Gamification in the classroom

It doesn't take a complete game-based curriculum platform like Boise State University's GameLab to integrate what game designers have already discovered as an efficient set of game-like learning methods. In most any classroom, a teacher could try this strategy:

If you have a limited resource, such as computers or mobile devices, try creating a group of 4 quests that once completed, earns the student a new "title". Place the new title either by their name on a display board. Those students with the title earn a bonus such as more time with a resource, or are the only ones permitted to use a special item during class time.

Cold June

A good first year at PG.
Goals met:

• Found the Tech Club
• Profit >$500
• Create first client's website
• Win a Grant
• $2000 eTech Ohio video podcasting
• Establish new curriculum
• 5th grade keyboarding using typingweb.com
• 6th grade fundamentals in image editing, Microsoft Office products, and file management
• 7th grade - part II of 6th grade curriculum, but packed into 1/2 year.
• HS 21st Century Tech - Communication Tools: Visual communication in print, web, video, and web 2.0 tools
• HS 21st Century Tech - Productivity Tools: Power using Microsoft Office, making an average user a proficient, tech-savvy, computer problem solving, daily tech user.

Goals NOT met:

• Train students as advanced video-editors to take the bulk of the editing work in video projects for $$$ with local businesses.
• Field Trip to Quicken Loans Arena Tech Day
• Partner with community college to offer dual enrollment credits
• Offer Microsoft / Adobe certification training.

A review of students from 6th Grade to 12th

6th and 7th Grade
I've had the view for the last three years that high school computer tech students are more capable than the middle school and junior high because of their experience. I've discovered a lot this year, having been giving the chance to teach 6th and 7th grade tech students for the first time.

I'm officially changing that view now. There are 6th grade students that are very capable of taking on the same assignments as the high school students, and in many cases, already have. They have demonstrated a hunger and inquisitiveness for learning more about the topics we cover. I'm very proud of these students for the level of work they have produced. When compared side by side, it is often difficult to determine which work was produced by middle school and which by high school. That isn't to say the high school work is below par, it isn't. They are given more requirements, tighter deadlines, and higher expectations to accomplish the tasks than the 6th and 7th graders are on similar tasks.

High School

There is enormous potential with any of my high school students. Some have taken on responsibilities outside of class that require more work, earn no grade and no reward (other than sincere thanks!). This includes one student that has created an entire content management system website for the town of Pandora, that will be going live in the next month, replacing the existing www.pandoraoh.com. Another student is studying to pass the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam. Others are dissasembling an LCD monitor to replace a broken backlight with components to create a custom projector inside a plywood box. Still others are pioneering the use of newscasts using actual studio lighting and green screen to cover what other teachers are doing in their classrooms from K through 12. This sets the bar high for next years students that will be making them weekly.

Congratulations to the parents and other teachers who have recognized and encouraged this curiosity and the perseverance to complete the tasks. It makes my job so much more enjoyable knowing I have this caliber of people to work with.

Gopher Nation...Revisited

I had the pleasure of visiting some colleagues and students of the recent past and I must say it was bittersweet.

I believe teaching for me is not really just about getting kids to memorize a series of facts, it's more about showing them that they are more intelligent than they sometimes give themselves credit for. It takes time to build relationships with colleagues in the building and the students in the classroom. What I really miss is the stage in the game where we're past the small talk and establishing who is alpha, beta, etc., and can really get down to learning. I love when I'm excited about a new topic and learning about it and the students and I feed off of each others' excitement and new projects are born out of just the desire to see what's what cool things we can do. I suppose it reminds me of that "zone" where you are just on the high-end of what you know and starting to find out you really DON'T know everything about a topic, but are willing to pursue it because there is no fear of ridicule from teacher or other students. That's the environment I strive for because it's fun and makes me feel as though I actually did make some sort of difference.

All in all, I love my new school and feel like I'm adjusting to the students as much as they are adjusting to me. When sarcasm gets lost in translation, people react differently. At this point, I feel as though there is great potential, there are very bright and talented kids, and I still feel as though it's a fun challenge getting the students technologically proficient in multiple areas. There's a nice staff I'm still getting to know and hope that enrollment in my classes balloon in the coming year to create a demand for MORE classes!

Hope everyone got home safe in the ice today...
M. Suter