Hi #XPLAP!
I'm Adam in South Carolina. My year has started off pretty well. Here is a peak into my classroom. I'm introducing my Battle Mechanics (quiz replacement)
https://t.co/tUJBgc9CJQ
Ryan, 8th grade US history, Olathe, KS. So far, the year has been great! Ss have jumped into the challenges & projects & I have several side quests to score over this week! #xplap
John from DC. I turned my entire syllabus into an onboarding welcome back game. Now it’s a team challenge through 10 stations with action-oriented work products at each so we never have to read the class rules again. Please steal it! #xplaphttps://t.co/fNci7xbwnM#xplap
Howdy Folks! Clark Davis here. 11th grade ELA. Day 4 and things have been crazy! Gamification full speed ahead, but crickets on clues for my ARG 😐 Might be a pretty hefty "push" tomorrow 😁 #XPLAP
Ryan from Winnipeg MB, high school business. My year starts in two days, and the plan is to start with an ice breaker, a team building exercise (Marshmellow Challenge) and a BreakoutEDU. #xplap
Hi! I'm Carol from Birmingham, AL. I teach 2nd grade and the beginning of my year has been great.We're having so much fun with our year long game. #XPLAP
Hey #xplap, great to be here with you all! I'm Dwight from the gorgeous Adirondacks of NY state. Kids come back Thursday, I'll be kicking the year off with students breaking into class digitally, earning the Google Classroom Code & they'll complete their first flipgrid!
Hi! Jocelyn, Digital Literacy Resource Teacher from York Region (Toronto) Ontario! Great first day back. Had a Tr email me and ask about collaborating on how to gamify her class already! Woohoo! #XPLAP
✨Hi, guys! I'm Kim from NE, and I teach 7th grade ELA. This is going to be my best year yet... I can just tell! My 1st yearlong #XPLAP gamified class starts tomorrow!!!!! I might not sleep tonight... I'm so excited! The surprise is the best part!✨
Love the Marshmellow challenge... I do that too. Make sure you show the TED talk to your students. Only 7 min and super powerful for a class discussion. #XPLAP
Hello all! I'm Jen, a 6th grade English Teacher from IN! I am on my 4th week back and love the relationships that are forming through my game and beyond! #xplap
Hi. Nebraska here (aka Rebecca) from Indiana! The beginning of my year has gone wonderfully! Students are buying into the gamified country experience and it has been AWESOME! #xplap
Justin from KS, MS Science, beginning of the year is still going strong, introduced my gaming narrative of @DC vs. @Marvel and the creative entities are working together to defeat the evil OMNOSIS! (So excited to share and collaborate tonight!) #XPLAP
The phone reminder trick worked! Nancy here. I teach journalism courses at @skylinetrojans, a community college just outside of SF. Staring playing around with gamification a few years ago thanks to the #xplap book.
Thanks for sharing #XPLAP with your students Kim! I can't wait to see where this adventure goes. Maybe another #WellPlayed Episode in your near future!
Hi. Nebraska here (aka Rebecca) from Indiana! The beginning of my year has gone wonderfully! Students are buying into the gamified country experience and it has been AWESOME! #xplap
Hello, #xplap crew! I'm Kelly, and I teach 5th grade ELA and science in Missouri. So far it's been a very busy start to the year. A bigger class than usual, but excited for the great things ahead this year! #xplap
A1: I started out with a trailer I made with iMovie to set up the problem/story. Then we jumped right in with team-building challenges so I could see personalities to help make groups. #XPLAP
A1 I really like using a narrative to introduce the onboarding pieces. Giving the students an answer to the "Why" is an important piece to getting them to buy in. #XPLAPhttps://t.co/5lXMUeTLSd
A1: This year, I had “Dr. Jones” give a campfire chat of the backstory to our game involving preserving the natural & historic sites & create the Natl Park Service. Ss loved moving desks & sitting on floor with campfire on the screen & sound from speakers. #xplap
A1 This is my first year at real gamification—did a completion before. I made a trailer after @KimSnodgrass mentioned making one with iMovie. Then they will create a faction name and symbol...and hashtag. Outside of those I need ideas #xplap
Hi, guys! I'm Scott from Cali, and I teach 9-10th grade ELA. This is my 2nd #XLAP chat! My #XPLAP#gamification starts next week once schedules have normalized and tech works! This is my first year all in thanks to @irvspanish, @mrmatera, and @JaredRLopatin!
A1: My kids work through this training center... Some are group or guild tasks others are individual. So far they are loving it! https://t.co/tJHzMLFXjY#XPLAP
A1: I also showed the trailer to my parents at Parent Night so they would know what is going on. The story is important to understanding what is happening in the game. #XPLAP
A1: A bit of mystery, decor hints throughout the room. I also plan on building slowly. Only adding elements as the need arises. I present the basic narrative arch, we'll focus on the details as the game/year progresses. #xplap
A1 I dropped hints the first few days about possible game mechanics to be used throughout the year. I also had students take the Bartle Test. I then had an empty bulletin board with the title "Get On My Level" that would later become our leaderboard. #xplap
A1 It has helped me that I am the only T currently gamifying, so it is a novelty to the Ss and they are intrigued about the item possibilities, the theme helped with buy in on day one without explaining the game, and the strong narrative sold it to the rest #xplap
I had so much fun creating a narrative and physical experience to immerse my kids into my game last year. They entered the classroom wondering what was going on. Looking for ways to create the same thing for adults. #XPLAP
I like to think about what inspires me in games. then take those pieces and add them and see what works. Some will and some wont but take some time and find your voice. #XPLAP
A1 We do a class breakout, that mysteriously shows up at our door. Inside web address for our game trailer and invitation to their wizard house. After that we do a piece at a time starting w/ avatar creation. #XPLAP
A1: I intention for the first two days is to get my teams comfortable working together through a team-building exercise, and then to award XP to students through the Breakout box. #xplap
a1) I have a video to start my 8th grade science game (https://t.co/rCYJGRzMEF), and then our leader (Commander helios) comes out and takes about our first big challenge. #xplap
Hey y'all! Rocky from NC here. I just started a Master's program (#MEITE) at UNC. It's all about EdTech and #gamification. Happy to be participating in my first #xlap chat! #XPLAP
Nice to see you around Jestin. We just got our little man into bed. Had to put the crib mattress at the lowest setting. They are getting so big! #XPLAP
Here are my starter cards! I have these out during 6th grade orientation. They linked to a Google Site I created. I made them on https://t.co/LZs8LLDqvY#xplap#games4ed
A1: Their prior knowledge of countries and revolution helped make their own revolution more fun! We then formed a group identity and made it so it represented everyone as much as possible. #xplap
Glad to have you here... I hope you enjoy the community. These people are serious about making great experiences for their students. #XPLAP is one of the best communities of educators around!
Love this advice here to find YOUR voice! #xplap
What works for some may not work for you. Be the realest you, and tailor the game to what works for you & your school.
In reply to
@MrPowley, @Anderson_TSOA, @KimSnodgrass
A1
BUILD THE HYPE
✨☠️✨☠️✨
My first step in onboarding is to build the hype so much that they are knocking down the door to find out what the game is all about! I have a room transformation planned for tomorrow along with a teaser iMovie intro! Let the fun begin! #XPLAP
A1: This year I am letting them design an Avatar for our game... It will be used with some new game mechanics I am developing... https://t.co/usP0X4yynv#XPLAP
I was thinking about having the leaderboard as a view only document in Google classroom, anyone have experience with this method? #XPLAP@mrmatera@MrPowley@teachlikeaninja
@chrisemdin's book "For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood..." He talks about "Cogenerative dialogue" which sounds a lot like what you are suggesting. #XPLAP
In reply to
@Anderson_TSOA, @KimSnodgrass, @chrisemdin
A1: I try to build anticipation as curiosity as I give away small details about sorting and houses and working together to earn XP. I have not revealed anything yet, but kiddos are asking questions!! #XPLAP
a1b) got this video (https://t.co/3KDUyuLSAl) for my 7th grade civilization themed game. Also made a skill tree, and am trying to figure out the win conditions. #XPLAP
A1 - contin #xplap They are workers at a wildlife reserve, but all the animals have escaped. Every time they level up - they bring an animal back! We've rescued a goldfish, and a lizard so far
Definititely. I want to create an experience for my teachers that energizes their learning and excites them to apply it in their classroom rather than making it a have-to. #XPLAP
A1: TBH, this is an area of growth potential for me. I have an AdobeSpark video for my mass media game that is pretty good. But I feel like I need to build more intrigue in the classroom too. Problem: So many organizationa things to handle at the beginning. #xplap
That might work. I've never had much luck with leaderboards. I have used some "most improved" boards which were better. I also used a physical board which helped a little. #XPLAP
In reply to
@jcoswald, @mrmatera, @teachlikeaninja
A2: After the crime scene,the groups did their first investigation that had some game elements I needed them to learn such as hidden codes, puzzles & the fact that what we learn is tied to the game. They use their knowledge to play the game. :) #XPLAP
A2: For the first couple weeks the students were earning the XP but I did not implement my power/curse system until this week! Took a lot of the pressure away! #xplap
A2: Low stake, easier elements work best. When I had my year end review scavenger hunt last year, I started with easier clues to whet their appetite for the adventure, so when the clues got harder they were already invested. #xplap
A2: In culinary 2 MasterChef the game resets after each unit so always have opp to jump back in, but incentive for Ss who keep high XP levels all semester. #xplap
I did that last year, and felt it was one of the weaknesses of my game. When my kids saw the leaderboard they were more motivated to do more. Not because of anything I said, but because they wanted to make a difference in their score. #XPLAP
In reply to
@jcoswald, @mrmatera, @MrPowley, @teachlikeaninja
A2 so on the first assignment I provided instead of name it was character name, then I changed it to alter ego (bc kids thought the character name was their superhero name) + how are alter egos ALWAYS said??? First and LAST name! Bruce... Banner or Wayne lol #xplap
A2: I “borrowed” & somewhat modified a few of @mrmatera challenges to fit my theme. It helped Ss get the hang of challenges & build up their squad identities. I also provide sidequests that are easy to find early on. You can see my game world at: https://t.co/JtHCtlm9m3#xplap
A2. Our summer assessments are designed as a play-in challenge for instant engagement and low-stakes onboarding! Teamwork. Skill building. And learning the ropes of basic classroom routines. https://t.co/5mlYbr72pk#xplap
A1: Day 1 - Day 5 Students find out as soon as they walk in that my class is different and have to learn the difference between d10 & d20 thats in my felt bottom treasure chest #xplap
A2 and the hour is my timeline reality, which was awesome because I did have a S with a schedule change from A day to B day so it was like she was from the future! #xplap
A1, con’t.: There’s also a lot of transition happening during the first two weeks as students nail down their schedules. Hat said, they DO seem to be engaged with the intel xp activaties. Often, any “play” is a surprise in a college class. #xplap
My gamification center comes with sheets that are view only for students. Really helps streamline the whole process. Check it out on the Mech Section of https://t.co/KFtrq6Z8T6#XPLAP
In reply to
@jcoswald, @MrPowley, @teachlikeaninja
A2 Give them a chance to complete a few tasks in class and earn a beginning level card or two that confers an ability. This gets many students going right away. Just seeing the card design is pretty cool to my Ss and when one kid earns an item, they all want one. #xplap
A1: I have been building up the experience, but due to department rules I have not started yet. I am establishing missions and using our theme to gain interest and buy in. #XPLAP
A1) I took a whole Launch day this year. Opened with the vid (https://t.co/SgP0ixwIic), picked an alias, did a "background check" and then talked about rewards for the rest. #xplap
#xplap (Speaking of side quests) I was out last week for training, and kids were supposed to do a nearpod - only 1 kid did. I boosted his XP by 200 pts - and because it was live - kids saw it before lunch. Tons turned in work then!
A2: I plan to award a pile of currency as a reward for breaking out early in the course, and allow the Ss to buy the items they think will help them later in the course. #xplap
A2
BUILD THEIR CREW!
✨☠️✨☠️✨☠️✨
The team component of gamification is one of my favorites! Tomorrow after the intro., students will begin building their crews & back-story! Once they feel like they are a part of the team, they're hooked! https://t.co/K4Ktt87rHH#XPLAP
I reset the leaderboard each grading period, and also gave awards for highest gain (of XP in a time) There were also opportunities through powers to match high scorers XP. I think those mechanics made the leaderboard more exciting. #XPLAP
In reply to
@MrPowley, @jcoswald, @mrmatera, @teachlikeaninja
A2 Ss have power points for the powers that they learn throughout the game. These points replenish slowly each day. So, Ss can try out their powers knowing they will earn the points back. My first quest was no risk, only reward to get them familiar with the mechanic. #xplap
A2: One thing I did the other day was, after already doing a few activities in groups, I had them send an emissary from each group to solve a visual puzzle by answering review questions correctly. The puzzle was a key to unlock a map with more game mechanics built in. #xplap
A3: I had a digital syllabus breakout. Some tech issues, but overall received well. But it was all individual. I think a shared challenge or two would take it to the next level. #xplap
A3: I’ve used a Hot Wheels Challenge where Ss are each given a piece of Hot Wheels track & as a class they have to get a car across the room without having the car be touched after being released & always on the track. Great for problem solving! #xplap
A3 #xplap Today's BIG challenge was to create their FIRST googlesite - which will be their learning hub. I'm teaching them to build a portfolio of their work. I don't give tons of directions, though, and let them explore in teams.
I live the idea of having the kids create their backstory! it creates buy-in plus opens avenues for the game that you may not have thought of. Adding their creativiy to yours = win! #XPLAP
A3: In my Promotions classes, following the team-building exercise the next group task is to work together to build their own Marketing Agency. Logo, colours, branding. Hopefully it builds a little sense of community. #xplap
#xplap A2 agreed with @KimSnodgrass - build a team. They find out their groups tomorrow, and have to come up with a Scout Troop Flag, and compete for low stakes items
A3: In my Masterchef boot camp each day is diff challenge to teach procedures and fundamentals and some just purely to bond as a team. Each day teams mix the first few weeks. #xplap
#xplap . No LIE PEOPLE. @mrmatera gamification spread sheets are worth EVEY SINGLE PENNY -- Easiest way to keep track OF EVERYTHING!!! I put a live link of our leaderboards on website and kids check all the time!
https://t.co/ya91dkFVBW
A3 I introduced the concept of "Skirmishes" which get the Students using Plickers and Dice Rolls. This introduces the Battle Mechanics which will be key to the bigger Boss Fights later. #XPLAP
A3 after my unit on safety my first lab is my communication lab, in it the Ss are provided materials and have to construct what I had built, the trick is only one student gets to see it, talks to another student, who talks to two other students, and last they show not tell #xplap
A3: My students had to solve these math problems for a challenge but I didn’t tell them about the hidden code to solve the clues in the room. I had to lead them to ask about the pink squares. They didn’t know it was a clue! #xplap Now they will be looking!
a3) did the marshmellow challenge last year, did a tower of hanoi challenge, had some minute to win-it type games for challenges. Ss built rockets, rube goldberg machines, and heat shields later in the year. #xplap
Thanks so much Jen! Means a lot. I spent countless hours building that to be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to build their own gamification expereince in their classrooms. #XPLAP
Thanks #XPLAP community for all the support. You guys are great. For the start of the school year get 25% off my mystery box review game. Get yours now: https://t.co/1crx06TMf4#tlap#edtech
A3. Breakout EDU, #MarshmallowChallenge, #QRBreakIN, @EquityMaps and the Mr. Potato Head PDSA challenge have been PHENOMENAL team builders! Team-based design challenges are great ways to fail forward together! #xplap
A3: Digital or physical @breakoutEDU challenges can be great for early intros! Avatar creation, team crest/flag or team name challenges are awesome too. #XPLAP
#xplap Only flaw in this beautiful spreadsheet -- if you teach 400 kids - it will bog down, so I run two separate games - 1 for 4th/5th and 1 for 2nd/3rd, but compare top leaders when picking winners of this sweet little badge
A3 My first quest was based on our first day of school in which we used Play-Doh. Teams in the game worked together (not required) to solve the quest which was breakout-inspired. It didn't stop there as teams began helping the other teams as they figured out the clues. #xplap
A3 Today we did a practice item activation (more on this at https://t.co/4GYFrLQPOX) which sets up the whole powercard system too. I gave them their first cards which also helps them recover hearts or earn power charges today. Helping set up success. #XPLAP
I know we ran out of time, but #XPLAP#PLN does anyone else imbed sidequests into presentations? IE my presentation is on GoogleClassroom and for students to do the sidequests they have to click the hyperlinks to various challenges
A3: Every class must focus around content for me and I only get them for 50 mins at a time. Therefore, gamification theme is built around that content. Group activities have included races to find key info or, sometimes using mobile devices. #xplap
A3: We start with a cup stacking challenge. Kiddos have to work in teams, can’t touch the cups with hands but other materials are provided to assist them. #XPLAP
A3,cont: Other times I use Socrative or Kahoot and I always strive to consider retrieval practices in what we are doing. I forgive aunt can make it fun and engaging while still content focused. #xplap
#xplap BONUS AFTER HOURS FACT I also teach 1 sect of reading (on top of Tech to the whole school) kids in my reading class have X2 chance to win the game which is great as I have the lowest readers. They are ruling the game, and seeing themselves as smart!
I love hiding links in Google Slides! Whether it's clickable GIFS with a link out, or text that I unformat back to regular text after linking it elsewhere. Those little hidden clues are awesome for getting kids to dive in and wonder where things lead. #xplap
And I’ve been striving to build more of the theme into this in the F2F experience. Since I can’t decorate the class, I’ll bring in QR codes to take us “out” of the class too. #xplap
I lead PD for the district and ALWAYS tell people about your spreadsheet. Gotta make sure your daughter gets every unicorn and pony she desires! #xplap
Thanks #xplap! Had a blast and love the ideas & inspiration you all bring to the table each week!
If you get a chance, check out this week's #WellPlayed Podcast where @mrmatera & I chat about my first attempt at gamification in a year end scavenger hunt. https://t.co/EDMed9prx2
