#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 November 1, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #games4ed!! Please share your name, location, position, and your favorite kind of pie (because pie is amazing) #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hi all! Melissa from Nebraska, 11-12 ELA. Headed to #nefetc right now, but taking a break for #games4ed! Favorite pie: Pecan!
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hi all. Mariana Garcia Serrato, MS STEM from San Jose, CA. Pie ... anything with berries or rhubarb or cherries. I like pie! #games4ed
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Intro: Steven, Texas, Pre-Service Teacher, Banana Cream #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • AlyssaSager3 Nov 1 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Hello! I'm Alyssa from Houston, TX, Pre-service teacher in 4-8 social studies. Favorite pie is pumpkin! #games4ed
  • pentaclethra Nov 1 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Pie! Pumpkin! Scott here in Albany NY area and a science teacher. #games4ed
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    INtro: Fred, Massachusetts, College of Education, Rhubarb with just enough sugar #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Welcome to both Alyssa and Steven! So glad you’re here! #games4ed
    In reply to @steven_varnell
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Agreed. Pie is the bomb. #games4ed
    In reply to @MarianaGSerrato
  • MrPowley Nov 1 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Hey there #games4ed! I'll check in after kiddo bedtimes. I am a USHIS T in SC. My favorite pie would have to be Brown Derby Pie. (Basically a giant choco chip cookie!)
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Heya Scott! With lots of whipped cream on pumpkin pie? #games4ed
    In reply to @pentaclethra
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Yippee!! So glad to have you here :) #games4ed
    In reply to @MarianaGSerrato
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Q1: Argumentation is a skill with many components. What do you most emphasize and want students to be able to do when it comes to argumentation? #games4ed
  • MrBaskwill Nov 1 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Nick Baskwill Grade 5 NS Canada - cherry or apple pie for me #Games4ed
  • MrPowley Nov 1 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    When I moved to SC they said its pronounced Pah- Con. A P-Can is something you keep under the bed! #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • MrBillingsclass Nov 1 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Excited to join in tonight #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: I want my students to be able to confidently state their position on a matter. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hiya Fred! Welcome! #games4ed
    In reply to @zinn_umass
  • MrBaskwill Nov 1 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1: Not to make it or take it personal. A great argument can happen, then both parties can move on from it. #Games4ed
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    A1) remove emotion #games4ed
  • AlyssaSager3 Nov 1 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: I would want to emphasize using evidence to back up claims and keeping the argument civil. #games4ed
  • MrPowley Nov 1 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1 respectfully disagreeing and proving supporting evidence. And providing context. And listening first... Wow that is a lot and thats just to start #games4ed
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:08 PM EDT
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Not sure I've had Brown Derby Pie, but it sounds like something I'd definitely love! #games4ed
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    YAYAY!! So glad to have you here! Love the GIF!! #games4ed
    In reply to @MrBillingsclass
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Hi everyone, I'm Noa from Israel. We don't have Halloween. So the closest thing is Purim when we eat Haman Ears. #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    So agree. I have kids look at me funny when I suggest that. Or when I prompt them to choose something they aren't emotional about--they think I'm crazy #games4ed
    In reply to @MrRoughton
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    Take that Haman! Who is hanging on the gallows now? #games4ed
    In reply to @supervxn
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Q2: Debate is one way to give students an audience and purpose for their arguments. What topics could be ripe for students to debate in your content area? #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    That's what's so crazy. There are SO many skills that go into debates, it's really hard to do all of them at once. I think it's one of the ultimate activities b/c there's so much in it #games4ed
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • GohGaikJune Nov 1 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Hi June from Sg here! Fave pie is Apple Pie #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Heya June!! Apple is one of my favorites, for sure!! #games4ed
    In reply to @GohGaikJune
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1 cont - The rules ... #games4ed
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A2) I always start with "should the voting age be lowered to 13?" such a fun debate with 13 year olds. #games4ed
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1: An argument a claim and it's reasoning (fact/s or explanation/s), So the crucial thing is to teach Ss the difference between them. #games4ed
  • MrBaskwill Nov 1 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A2: Rights of Indigenous People, Zoo's, and renewable energy vs economic pros of fossil fules #Games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    You're right, and honestly, I'm not so sure they couldn't do worse than we adults do sometimes! #games4ed
    In reply to @MrRoughton
  • jvanscoyoc Nov 1 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    One mini-me down...jumping in late. Jestin, HS science teacher #games4ed
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1: Double agree on "use evidence" and add a helping of "expressing positions clearly so others can understand them" #games4ed
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A2: For my content area of math, many of my classes have been making a push for teaching students to be problem solvers, so I think that having them make their cases for possible solutions and useful strategies for solving open-ended problems would be worthwhile. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    #games4ed
    In reply to @MrRoughton
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2: Sometimes I've had Ss choose prompts. During Macbeth, we debated who/what is the cause of his downfall. I've done similar with Antigone, too #games4ed
    • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:12 PM EDT
      Q2: Debate is one way to give students an audience and purpose for their arguments. What topics could be ripe for students to debate in your content area? #games4ed
  • GohGaikJune Nov 1 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A2: how long are they allowed to watch tv or play computer games :p #games4ed
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    What's really amazing is that the vast majority answer "no way!" They know how impressionable they are. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • AlyssaSager3 Nov 1 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A2: Social studies is full of topics for debate! Whether or not we should celebrate Columbus Day came up in one of my observations #games4ed
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: GMOs, genetics, climate change, and oh ... Head over to https://t.co/fU0DTt8236 Lot's of relevant choices AND you can investigate with other classrooms! #kqedambassadors @KQEDedspace #games4ed
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2: @GohGaikJune ooh! Debating something that they can then use the arguments for when they get home! I like it. #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Q3: There are a plethora of games and game mechanics that promote argumentation and debate. What games or mechanics do you/could you use to promote argumentation? #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    Definitely. And I'm starting to work harder on Toulmin's "warrant." WHY is that reason important in the first place. I've seen Ss missing this in the past, but I haven't been teaching it well enough #games4ed
    In reply to @supervxn
  • Skymazef3 Nov 1 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    If you are Aussie and need a #Science follow can I really, strongly, absolutely recommend @ChouinardJahant . Very #Sciencelearning helpful plus writes with feeling and meaning. p.s Can I get more info on Thinking Tic Tac Toe? Never seen it b4 #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    I really love the first one. We live next to a reservation and have a high indigenous people population #games4ed
    In reply to @MrBaskwill
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    Yay, Jestin is in the HOUSE! #games4ed
    In reply to @jvanscoyoc
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A3) Argument Wars on iCivics is pretty neat. #games4ed
  • pentaclethra Nov 1 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A3 I love using the game Superfight to encourage argumentation and debate. Kids love it. #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    So much agree. Some Ss I have struggle with the evidence idea or rather, citing it. #games4ed
    In reply to @zinn_umass
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2: I taught science. So, any topic basically. We have a whole unit just to teach argumentation. Not on a specific topic. I usually start with this: #games4ed
  • jvanscoyoc Nov 1 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2 Should we go back to the moon/Mars? How to spend money on biomed $ treatment, research, prevention? Should be people be allowed to build in certain areas (think natural disasters + building codes) #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Someome introduced Would You Rather Math to me this summer--I thought it was a brilliant way to weave math and argument together! https://t.co/Dr3kxN9AdA #games4ed
    In reply to @steven_varnell
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A3: I saw something called the Four Corners game that I think would be good. Students stand in a corner of the classroom depending on if they strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree on a topic. Then, each group discusses their opinions. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A2: class tonight on visual communications: how do you draw a generic "human" without also including a gender? #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    LOL, this reminds me of one of my seniors. For their practice argument paper, she wrote about why her mom should allow her to keep a TV in her room (She'd already snuck it in, but mom hadn't noticed yet!) #games4ed
    In reply to @GohGaikJune
  • pentaclethra Nov 1 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    This is also done where each section is a position and you try and convince others in class to join you. #games4ed
    In reply to @steven_varnell, @mpilakow
  • MrRoughton Nov 1 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    Would You Rather is a great way to get debate into lower grades as well. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow, @steven_varnell
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    That is a good one! I've heard of some teachers having students research historical figures and debating who is the most important...so many possibilities with any unit! #games4ed
    In reply to @AlyssaSager3
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    This looks neat! #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Q4: At the end of political debates, the media analyzes the arguments and determines winners. How are debates judged, analyzed, or evaluated in your classes? Or what post-argument activities would you like to try? #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    A3: This week we used Superfight! My very "non-school" students have done so much planning and research with their ridiculous topics. It's worked so well to teach parts of an argument #games4ed
    • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:18 PM EDT
      Q3: There are a plethora of games and game mechanics that promote argumentation and debate. What games or mechanics do you/could you use to promote argumentation? #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Agreed! #games4ed
  • steven_varnell Nov 1 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    A4: I would have my students reflect on the debate and share things, such as what did they notice, what was something that they hadn’t previously considered, has their position changed, is it the same, are they more adamant on their stance, etc. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    I think I've done it before. It's a great icebreaker, but also great for using it this way, too! It could be interesting to allow students to make a second move after the arguments are over, too! #games4ed
    In reply to @steven_varnell
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Wow. Yeah. That would make an amazing conversation. #games4ed
    In reply to @zinn_umass
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A4: I'd like to try having a before/after poll, and having students explain why they may have changed their position - again with the evidence :) . #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Good call. We started a Would You Rather board in my room (for fun) but it launched some interesting impromptu debates this semester #games4ed
    In reply to @MrRoughton, @steven_varnell
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    (amazes me every time how the simplest stick figure seems to be seen as "he") #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow, @zinn_umass
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    Love this idea, Mariana. It's beautifully simple! #games4ed
    • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:27 PM EDT
      A4: I'd like to try having a before/after poll, and having students explain why they may have changed their position - again with the evidence :) . #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    But so true. It's automatic. #games4ed
    In reply to @zinn_umass
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    A3 cont: What I'm thinking about, though not necesarily a game is to have a pre-poll and assign students to debate the opposite POV of their "natural" choice. Could make for some interesting arguments. #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Wow, I don't know where this 30 minutes went! Thanks so much everyone for all your thoughts and ideas! Hope your Friday is super amazing!! #games4ed
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    I translated a unit from Hebrew. I hope this helps. If you find the time to feedback, that would be great. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • jvanscoyoc Nov 1 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A4 science arguments/debate -- gotta have evidence/data to support or not support! @Flipgrid could be a good tool but havent used yet for these type of projects #games4ed
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    I think many kids would struggle, but it would really emphasize the importance of letting go of emotion and force them to consider other ideas. Could be so powerful! #games4ed
    In reply to @MarianaGSerrato
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    I'm live and kicking! It's... #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • mpilakow - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    You have a great one, Noa!! You are such an amazing, resilient teacher! #games4ed
    In reply to @supervxn
  • zinn_umass Nov 1 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A4: dot or post-it note voting mechanic: everyone gets 3, & sticks them on the "posters/positions" they think are most effective #games4ed
  • MarianaGSerrato Nov 1 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Thank you everyone. Have a great rest of your week. #games4ed
  • MrBaskwill Nov 1 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Getting geared up for #HRCEID2018 with @mraspinall and great local teachers. I'll be presenting on gamification and makerEd on Saturday #Games4ed
  • pentaclethra Nov 1 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Most debates/arguments in my class (which we do very few of) are settled with a simple show of hands. We have some discussion; why did you vote this way? Why was this argument better? #games4ed
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Thanks for the compliment. Actually the #gamification #gbl #plap #games4ed tribe changed my life! for the better! I'm not a teacher anymore. I transferred to a different role in headquarters. Also, I have a "startup": a digital platform that supports live RPGs in class. #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow
  • Rdene915 Nov 1 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    And...here it is #esportsedu #games4ed
    In reply to @mpilakow, @mr_isaacs, @classcraftgame, @iwearthecrowns, @MrMillerCodes, @MatthewFarber, @minefaire, @misterwashburn, @Golden_Ninja50, @Principal_H, @Buncee
  • supervxn - Moderator Nov 1 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A3: Strategy, domination, buying and selling (artifacts, land, etc.) @MrPowley and @8bitbiologist taught me that. They have AMAZING narratives. #games4ed