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Eclectic Technology
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Tech tools that assist all students to be independent learners & teachers to become better teachers
Curated by
Beth Dichter
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In the classroom, fiero -- excitement that gamers experience when they overcome challenges -- makes students see that they're empowered players in their own education. They're released into the exciting adventure that learning can be. Without the intrinsic motivating power of fiero, however, gamification becomes nothing more than semantic spin: a language game in which a letter-based grade system is replaced by a points-based reward system. In these cases, gamification does little to address the shortcomings of a system that relies on high-stakes testing.
Beth Dichter's insight:
This post is the first of a series that will by published by Mind/Shift. It explores the various ways that games promote learning, such as how they scaffold skills and if you are not successful you replay at a lower level. Isn't this something we would like to see in our classrooms? After the introduction the article explores two areas: * Tapping into the Natural Instinct to Learn (which is what many of these games do) * Game-Based Learning vs Gamifcation (and yes, there is a difference) This post is full of pithy quotes such as: When learning is structured as a game, students intuitively understand the cumulative nature of learning. They’re motivated to master a compounding sequence of skills. Any teacher can implement a “gamified” approach fairly easily — you don’t need tablets or laptop computers. It’s a matter of reframing traditional assignments as inquiry-based individual or group projects. It’s also a matter of employing a more mastery-based assessment strategy that’s grounded in project-based learning and understanding the motivational benefits of a more game-like structure. The author, Jordan Shapiro, shares that this series of posts (over a period of months) will: * Explain key ideas in game-based learning * Discuss pedagogy, implementation and assessment * Summarize research * Discuss pros and cons of game-based learning * And provide a guide for game-based learning in the classroom There is much to learn about bringing games into our rooms and this series is a great way to learn. 
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The breakthrough happened after the student took the Bartle's Gamer Profile Quiz and we found out that he was a "killer." Off-the-charts killer, but achievement meant nothing to this student. Just li
Beth Dichter's insight:
Gamification...do you ask yourself if this will work in your classroom? In this post Vicki Davis shares her experience of bringing games into the classroom. You will learn how games may be the tool for some students to break through barriers, and also that the language used by games is not always up to school standards. She shares five elements of gaming that should be considered as gaming and education come together. 1. Game Mechanics (think game theory) 2. Bartle Test of Game Psychology (more information on this in the post) 3. Gamification is a Process - In this section she shares the experience of another teacher whom has gamified his classroom, including an embedded video from a Google Hangout he hosted. Take the time to watch the video and learn from his experience with his 6th grade class. 4. Serious Games can be Used Anywhere - from elementary through college level (and some businesses are using games to help train future employees). 5. Serious Games can Tackle Serious Issues, and serious issues may help us promote rigor in our classrooms. 6. We Can't Trust App Stores to Curate our Games Click through to the post for more information. After reading the post do you think that gaming has the potential to be a "powerful 'killer' tool in a 21st century teacher's toolkit?
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"Mission US is a multimedia project that immerses players in U.S. history content through free interactive games. In Mission 3: “A Cheyenne Odyssey,” players become Little Fox, a Northern Cheyenne boy whose life is changed by the encroachment of white settlers, railroads, and U.S. military expeditions. As buffalo diminish and the U.S. expands westward, players experience the Cheyenne's persistence through conflict and national transformation."
Beth Dichter's insight:
"A Cheyenne Odyssey" is the third mission from Mission U.S. This interactive game will teach students about the Cheyenne's experience. There is a teacher guide available for this game (as well as the first two: Mission 1 - For Crown or Colony? and Mission 2 - Flight to Freedom). Each guide provides an overview, background information, standards alignments, activites, primary sources and there are videos to help provide guidance for teachers.Two additional games are set to be released in 2014 and 2015. The games are geared to students in Grades 5 - 8.
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Beth Dichter's insight:
PIXELearning offers this visual that discusses why games are good for learning. In the visual you will find information on the following areas: Play, Rewards, Mastery, Engagement and Flow Theory as well as Laws of Learning.
Ryan McDonough's curator insight,
July 7, 2014 8:19 AM
Self explanatory visual on the benefits of gaming as a means of learning. Outlined are the rewards, mastery, engagement, intensity, exercise, readiness, and competitiveness. These types of graphics need to be displayed in the classroom. There's always parents who are unsure of how gaming qualifies as teaching. Can't they just sit their kid in front of an iPad all day at home? Well, in the appropriate setting, with the right direction and guidance, games are certainly good for learning. Some people just don't know that from experience yet.
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Beth Dichter's insight:
Submrge is a website that has the tag line “Deeper Thinking About Games and Education.” It is divided into a number of sections including Games, Activities and Links. What makes this site unique is the information it provides on each game. “Each game page includes important information for teachers, like benefits of play, educational issues for discussion, easily accessible game information, and activities related to the game on Submrge.” In addition to this information there is also a page for each game that includes “important information on the level and subject, but also the activity’s relationship to Bloom’s Taxonomy, Common Core Standards, 21st Century Skills, and the H.E.A.T. Framework. If you are wondering what HEAT Framework stands for think of Higher Order Thinking, Engaged Learning, Authentic Connections and Technology Use. This page also provides a list of learning styles and the games I checked included an Essential Question, The Links section has resources in the following areas: * More on Games as Text * Advice on Games in the Classroom * General Games Collections (many content-specific) If you use games in your classroom, or are considering doing so, this website will provide additional resources that may provide you with new ideas.
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"There are several big movements underway that are worthy of debate and possible consideration as we look to help education become the 21st century, user-centered, on-demand, engaging, technology-centric activity that it has not been for much of its existence. Game-based learning (GBL), or gamification, is one of the models that commonly gets touted as a cure-all for the problems with education because of the popularity of gaming in our society (New Media Institute). While there are problems with the gamification movement as it currently stands, the model has several areas in which it differs sufficiently from traditional education to make it an intriguing possibility. Here is a look at several of those differences." Topics discussed include authenticity, student engagement, creativity and innovative thinking, and cost, as well as a discussion on the debate that exists over game based learning.
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"Edudemic has covered game-based learning and gamification in the classroom on numerous occasions in the past. When learning becomes a game, it’s an enjoyable, effective experience for students and teachers alike. We’ve curated 23 of the best game-based education resources for 2014. If your class hasn’t gotten its game on yet, then now is the time."
Beth Dichter's insight:
Game-based learning...has it come to your classroom yet? This post provides 23 great resources on game-based learning. The material is divided into the following sections: * Understanding game-based learning: Is game-based learning effective, or is it frivolous? Learn more about it with the links provided in this section. * Resources for getting started: Some great introductory resources to help you get started. * Tools you can use: Find hands-on games and gaming ideas in this section. * For teachers who design their own games: Well, you may not be in this place yet, but perhaps down the road. Find hints to help you plan out your games. * Game-based education in the news: Learn more about what is going on from the resources provided here. * Other resources: Additional resources on games and gamification. Students like to play games, and when the "fail" in a game they tend to go back and try it again because they want to win. There are some amazing games available that are free. This post provides a range of resources that may help you make the leap to trying an online game with your students, or designing a game. You may be quite pleased with the outcome.
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Web-based games can prove to be a treasure trove of learning opportunities, and there are a variety of content-areas, age ranges, and skill levels to choose from. The true pay dirt for browser-based learning games can be found on large online digital game hubs. Here are 10 game hubs players that teachers can use to as one tool in their arsenal.
Beth Dichter's insight:
Finding games that you can use in the classroom is not always as easy as one would like it to be. This post shares 10 websites that are "game hubs" and the games range from one for students as young as preK to students in high school. The list of the sites is below and additional information is in the post (as are links to each). Have fun exploring them and sharing them with your students, and if you know a site that is not listed leave in the Comment section. * Shepperd Software * PBS Kids Games * Mr. Nussbaum * National Geographic Kids * Poptropica * Funbrain * BBC Schools: Games * Primary Games * ABCya.com * Arcademic Skill Builders
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Game designers have mastered certain tricks that make games so addictive that people can’t stop playing them. Here are the top five secrets that game designers know, and some tips on how you can use these same game dynamics to make learning in your classroom as addictive as gaming.
Beth Dichter's insight:
As teachers what can we do to make our classes more exciting for students? We know that many will sit in front of a computer or game console and play for hours, and when they do not succeed the first time, or the tenth time or the fiftieth time they keep trying. How do we get them to perservere in the classroom when they are not successful? This post explores this, providing five "secrets of game design" that might make a difference in your classroom. The five secrets are listed below but click through to the post to learn more about them. * The Appointment Dynamic: Be Here At This Time, Get a Prize * The Failure Dynamic: Fail Early, Fail Often * The Flexibility Dynamic: Provide Multiple Paths to Success * The Progression Dynamic: Scaffold and Recognize Progress * The Construction Dynamic: Build Something That Matters
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"Whether our students fear the dark, monsters, heights, some other imagined horror, or something more real such as family troubles or bullying, everyone is afraid of something. For students in our schools those fears probably include something that is an inherent part of our society and our educational system – failure."
Beth Dichter's insight:
What would happen if you used game-based learning in your classroom and took advantage of the of the fact that students do fail when they play games, providing opportunities for them to understand how they may also fail in class and more on. Three strategies are explored in this post. * Encourage cooperative play * Implement structures for active engagement * Embrace failure as a learning opportunity In addition to providing detailed explanations of these strategies the post also provides a look at 21 smart games for game-based learning and some as well as links to locations where you may find educationally relevant games.
MLC Junior School Hub's curator insight,
December 2, 2014 3:28 AM
Everyone is afraid of something. However, we need to encourage our students not to fear failure, but embrace it as a natural part of the learning process. One area where failure is naturally integrated is games-based learning where progress is built on the concept of experimentation - failure and adaptation.
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"There are six adventures in the series including the CSI adventure. Each of the adventures is appropriate for middle school or high school use. In each adventure students take on the role of scientist to solve a crime, conduct experiments, and learn about scientific methods and processes."
Beth Dichter's insight:
Richard Byrne shares six science games that are available online through Rice University. The games include: * CSI Adventure - six adventures that allow students to become forensic scientists and solve a crime. * Cool Science Careers - students may explore five STEM-based careers. Students take an interest survey and their adventure will be guided by their interests. * MedMyst - learn about microbiology with a focus on infectious diseases and how they spread. * Reconstructors allows you to "gather evidence and data to solve drug-related cases." (3 games) * Virtual Clinical Trials - become a research scientist and help develope treatments for spinal cord injuries, depression and brain injuries. * N-Squad - "investigate the effects of alcohol on the digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems." These games are geared to middle and high school students and these adventures are also available in Spanish!
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10 great educational online games to use with students. From climate change to surgery, every child will find something to engage and excite. The games listed are: * Danger Zone * The Blood Typing Game * Kodu * Climate Challenge * Play My Code * Wasteland Adventure * Electrocity * Virtual Surgery * Peace Doves Each game has a short explanation and a link is provided to the site.
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Mission US has just released a new mission: City of Immigrants. This game allows learners to learn about issues of immigrants ad they become Lena Brodsky, a 14 year old immigrant from Russia. During the game learners meet people in Lena's community, gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of immigrant communities. Throughout the game learners will need to make choices, which are not necessarily easy.
These games are geared to middle and high school learners. The other games found at Mission US are:
* For Crown or Colony (1770)
* Flight to Freedom (1848)
* A Cheyenne Odyssey (1866)
You will also find teaching materials on the website.