your class who has not played a video game of some sort.
We're starting to include more YA...slowly...about 60ish years after it was created.
A4: need to show/model how it can help learning; inviting Ps for 'lunch & learn' or a 'chew & chat' can help
A4 Must plan, set guidelines, check to be sure appropriate for Ss, some may view as a negative and not beneficial
I love the idea of the Lunch and Learn!
Love this idea! https://t.co/J1QdUkK6wJ
A4: need to show/model how it can help learning; inviting Ps for 'lunch & learn' or a 'chew & chat' can help
Sadly, me too. Granted, there's a balance, like all in life, but rather have Ss playing games than doing nothing
Truth. And it's more fun for me to go to "work". This new semester is off to a great start cuz of games!
Yes, like Catcher in the Rye. So much great writing that happens to be YA.
I can't live without my YA.
A4: I think helping others see that a VG is a powerful tool and it is the instructional purpose of the VG that leads to learning
Have Ps go thru the learning just like Ss; so powerful & eye opening for them! https://t.co/TFGAxZjEPn
Love this idea! https://t.co/J1QdUkK6wJ
A4: need to show/model how it can help learning; inviting Ps for 'lunch & learn' or a 'chew & chat' can help
A4: challenge comes when hypocrisy emerges over content being ok on one form of media (i.e. Lit) and not in another (i.e. Game)
And speaking of Catcher, Jared...guess what video game references it like crazy.
Works wonders w/ Ps & understanding why & how it works https://t.co/CQlpBOr50D
I love the idea of the Lunch and Learn!
Ts as well. So far, I've met more resistance from Ts than Ps, but haven't had as much interaction with Ps. https://t.co/y1fxGFcSdz
Have Ps go thru the learning just like Ss; so powerful & eye opening for them! https://t.co/TFGAxZjEPn
Love this idea! https://t.co/J1QdUkK6wJ
A4: need to show/model how it can help learning; inviting Ps for 'lunch & learn' or a 'chew & chat' can help
Sounds like our discussion of mature content in games. :) https://t.co/wDVi6nIBCq
A4: challenge comes when hypocrisy emerges over content being ok on one form of media (i.e. Lit) and not in another (i.e. Game)
I'm sold, I'm sold! (raises hands in surrender) :)
And if we added , as we talked about last week--what an amazing experience! https://t.co/zNuWJxEvkV
Have Ps go thru the learning just like Ss; so powerful & eye opening for them! https://t.co/TFGAxZjEPn
Love this idea! https://t.co/J1QdUkK6wJ
A4: need to show/model how it can help learning; inviting Ps for 'lunch & learn' or a 'chew & chat' can help
so true! Need to do lunch & learn w/ Ts too!
I'd attend your lunch! :)
Question 5 up in a minute!
A4: Aligning the use of the video game with instructional outcomes from CCSS- can be done, but requires intentional planning
A5: Such interactive literature may make “common” lit seem boring. Could use games to change that, though.
Q5: How would including games as literature impact literature as we know it?
It's something you really have to make an effort at. I'm using a game in 2 weeks to cover our myth unit.
A5: Lit feels like a detective game when I teach. It's about finding clues in the writing. Like a explorer's VG.
A5: It would not change the definition, but change the "look" of lit.
A5 literature becomes truly interactive and multidimensional. Readers become participants in the world of the characters & story.
thanks! Right back atcha both :)
Well said! In video games, there could be visual, audio, and experienced clues https://t.co/xRZh6RFpbe
A5: Lit feels like a detective game when I teach. It's about finding clues in the writing. Like a explorer's VG.
A5: I would love to see it evolve. I think it will, but like any lit movement, it will take time
A5: I think it would help Ss see that a story can be more than something told, read or watched- it can be played & experienced
Last of us, Bioshock, uncharted, mass effect, Final fantasy 6, chrono trigger, life is strange, Persona to name few
A5 Combining them can increase engagement, draw more Ss in, have more choices, diff, unique way to present
"The only thing constant is change." https://t.co/k8j7JzOCo3
A5: I would love to see it evolve. I think it will, but like any lit movement, it will take time
That kind of internalization is vital. https://t.co/vRT7UxBPcz
A5: I think it would help Ss see that a story can be more than something told, read or watched- it can be played & experienced
those games alone would be standalone classic pieces of literature...they are just told in a different medium
Sorry I'm late to the game, but glad o caught part of this one!
Except from a vending machine.
A5 I think it would change what it means 2 be a writer & would change what it means 2 be literate. Could be a whole new literacy.
We're just glad you're here! Always love to hear what you say
Good to see you, Lori! Hope all is well!
We're happy to have you for any part of the conversation :)
https://t.co/pLo8CYl91Z
those games alone would be standalone classic pieces of literature...they are just told in a different medium
A5: It would add legitimacy to gaming and make gaming more of an academic topic.
for some kids, "writing" a video game script would be very engaging- characters, multiple storylines...
I'm hoping we're already on our way to making games more of an "academic" topic. https://t.co/AWGdv1MQFQ
A5: It would add legitimacy to gaming and make gaming more of an academic topic.
Agreed. What a great way to teach narrative!
might be able to weigh in more about this! https://t.co/f2WxtSmx9N
for some kids, "writing" a video game script would be very engaging- characters, multiple storylines...
My Ss are a/b 2 design tabletop games but so many of them are begging to write VGs...even if it's more work for them
A5: acknowledging games as literature would provide opportunities for kids to interact with lit in amazing new ways
Have you all talked brilliant Cuckoo's Nest? Talk about making lit interactive...
I guess when they are engaged the work becomes hard fun!
Definitely! I may add an option to design a video game next year
Question 6 up in a minute! (Last of the night)
Good call Steve, I might pick your brain for my upcoming game design project. Maybe Ss can try VG design
I've spoken to some HS lit T's who are afraid to use games as lit--thinking they lack the right kind of challenge -cray
We had kids design video games for NGSS standards- they were so motivated and engaged in coding and content
Last question of the night! Q6: Resource Time! What games have you played that you loved the story? Why?
Totes cray! If anything, I find they bring a bigger challenge and deeper understanding.
A6: Gone Home. Great mystery there, and forces Ss to read variety of texts to make inferences.
Way cray. I think it all depends on how you teach the games.
A6: Mincraft. The story changes every time I play.
I'm trying to learn more resources, but in the meantime, I'm creating my own. :) It's Superhero themed.
Super duper love this idea! https://t.co/vCopiZA1Kd
Grade 7. Prompt: rewrite history as illuminati conspiracy, a fave is Ss
A6: I've used Stanley Parable, Elegy for a Dead World, and will use Never Alone next week. All great stories.
I have a personal soft spot for and often dream of a "Video Games as Lit" class where we can play & analyze it. :)
Hoping to work in Elegy, but afraid I'm running out of time b/t Serial, Hamlet, and Gone Home. Argh!!!!
A6. as noted Grim Fandango, now on iOS, lol. Any Lucasfilm games from back in the day had theme, plot, characters, etc,...
Oh man! So many stories, so little time. :)
I need to play Grim Fandango! Nearly any Double Fine game tells a good story that Ss would love.
I need to play never alone- I've read so many great things about that
Thanks for the fantastic chat tonight, all! (Great way to come back into this!) Outro: Name, location, and position.
It's so good. There's a full playthrough on YouTube and I'll update you all on how it goes with my Ss :)
my minecraft game typically ends with me being killed by a creeper
- Dean, Michigan, 5th grade. Have a gerat night folks!
Thank YOU, for a great chat! Jared, NYC, Eng T for the Deaf. Can't wait to see/hear how your game goes!
Have a great weekend. Loved the chat. Marvin, grade 7 SS.
Whew. Thanks! I haven't been back in a while, so it was nice to come home to my fellow gaming friends :)
Thanks for coming all! Great chat tonight! Next week's topic: argument! Melissa, Nebraska, 11-12 ELA
Thanks for letting me pop in. Great topic! Aside: anyone headed to next week?
Thanks Jared! I'll check out your blog until then :D
Thanks for a great chat and making new Twitter friends! I love to grow my learning network!!
It was great to chat with you too!
Neat chat. Thanks everyone!
Hopefully we'll see you next week :)
Can't wait to debate! https://t.co/sLaOLUJ9BM
Thanks for coming all! Great chat tonight! Next week's topic: argument! Melissa, Nebraska, 11-12 ELA
You too! Hope to see you next week :)
