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Gamification

One of the newest buzzwords of education is GAMIFICATION. Put shortly, gamification means using game principles to engage and motivate students. Gamification is NOT putting a student in front of a computer all day, every day, and oddly enough it is not the same as game-based learning. You can even gamify without using any technology at all, though admittedly, technology does make it easier. The point is this is not about technology or games, but about finding the elements that motivate people to persevere.

Unknowingly, I have been using elements of game design in my classroom since my first year of teaching: I level my assignments from easy to difficult, I use positive motivation often and regularly, I offer some form of reward for behavior and academic achievements. I de-emphasize failure as a negative concept, choosing to consider it as an opportunity to learn and try again.

Naturally, than, this new wave of gamifying everything has been very intriguing to me.

Yesterday, I implemented a full-force gamification-based unit for state test review. My students struggle with math in general, so spending weeks involved in the rigorous critical thinking processes required for test prep is a monumental challenge, to say the least. As their anxiety and frustration increase, their motivation and desire decrease. Many days, getting my students just to try feels like a triumphant victory.

My game is app-based, so the students could download it on their phones, and Star Wars themed. In Texas, our test is called the STAAR, and since all of my students have failed the last test, I named my app STAAR Wars. I created this really fun video to get them excited:

Click here to watch

I know that this seems really complex - creating apps and making videos......

BUT....

In just two days, I have been BLOWN AWAY by the level of engagement!

I had planned to write a full post about gamification in education, but Paul Anderson does a much better job of explaining it.




If you will be in the North Texas area, come join my gamification discussion at EdCamp Roanoke on May 3, 2014!

Click here to see 8th Grade STAAR Math App      
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Comments

  1. What sort of needs do classroom teachers have for gamification apps http://learnlikeaboss.com I would really be interested in your take.

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  2. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog with full information, we are looking forward to see more blogs in future. Here you can get gamification ideas to improve learning skills for maths & also you can prepare for your maths exam with exam preparation app.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks so much for sharing this information. Every brand is always carving new and innovative pathways to reach its target audience. And gamification is the word on each advertiser's lips. If you want to create Interactive Gamification Video, visit Cinema8 today.

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