gpmt

Ken's Key Takeaway

Games can be good for:

1.Urgent Optimism
2. Social Engagement
3. Blissful Productivity 
4. Epic Meaning

 

BUT you better be able to defend game use via solid instructional design and application of theory (and administration buy-in). Thus, the following framework may be helpful.

 

I really appreciate the framework of if/how to incorporate games into a course:

1) WHY? Start by looking at course objectives
2. TRY? Give the games a test drive.  

Consider http://www.gamesforchange.org/connect/

3) IF? Consider if the classroom technology, setup and IT will support this game. Are online options available? Flipping?
4) HOW? How will you monitor, measure and assess learning?
5) WHEN? Is this game best as a transitional activity? A preview to a lesson? A summary?

 

Gamification is not playing.  Be prepared to prep students on how to defend this myth.  They can be great allies if you can prove that they are learning from the exercise.  More importantly, they can solidify new knowledge for life.  

Ken

Via Ken Morrison