How To Gamify Your Online Classes! By Brian C. Steinberg
Baker College Online Faculty
Courses Taught:
GEO 101B: World Geography 1GEO 102B: World Geography 2SOC 321:
Cultural DiversityUsing Online Games to Increase Student
Engagement
Contact Info:
Baker College E-Mail: [email protected] Personal E-mail:
[email protected] Twitter: onlinefacWebpage:
http://www.briancraigsteinberg.com
OUTLINE:Abstract / TeaserSession DescriptionSession Objectives /
Goals RationaleHistory of Games to Facebook Games? What is
Gamification?5 Tips to Adding Gamification to Your Online CourseThe
Top 5 Benefits of Gamification In eLearning30 Facts About
Gamification in E-LearningGamification: StatsSeminar 1:
Introductions: Create Your Visited States MapGeography Games: Using
Syllabus/Course Outline Church of GeographyUsing Current Events to
increase Student EngagementUsing Bad Maps to Increase Student
Engagement (What is wrong?)Has anyone done anything with
Gamification in their online courses?Top 10 Reasons to Switch to
Serious GamesThe Psychology of Gaming: How Games Affect The Brain.
Class Craft? Resources Questions? Comments? General
GamificationResearchMain Focus:
Online Classroom Examples
Come to this very interactive session and learn how to use
online games and exercises to help increase student engagement in
your online classes. Geography class examples will be shared. 1.
Abstract / Teaser:
Engagement: Using Games in the Classroom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chIdqT4KQCU
This session will show and teach you how to use online games and
exercises to help increase overall student engagement in your
online classes. Specific examples from a geography class will be
used and hopes to teach you how to apply it to your subject area in
your online classes.
2. Session Description:
Attendees who attend this session will:Learn how to use online
games and exercises to help increase student engagement in the
online classroom.
View examples of online games and exercises used in a geography
class and be able to apply this concept to their own subject area
and classes.
Learn how to use current events in your subject area to help
increase student engagement in your online classes. 3. Session
Objectives / Goals:
Recently, I started using online games and exercises in my
geography classes to help increase student engagement. I really
have noticed this increasing student engagement in my classes over
time.
For example, here is one exercise I have my students do the
first week in Seminar One to help introduce themselves as to where
they are from and where in the USA they have lived and visited.
This exercise lets them save their colored map and post it in the
class for engagement and discussions:
http://www.defocus.net/visitedstates/generate.html
I also like to put in online geography games:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm Even though this is
for kids, I find that geography competency amongst college students
to be very low and fun online geography games like these help to
reinforce their past geography learning.
Now I have shown this for geography, but in this presentation I
will solicit the conference audience for my session on what they
can do similar to this in their classes to help increase student
engagement. What kinds of websites can you use games and exercise
like this for history, psychology, sociology, math, etc.?
And finally, something else I do to increase student engagement
is to always have a Current Events thread going in my geography
classes to post any relevant issues and topics in the news for
students to discuss. I always find this helps student engagement.
4. Rationale:
Star Trek: TNG: The Game: Wesley Crusher returns to the
Enterprise on vacation from the Academy only to discover a
mysterious alien game infiltrating and controlling the crew.
5. History of Games to Facebook Games:
https://www.openlearning.com/courses/gamify
The principles in this course did not originate in a computer
lab but, rather, from the acute neurological and psychiatric care
wards of large hospitals. Thus this course presents general
principles of gamification that can be applied to the full range of
the learning spectrum, ranging from people with severe disabilities
through to post-graduate and professional development
applications
Gamificationis the use of game thinking and mechanics in a
non-game context to inspire employees and students to get engaged
in the learning process. The word itself was launched in 2002 by
Nick Pelling, a British IT expert, but wasnt widely used until
2010. Based on extended research conducted by numerous educational
institutions, what makes games effective for learning is the
learners level of activity, motivation, interactivity and
engagement. This increases their fluid, as well as crystallized
intelligence, something that by definition optimizes learning.
6. What is Gamification?:
Gamification: A Better Way of Reaching Online Learners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iynzHWwJXaA
What is Gamification?Gamification in eLearning is the use of
game theory and game mechanics in non-game contexts to engage and
motivate your users.Gamification is growing in popularity and is a
common tool used in many online classes. There are many different
reasons andbenefits to using gamificationwithin your eLearning
courses.If youd like to see measurable results in your online
course, gamify it! Weve created a list of 5 simple tips to get you
started.
Create challenges or quests.In games, users have to meet a
challenge in order to continue on. In the classroom, you can easily
incorporate the same concept. Many learning management systems
easily allow prerequisites within your course. You can simply force
the student to complete one task at a time, in order to advance to
the next course section.
Offer badges or rewards.Rewards are a great way to recognize
student achievement and promote further motivation and confidence.
Even if badges are given for simply completing an assignment, quiz,
or extra credit the student will appreciate the recognition of
effort.
Allow second (or third) chances.In video games, many times users
have more than one life when they fail a challenge, they are able
to learn from their mistakes and try again. In the classroom, it is
the same concept. If a student takes a quiz and fails, perhaps they
should have another chance to make a better grade. Many times,
students are more motivated when they have multiple chances to get
the highest grade they possibly can.
Provide instant feedback.Feedback is essential for users to know
how they are progressing in video games and it should be the same
in the classroom. Although it may take a little longer for the
teacher to give the feedback, rather than a computer, the student
will appreciate it and know if their progress is heading in the
right direction.
Give students a choice.Some video games award differently
depending on the path you take to reach the final goal. There are
often times numerous paths or choices to choose from. In the
classroom, you can allow students different options to reach their
end-of-course goal. Whether it is a test, project, or essay the
student has a choice and can apply their knowledge in different
ways.http://www.digitalchalk.com/blog/5-tips-adding-gamification-online-course
7. Five Tips to Adding Gamification to Your Online Course
The Science And The Benefits of Gamification In eLearning
http://elearningindustry.com/science-benefits-gamification-elearning
1. Increases learner engagement.
Gamification in eLearning can help eLearning professionals to
create experiences that fully engage their learners.
Gamificationhold their attention and motivate them, given that they
are striving to reach a goal. When learners feel positive about
their learning process and know that they are going to be rewarded
in some way for their efforts, then they stop becoming passive
observers and turn into active participants. By doing so, they are
able to effectively absorb the information and commit it to
thelong-term memory, because the knowledge itself is linked to the
favorable experience you've provided through gamification in
eLearning.
2. Makes eLearning fun and interactive.While you may have a
variety oflearning goalsandobjectivesyou want to achieve throughout
the eLearning course, none of these outcomes can be effectively
achieved if the learners aren't really excited about what they are
learning. Gamification in eLearning makes learning not only
informative, but fun and exciting too. It also adds
aninteractiveelementto your eLearning courses. This creates the
feeling of immersion, which offers learners the opportunity to feel
as though they are an integral part of the overall learning
process.
3. Improves knowledge absorption and retention.Whether you are
designing an eLearning course that is centered around compliance
trainingor one that focuses on eleventh grade biology, the goal is
always the same; to instill knowledge within your learners. Even
more importantly, learners must be able to access this knowledge
when they actually need it in the real world. Gamification in
eLearning can improve knowledge absorption andboost knowledge
retentionby blending endorphins and the awareness of real world
benefits.
4. Gives learners the opportunity tosee real world
applications.Gamification in eLearning allows learners to see the
real world applications and benefits of the subject matter. They
are able to get a first-hand look at how their choices within the
game result in consequences or rewards. If they do not fare well,
then they aren't rewarded for their actions or aren't able to
progress to the next level. In essence, you give them the chance to
explore a topic at length and get a firm grasp on how they might be
able to apply that information outside of the virtual classroom,
while they are in a fun and risk-free environment. Then, when they
do venture out into the world, they will have the power to put that
knowledge to good use in professional or personal settings.
5. Enhances the overall learning experience for all age
groups.Regardless of whether you are designing eLearning
deliverables foradult learners or for K-12 students, gamification
in eLearning can help to make the overall eLearning experience much
more effective. If learners are having fun and are getting excited
about learning, then they are more likely to actually acquire
information. Even a subject matter that may be dull or complicated
can be absorbed more easily, because learners are actually enjoying
the process and are actively participating.In fact, you can even
integrate gamification into your eLearning courses in such a way
that learners won't even know they are acquiring new information.
Knowledge absorption simply becomes a byproduct, as they are
focused on achieving rewards and accomplishments within the
eLearning course. This is often when real learning takes place,
however, as the boundaries that often hinder the learning process
are removed. For example, learners don't have to deal with the
stress that can be associated with learning, because they are too
busy having fun and enjoying the eLearning course.
8. The Top 5 Benefits of Gamification In eLearning
http://elearninginfographics.com/gamification-in-elearning-infographic/
9. Thirty Facts About Gamification in E-Learning
10. Gamification: Stats
http://www.digitalchalk.com/blog/8-surprising-gamification-statistics
11. Seminar 1: Introductions: Create Your Visited States Map
https://www.gasfoodnolodging.com/visitedstates/result/M012333433334233233343433133323323432133243213343235/
Students can post it as a link, file, or cut and paste it.
Link will be erased after a few weeks.
I tend to get the most student involvement and engagement on
this discussion thread.
Option to only do USA or Canada too. Global Map? Professor.
Steinberg: I think this is a great exercise for this class.
Certainly, early on in this class to get to know everyone and where
they have been. Please note that your map is erased after a few
weeks. I have tried to use one I made in the past and it was erased
by their server. But, I have been to all US States but Alaska.Ive
visited 49 states!
Student Discussion Post Examples:
map seminar 1.docx
Student XXX: This showed me exactly where I have been and made
me really want to start planning my next trip to see the United
States. I knew I haven't been many places but to see it laid out in
photo it becomes more real for me.
Places I have seen United States Map 2016.png(82.838 KB)
Student XXX: Attached is my Visited States Map. I hope I am
bless to color in the rest of my map with more traveling. :)I would
like to adventure a bit more in the states where I only had time to
drive through.
Fun assignment. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
This was a fun exercise! It was hard at first to think of all
the places I've gone (I travel a lot for work)... The real
interesting thing is how many states I've been too, but was still
really only able to mark them as red. A lot of times I go somewhere
for work and instead of enjoying the things around me, just treat
it like I'm at home... i.e. go to work, go home, eat, sleep etc. I
should really take some time next time I travel to seek out the
sights and get to know the areas around me more.Student XXX:
Student XXX, I am curious, I see that you have Alabama green
meaning that you have spent a great deal of time there. Where at in
Alabama have you been? I used to live in the Mobile area. I am
going back to visit family this summer.Student XXX: It's obvious
looking at my map that I haven't even touched any state West of
Colorado! I would love to visit more states in my lifetime!Student
XXX: When looking into this map I actually believed I had seen more
then I actually did. I really spend most of my time however,
traveling through Michigan. Our yearly trip to Mackinaw is our main
trip. However, I spent both a mission trip and my honeymoon down
inTennesseearea. The states leading from Michigan toTennesseewere
just stopped in because they were in fact something we needed to
drive through in order to make it toTennessee. But it really is
cool to see it this way, however, now I do feel like I need to
schedule a vacation in the west coast!Student XXX: Doing this
exercise was pretty eye-opening. While it isnt any information that
I didnt already know the visual packed a powerful punch. I have a
lot of traveling to do! I had always been in such a hurry to travel
internationally that I never really thought about what I was
missing closer to home. Once I finally did travel outside of the
US, we went to Jamaica for our honeymoon, it was not all it was
hyped up to be. I am now inspired to add more color to this very
white map. We have plans to go on an Alaskan cruise next year that
will add that along with Washington. Thank you for sharing this,
now all I have to do is convince my husband that we need to get out
and see our country!Student XXX: Very interesting activity Ihad a
lof of fun setting up my map.It seems my map is mostly based off
where I have family nearby.Student XXX: My map is sad, I need to go
road tripping see the sites in this country!Student XXX: This was
an interesting activity. I had to go back to my Delta profile to
see where I have been.
Heres What Happens When You Ask People To Draw A Map Of The USA
FromMemoryhttp://www.buzzfeed.com/adamellis/heres-what-happens-when-you-ask-people-to-draw-maps-of-the-uWe
Have Been Misled By An Erroneous Map Of The World For 500
Yearshttp://www.upworthy.com/we-have-been-mislead-by-an-erroneous-map-of-the-world-for-500-years
West Wing Confronts The Scale Of Maps Used In Public Schools
http://www.wimp.com/west-wing-confronts-the-scale-of-maps-used-in-public-schools/
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm
GEO 101B:GEO 102B:
12. Geography Games: Using Syllabus/Course Outline
SOC 321: Cultural Diversity Examines the social construction of
groups based on race, ethnicity and national origin, religion,
gender, age, sexual orientation, and able-bodiness. Sociological
(as well as psychological, historical, economic and
anthropological) perspectives will be applied to concepts such as
prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, racial and ethnic
identity, racial formation, power and privilege, assimilation and
pluralism, and tolerance, Emphasis will be on increasing knowledge,
and personal awareness and
sensitivity.Prerequisite(s):None.Co-requisite(s):None.
http://www.afsusa.org/educators/teachers-toolbox/?gclid=CK3nwNiE68wCFdRZhgod4o0Mbw
http://mije.org/diversitygame
What Country in the World Best Fits Your Personality?
http://www.playbuzz.com/larak10/what-country-in-the-world-best-fits-your-personality
XXX Student: That quiz was fun! I definitely do not have any
desire to visit India anytime soon. My friend went last year and
came back with amazing stories and pictures. I guess I can see why
the quiz led to India. The quiz stated that "You are driven in life
by the search for meaning and have a passion for culture and
religion. You are a deeply spiritual person who thrives in an
environment where people question their existence and devote
themselves to a higher sense of being. You enjoy a stimulating
environment and do best when you are challenged, mentally, and
spiritually. You see life as an adventure and enjoy conversing with
others on the big philosophical questions of life. Whether you are
spending time in a bustling market, or meditating in a quiet
garden, you are nourished by a society that is devoted to serving
others."Student XXX: I did enjoy the quiz. Dubaiis located on the
southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven
emirates (state) that make up thecountry. From what I seen of the
emirate state it is nice. The result of the test includes some of
the things I like to do. I do like the finer things in life. I do
love to surround myself with beautiful things. I like fine cuisine
and entertainment. The deeper side of me enjoys quiet times.Student
XXX: The quiz was fun! I got France. Some of this is true.You are a
romantic who enjoys strolling through cobblestone streets and
markets. You are inspired by art and architecture, and thrive being
surrounded by other artists and intellectuals. You enjoy the bustle
of a city, but also love spending time in the warm countryside,
sitting at a cafe, and having a glass of wine or coffee. Your soul
is nourished by being in nature, and by having deep meaningful
conversation about love, art, and the meaning of life.
You are a romantic who enjoys strolling through cobblestone
streets and markets. You are inspired by art and architecture, and
thrive being surrounded by other artists and intellectuals. You
enjoy the bustle of a city, but also love spending time in the warm
countryside, sitting at a cafe, and having a glass of wine or
coffee. Your soul is nourished by being in nature, and by having
deep meaningful conversation about love, art, and the meaning of
life.
Student XXX: I really enjoyed this quiz. I thought the
explanation was spot on, even my wife agreed after I read it to
her. The country I wouldn't mind visiting either.Student XXX:This
was fun. I was surprised to see Brazil. I have never thought of
traveling to the giant of South America. I must say that the city
of Rio de Janeiro always looks appealing in pictures. The
description was pretty spot on. You are an adventure enthusiast,
who likes to party, and enjoy a wild night out. You appreciate a
culture with a vivacious lifestyle. You are drawn to warm climates,
and love being near the water. Sitting at home is not your style.
You'd rather be doing something active or walk around the city with
friends. You are fed by good conversation and have a strong
personality. Your motto in life is, "Life is for living" and in
Brazil you are surrounded by others who share your passion. This is
pretty much me. For now the only Rio that I will see is in the
cartoon movie I watch all the time with my three year old daughter.
She loves it and the dancing. Maybe she is going to be a vivacious
lifestyle lover like her mommy. My mellow husband says we are two
of a kind. Sounds like a great girls trip in the years to come. It
is also interesting that we all have different results.
Student XXX: I got New Zealand, a place I have always wanted to
go, but haven't made it too yet. I have always wanted to do a
backpacking trip. My hope is to go Fall of 2015. The quiz talked
about my love of adventure and mountains which is very accurate, I
enjoy hiking whenever I can. I don't normally take these Facebook
type quizzes ("Which member of Full House are you most like") but I
appreciated this one.Student XXX: New Zealand makes perfect sense!
I am obsessed with Australia and this being it's neighbor, I won't
complain! I always joke about how I am going to move out there one
day, the landscape and the culture is so, chill, the people seem
like they live much more day by day than how it is in the US, a
rush. I like this area also because it is rurally developed, the
people seem to still appreciate the land still and aren't putting
down pavement everywhere.
You are an adventurous individual who enjoys being outdoors and
spending time being active. You are a risk taker and have no
problem striking up a conversation with a total stranger. When you
travel you love to get to know the locals, and their customs, and
are always up for a challenge. You thrive in a culture where others
share your deep appreciation for land, and believe life is best
lived outdoors. You love a hard hike, but also love the water and
are happy to spend a day beach side. You thrive in a society with
diversity and appreciate a simpler way of living. You are keen on
learning about cultures and customs that are different than your
own, and enjoy a deep conversation, whether it be philosophical or
spiritual. You are not a city dweller by any means, and definitely
believe that life is something to explore and experience firsthand.
This country gives you endless opportunities to live both an active
lifestyle and enjoy the company of new found friends.Student XXX:
This was a lot of fun! I was not surprised that the country I
received is Italy. I enjoy the simple things in life, love history,
and wine! I hope one day to visit Italy and sip some amazing wine.
I also find the cuisine to be my favorite food. You cannot go wrong
with cheese and pasta!Student XXX: I got New Zealand. This totally
makes sense with my personality. I prefer an environment where
people and nature matter, not things. I enjoy reflecting on life
and appreciating the small things. I always thought my ideal place
to live would be Denmark, maybe I will have to rethink!
http://www.quizony.com/which-us-state-should-you-live-in/index.html?qisrc=main-page
http://www.answers.com/article/1293367/quiz-can-we-guess-your-american-accent?paramt=null¶m4=fb-us-de-quiz-cvc¶m1=quizzes¶m2=60707681¶m5=10152374096756186¶m6=6038613417949
http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/AmericanEnglishDialects.gif
Dialect Map Of U.S. Shows How Americans Speak By Region
(IMAGE)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/09/dialect-map-of-the-us-region-aschmann_n_3245496.html
http://offbeat.topix.com/quiz/17006?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=17006&utm_term=QBS86F0HG9SQAIB4
http://www.270towin.com /
http://hint.fm/wind/
13. Church of Geography
14. Using Current Events to increase Student Engagement
15. Using Bad Maps to Increase Student Engagement (What is
wrong?)
16. Has anyone done anything with Gamification in their online
courses?
17. Top 10 Reasons to Switch to Serious Games
18. The Psychology of Gaming: How Games Affect The Brain.
19. Class Craft?
http://elearningindustry.com/how-gamification-reshapes-learning#cover
20. Resources
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/adding-game-elements-to-your-online-course/
http://www.amazon.com/Even-Ninja-Monkeys-Like-Play/dp/1364955520
https://www.makeschool.com/online-academy
https://www.techrocket.com/game-design
http://www.ecampusnews.com/curriculum/gamification-space-design/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Weekly%20Roundup:%20Education%20Dive:%20Higher%20Ed%2005-28-2016&utm_term=Education%20Dive:%20Higher%20Ed%20Weekender
http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2016-02-17/explore-the-pros-cons-of-gamification-in-online-education
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/games-for-learning-and-assessment.cfm
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2016/03/23/penn-state-online-course-asks-educators-to-use-commercial-video-games/
21. Questions? Comments?
