Gamification is the process of using games and game design to aid students in learning how to solve problems. Gaming sounds great, but how can you incorporate it into your classroom? Well, using class badges just might be one way for students to make connections to their own academic learning. Using different programs like SumDog, Istation, and Freckle are all great ways to engage students with content, but there still seems to be a disconnect from the games that they play to their grade level assessments. Badging might just be the tool that can help bridge the gap for students. Earning academic badges is engaging and might just be the perfect way for students to monitor their academic growth.
Jane McGonigal’s TED talk was inspiring! I love how she talked about using gaming to solve real world problems. This has inspired me to look into different game options for a few science units that I am working on. After teaching about animal endangerment, I was disappointed in my Earth Day clean up activity. Not even one student showed up for an activity that they seemed to be excited about. Finding a game that allows students to help our Earth through gaming might have a greater impact for my third graders and create a lasting impact. Gaming might just be the way for students to think that school if fun! If I could get the test results that Gabe Zichermann spoke of during his TED talk, I’m sold! The results that he spoke of showed almost 2 year’s growth in reading and math in just 18 week. That is amazing!!!
5 Comments
Jane Adams Gallagher
4/30/2018 10:08:17 pm
You are working hard to provide your students with opportunities to grow and enjoy. Does seem like incorporating tech is a series of trials and errors for all of us. The cycle of inquiry. What works and what doesn't. I could see a school district offering some PD on gaming and gamification. I would attend that PD. Keep trying, you will find your success.
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M. Cindy de la Torre
4/30/2018 10:54:08 pm
gamification is a great way to engage students. They love playing and if we can add content where they are learning while playing then it's a win win. I admire all the different tools you have been using in your class already. I need to become more comfortable in using new technology with my class.
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Emily Feil
5/1/2018 03:53:04 pm
I like the academic badges idea. It helps students focus on the results we want them to work towards. It's another version of goal setting, but adding a fun twist that might inspire kids to work hard to reach the next level.
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Scott Marsden
5/1/2018 06:28:11 pm
Thank you for mentioning Jane McGonigall's TED talk. I find her message very inspiring as well.
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joseph williams
5/2/2018 07:54:23 am
At the heart of gaming, I often wonder what aspect of the gaming process is most intriguing. Is it the challenges? The leveling up? The design? The role play? I am sure this varies from person to person, but being able to identify what it is about gaming that draws each person to it will ultimately help us in the classroom as we design lessons around content.
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