So, while Lauren has been heating up and cooling down multiple times a day, I’ve been working on trying something new with my programming class.
For the last couple of years people have been experimenting with using common elements in games in classrooms. It’s called Gamification, and it’s not playing games in class. People have been doing that for a long time. It’s turning the whole class into a game. People are also doing it outside of education too. You’ve maybe been gamified yourself without knowing it. If you want to know more about it in general, watch this video:
Okay, everything make sense now?
I’ve been working on how this will look in my class, and in a nutshell, students will still do (mostly) all of the same stuff I’ve had them do in this class for years. But this time around, they will get points for doing them and when they get enough points they will go up a level and when they go up a level they can pick certain perks. Additionally, they can see on Leaderboards how the rest of the class is doing and earn Achievements for doing certain things well.
See, Mom, I knew all those hours playing video games were going to pay off for me.
If you’re really interested, you can take a look at the Programming website. I’ve already rolled out a few of the leaderboards, I’m also keeping a list of useful resources and making some posts about how I’m doing things, why I’m doing them that way and how they are turning out. I’ve done 4 posts so far.
Hey, I actually watched the whole video! It’s interesting to chew on. It will be interesting to see how your class likes this!
Also, you’re writing posts for another website?!??!? Grrrrrrr…..
If I have been gamified, I sure hope I liked it!
(Loved the video—but I still don’t think I get it)
That’s really interesting! I hope I remember to check your blog there later. Maybe you could post here again in a little while to remind me? 🙂
If I understand any of this new gamification….couldn’t you set yourself up a gamification of your own that gives you ‘something’ for remembering stuff?
There’s an app called GAMIFYme that does just that. You put in whatever type of activity you want some motivation to do and assign some point values and off you go. From their description:
Gamify your life with GAMIFYme! Perfect for when you have something to do and need that extra motivation to get it done. Gamify tasks, sales calls, chores, studying, exercise, diet, quit smoking, and more. Record your results and earn points over days, weeks, and months. Monitor your progress with a visual pyramid of colors. Reach your goal to complete the pyramid.
I watched the whole video and enjoyed it. I would enjoy your class. I think I will do without the app and reward myself with an ice cream, or some such thing. Way to go!