The Gamification of learning!

1. The Gamification of learning! By: Jasmine Urra-Rugama Mark Gstohl, 2008.

2. What is Gamification? • According to Gamification Wiki, the term is defined as “the concept of applying game-design thinking to non-game applications, [like in classrooms], to make them more fun and engaging”. • In education, Gamification follows the behaviorist learning theory where students are prompted to change their actions through operant conditioning by the teachers. • The teachers provide specific prizes, chosen by them, that hopefully inspire and engage the students effectively. JD Hancock, 2012.

3. My Personal experience with Gamification The Edtech odyssey

4. In the beginning • When I first entered the course and Sherri, the main instructor, started talking about points and being swiped in and out of class, I was a bit confused and incredulous. I had absolutely no intention of paying any attention to the points systems. • It was something I deemed childish and unnecessary, since I already had every intention of attending class. • To me, being in University meant we were passed games. • I didn’t think to look towards the possible benefits of inaugurating such a system. I just thought that the instructors were “babying” us, while trying to appear “cool”. Steffi Reichert, 2009

5. Playing with and against friends and peers is a great motivator. In the end • Oddly enough, as the class progressed and I saw that more and more people were reaping in these prizes and points, I started to get a bit envious. I wanted those same rewards. I felt like it was a badge of honour to arrive to a certain level. • When my friends started collecting their prize for the 100 point landmark, I decided I would try harder to reach that point. When they reached the 200 point landmark, I was devastated that I had originally slacked off and would be unable to be receive that honour and be exempted from a discussion question. • I realized how these little prizes could actually motivate a person – even when said person resists initially. Vinoth Chandar, 2011.

6. What do I like about the Gamification of edu 210? • I really like how we, the students, are motivated not only as a result of the prizes, but from seeing our peers and our friends succeed. • The points system was amazing and easy to follow. It was greatly appreciated that when you received a prize, your points would not simply disappear, but would continue to accumulate. Amanda Tipton, 2012.

7. What do I dislike about the Gamification of EDU 210? • I dislike the fact that we are pushed and rewarded if we speak up in class. I understand that participation is primordial and extremely desirable, but I don’t think getting points for participating is what should push us or inspire us to speak up. Rob Mercier, 2011.

8. How will learning about Gamification impact me as a teacher? • Learning about gamification was quite eye opening. • To be honest, one of my biggest fears was not being able to properly inspire and motivate my students to work hard and to succeed. Gamification seems like an amusing way to prompt such a result from them. • I have already begun thinking up ways to turn my (hopefully future) Social Studies class into a fun, learning atmosphere through game-like lessons. • I recognize that organizing and planning such a game would be time-consuming, but I believe that the benefits received by my students, their successful mastery of the curriculum, would be well-worth the work. Bernavazqueze, 2011.

9. The end!Thank you & goodbye.  Consti Sch, 2014.