Ideas for you_Gamifying classrooms to enhance learners engagement

---

@Ekaterina-P
Yes, it may take some time for schools to consider the costs and risks associated with VR/AR equipment in the educational process. However, I know that there are already some AR apps available for education on Android and iPhone that can transform smartphones and tablets into learning devices.

For example, please check out the list of 7 AR educational apps (including even Pokemon Go, which is considered to help students with autism spectrum disorders in emotional regulation and social skills).

I am sure there are many more such applications that are easy to use and do not require any additional technical equipment other than a mobile device

Dear @all if you know more AR apps, or you have experience in using some of them - please share your practice

Sure! If you're looking to create educational games without programming, there are several user-friendly options available. Scratch and Twine are great for beginners and offer intuitive interfaces for creating interactive experiences. Construct 3 and Unity with PlayMaker provide more advanced features while still utilizing visual scripting, making game development accessible to educators and non-programmers alike. For simpler drag-and-drop solutions, GameSalad and GDevelop offer easy-to-use platforms for building educational games without writing any code. Each tool has its strengths, so you can choose based on your specific needs and comfort level with technology.

@Ana_moderator

Absolutely, I use Virtual Reality (VR) with my students, particularly those with autism, to enhance their community access skills. VR offers a controlled and immersive environment where students can practice navigating various real-world scenarios, such as crossing the street, shopping in a grocery store, or using public transportation.

This technology allows them to experience and practice these situations repeatedly without the unpredictability and sensory overload that can occur in real-life settings. By using VR, my students can build confidence and develop essential life skills at their own pace, which significantly helps them when they transition to real-world experiences.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

@Ana_moderator Thank you for sharing! Now , I remember that I used the google VR app to see wild animals some time ago. We played with my primary students some games using it.

@Ana_moderator

8 Years ago, I worked in a school with 9 students with intelectual disability and together we create the first drive simulator to facilitate driving skills. It was amazing. I request support from Microsoft Caribbean, and they help me to find the right technology to buy.

Since that time every April Month I refresh the road safety project with new technology. I love the process and results. Innovation is part of SPED too. They inspire me to keep looking for the best resources.

@Ana_moderator What a great suggestion, Anna!
I use one of the gamification methods in science class, which I call Group – Worthy Challenges. The example of this activity is The Escape Rooms.

There are two main characteristics, namely (1) Defined roles and (2) Parallel Work. Defined roles means that each member of a group should feel like they have contributed something to the final product. Parallel work means that there should be opportunities for every member to be working on something at the same time.

I would like to share with you what I recently found on the Genially platform that I mentioned before in this topic.

Online escape room templates! https://genially.com/templates/gamification/escape-room/

These allow us to digitalize the escape room concept to make it more engaging for students.
The templates are free-of-charge and cover a variety of topics, from history and music to math and biodiversity.
They even have an escape room template for Earth Day classroom activities

@Ana_moderator

What I loved about Genially is that is 100% customizable. That ideal for me to have the opportunity to share these awesome experiences in Spanish for my students.

Thank you @Ana_moderator

This is a good approach specially for hand on specialised subject like technology education. Guess there shall be more stragegies of learning

N. GOINDO

Gamifying is a great tool but I am a little skeptic when using it in technical English language courses in vocational education. No matter the technical and infrastructure limitations, students most of the time take it as entertainment rather than learning and this causes some disruption. We use games like who wants to be a millionniare, Jeopardy and similar games.

@Ana
Gamification in mathematics is an exciting approach that brings learning to life by integrating
game elements into educational activities. Gamification transforms math from a mere task into
an engaging and enjoyable journey for students.
Gamification can enhance math skills in various ways, for example, solving problems and providing
more practice. Furthermore, rewards and achievements inspire students to actively participate and improve their mathematical skills.

Here are some easy-to-implement gamification ideas for classrooms to enhance learner engagement:

1. Digital Badges for Achievements: Create digital badges using platforms like Canva or Google Slides that students can earn for completing tasks, demonstrating skills, or showing improvement.

2. Classroom Points System: Implement a simple points system where students earn points for participation, completing assignments on time, or demonstrating positive behaviors. They can redeem points for small rewards or privileges.

3. Interactive Quizzes with Kahoot!: Use Kahoot! to create interactive quizzes and trivia games. Students can compete individually or in teams, answering questions related to lesson content.

4. Virtual Classroom Pet: Introduce a virtual classroom pet or mascot that students "feed" or care for by earning points through good behavior, participation, or completing assignments.

5. Digital Spin-the-Wheel: Use a digital spin-the-wheel app or tool to randomly select students for answering questions, participating in activities, or receiving rewards. This adds an element of fun and surprise.

6. Online Polls and Surveys: Conduct online polls or surveys using tools like Mentimeter or Google Forms to gather student opinions, preferences, or feedback on lesson topics. Display results in real-time for discussion.

7. Gamified Homework Assignments: Design gamified homework assignments where students earn points or badges for completing tasks or achieving learning goals outside of class.

8. Classroom Leaderboard: Create a digital leaderboard that tracks student progress or achievements based on points earned. Update the leaderboard regularly to maintain motivation and engagement.

9. Digital Story Creation: Use digital tools like Storybird or Book Creator for students to collaboratively create stories. They can add text, images, and audio to develop imaginative narratives related to lesson themes.

10. Interactive Flashcards and Memory Games: Create interactive digital flashcards or memory games using platforms like Quizlet. Students can review vocabulary, concepts, or historical facts in a fun and engaging way.

These easy gamification ideas can be quickly implemented to make learning more interactive, enjoyable, and motivating for students, encouraging active participation and deeper engagement with the curriculum.

Implementing gamification not just as a tool but as a core method of teaching could revolutionize education. By integrating game mechanics, such as competition, rewards, and storytelling, into lesson plans, educators can create engaging learning experiences that motivate students intrinsically. This approach not only fosters collaboration and critical thinking but also allows students to learn at their own pace in a dynamic and interactive environment...

I have been using Kahoot as a gamification tool for my students.
The printed mug was given to the Kahoot winners as a reward.
Wordwall, role playing activity, press conference, gallery walk, round Robin, Fish bowl, think-pair-share and so many learning activities I have been working and implementing during my class.

As we know that in 21st century learning students engagement is necessary i mostly like this way of teaching by gamification method because learners specially on EC level they learn by doing and takes alot of interest and it creats fun in learning other wise they become tired .

@MJANKb9ddefc9b1 Absolutely, student engagement is crucial in 21st-century learning. I also favor gamification, especially for early childhood learners, as it promotes active learning and keeps them interested....

Gamification is very important,long lasting and effective learning.it helps the students to improve them.
Components: Award distribution ceremony must be held at the end of the academic session including Shields, troffies,badges, medals, stationary and chocolates etc.
Benefits of learning through gamification:
It's really very effective to encourage the students.
It boosts their imagination,thinking power and memorizing power also.
It is very powerful for the slow learners by
collaboration of the students in the groups.
It helps them to use and enhance their skills, capabilities,creativity and thinking .
It helps to develop the spirit of to do new things,and it also helps other student's skills.
It reduces the disappoinment in the students by encouraging them that they will give their best next time, if they didn't win the competition.
Students can be well aware from their talent,skills and capabilities that thing can be help them to know their goals/the aim of their lives.
It creates a pleasant environment in the classroom by grooming their personalities, to learn ethics. By helping each other, by showing sympathy,kindness and patience.
Gamification us the best way to maintain their physical and mental health.

@Ana_moderator

Hi colleagues.
Hope everyone is having a great week and a coming weekend.

Here I found some Gamification Tools that are free and ready to explore for us. Hope at least one could be exploring this new school year with your students. It is very fun for them to learn and enjoy the journey at the same time. Some were discussed previously but are part of my list also as a reminder.

1. Duolingo: Duolingo is a free online language gamification app offering 94+ language courses. It boasts 500 million+ users worldwide, and the Duolingo for Schools app offers teachers and its users a fun, gamified way to teach language involving personalized and self-paced assignments.

With customizable assignments and lessons, as teachers we can cater to their learning objectives with ease.

2. Arcademics

Arcademics makes multiplayer educational games—free math games, free language arts games, and more for K-8 students.

With Arcademics Plus, teachers and parents can view analytics and reports that allow customization of game content.

Arcademics games play out on the iPad and Android app.

3. Jotform Quiz Maker

Jotform Quiz Maker is a supercharged tool that allows users to build dynamic quizzes and polls. The product offers many features, such as conditional logic and calculations, that can be used to create unique quizzes for everyone and score them.

Jotform also allows users to keep track of all of their submissions and manage their data with automated dashboards, graphs, reports, and an analytics tool.

The quizzes can be embedded into a website, shared with a link or QR code as well as easily built into a no-code mobile app.

4. Xperiencify

Xperiencify is a revolutionary gamification platform that uses seven psychological triggers, such as urgency, FOMO, and social proof, that drive engagement rates through the roof.

Instructors can use gamification elements such as points, countdowns, and leaderboards to motivate students to reach course completion goals.

When used correctly, course creators can expect completion rates 10-30 times higher than the competition.
Link: https://youtu.be/BgPA1rHv8xs

5. Brainscape

Brainscape boasts of being the world’s most brilliant flashcard app.

Brainscape uses cognitive science gamification software that optimizes studying by repeating more challenging concepts in perfect intervals to maximize memory retention.

You can bet there is a flashcard for every possible application.

And if you cannot find a flashcard deck in their robust database, you can create your own.

6. Cerebriti

Cerebriti, created in Spain, is a gamification software platform that offers two distinct angles to the learning process.

First, students create their educational games, and second, they play other students’ or teachers’ games to consolidate their learning process.

There are games on all subjects for all ages, and they are multi-platform.

7. BookWidgets

BookWidgets is a gamification software that serves all educators, including; elementary teachers, middle or high school teachers, university professors, and professional trainers.

BookWidgets also offers 40+ digital exercise templates that work on smartphones, tablets, or computers.

BookWidgets is a fast and efficient grading system that provides feedback to students and teachers, allowing them to assess problem areas or where students may need extra attention.

8. ChemCaper

ChemCaper is a video game platform developed by school teachers that teaches fundamental chemistry concepts to teenagers aged 10 to 14 years old.

Students report that they remembered 90% of concepts learned in 6 months after playing the game for the first time.

Based on chemistry concepts and the Periodic Table, students can explore unique environments, craft potions, and battle with collectible creatures.

9. Course Hero

Course Hero focuses on filling the gap between college and the workplace.

The gamification features are fundamental, with achievement badges for accomplishments like logging on during the weekend, uploading documents, and completing classes.

There’s a sitewide leaderboard, but lacking here is community or interaction between students.

Course Hero’s strengths are its study resources, 24/7 homework support, textbook solutions and explanations, and expert tutors.

10. Edmodo

Edmodo is a free app that mirrors the functionality of a social media network for educational purposes.

It provides tools that allow teachers and users to send messages, share training materials, and make learning accessible anywhere.

In addition, Edmodo communicates with parents keeping them up to speed on class updates, allowing them to sync with their children's teachers and support learning at home.

And lastly, parents can see classroom activities and grades to support their children's progress.

11. Classcraft

Classcraft promotes social and emotional learning (SEL) through its gamification software.

Class Craft is a mobile game app where students create their avatars complete with special powers to navigate the classroom, its rules, and deadlines collaboratively.

You can utilize Class Craft to get students fully interacting with the rules of your classroom and beyond.

And it is a perfect classroom management tool for high school students.

12. Genially

Genially is a platform to gamify your presentations by making them interactive and fun.

Genially works to elevate the learning experience by allowing you to import any presentation by offering rich animation and gamifying anything from quizzes to escape rooms filled with interactivity.

Also, Genially offers a myriad of templates to plug and play your existing content into so that you can be up and running fast.

13. Virtonomics

Virtonomics is a business simulation offering student engagement through a gamified experience in economics, entrepreneurship, competition, marketing, finance, sales, production, strategy, innovation, startup development, R & D, HR, supply chain management, and more.

It boasts an online community of 1 million players from all over the world engaging in various business platform simulations.

14. Gimkit

Gimkit is a gamification software that offers a live learning game show experience with constant updates, new modes, and power-ups that keep the game fresh and relevant.

Students answer questions on their own devices and are presented the same questions in multiple ways to ensure mastery of a topic.

Students’ rewards come with in-game cash by answering questions correctly, but at the same time can lose some money by answering incorrectly, motivating them to be thoughtful with their answers.

And Gimkit can be used outside of the classroom as homework, which facilitates automatic grades for you.

15. Kahoot! (My favorite)

Kahoot! offers a game show environment to get students excited about learning.

Particularly useful in the school setting for quizzing vocabulary, multiplication, and simple geography.

And Kahoot! provides support to many learning settings such as school, work, and home.

Kahoot! is utilized by more than 1 million+ players annually in more than 200 countries.

Kahoot! is used in the US by over 50% of teachers and 97% of Fortune 500 companies.

16. ClassDojo

ClassDojo is an app that connects teachers with students and parents.

The Class Dojo app focuses on younger children of primary school age.

Creating a positive culture by working hard, being kind, or just helping others, Class Dojo is brilliant at fostering or strengthening new behaviors.

Teachers can also keep parents in the loop by communicating the story of their classrooms by instantly sharing photos, videos, and announcements or by privately messaging with any parent.

And Class Dojo will always be free for teachers.

17. Knowre

Knowre is an online math program platform that supports the needs of all students with a personalized online math curriculum for each student, instructional support at every step, and an intuitive online math interface.

Comics are used for grades six and above to introduce lessons and provide a fun visual learning experience.

Knowre Math provides standards-based instruction for Grades 1-12 with over 70,000 rigorous practice and real-world application problems organized into topic-specific lessons.

18. Minecraft: Education Edition

Minecraft: Education Edition is a gamification tool based on the award-winning video game Minecraft.

The Minecraft: Education Edition offers features designed for teaching, pre-built lessons, and cross-curricular support.

19. CodeCombat

CodeCombat is a video game platform that teaches students how to code through play.

With CodeCombat’s unique gamification software, students learn to play and write code from the start of their adventure in the game.

CodeCombat focuses on beginners learning Python, Javascript, and C++ programming languages.

Teaching over 20 million students Computer Science, CodeCombat teaches students to be critical, confident, and creative learners regardless of experience.

20. Monster Kit

Monster Kit is a board game aimed at primary school children allowing 1 to 10 players.

It allows you to practice creative skills by utilizing drawing, reading, writing, doing calculations, and fostering imagination by developing funny monsters.

21. GooseChase

GooseChase is gamification software that allows you to run real-world scavenger hunts.

There are multiple ways to use Goose Chase; virtual teams, recreation, onboarding, campus orientation, and K-12 education.

In addition, Goose Chase offers real-time game action that includes a live leaderboard and activity feed, reward points for outstanding submissions, and a reporting dashboard analytics to measure success.

22. Pear Deck

Pear Deck is a way to create interactive presentations in the classroom or remotely.

Pear Deck seamlessly integrates with Google or Microsoft-based systems, so there is no need to learn a new system.

Students can interactively respond to questions in real-time that allows teachers to communicate feedback immediately.

These responses can take the form of dragging and dropping pins, drawings, multiple-choice, short text, giving students a website, and providing a numbers-only reaction.

23. Quizizz

Quizizz is an online app that allows teachers to quiz and test students in the classroom interactively or at home.

Quizizz offers gamified quizzes, polls, and lessons that can be led by a presenter or self-paced.

Students can join from any device with a web browser and use their iPhone and Android Apps.

Teachers know instantly what’s working and what’s not with real-time reporting and key performance indicators (KPI).

24. Socrative

Socrative is a gaming app that offers everything from quizzes to polls and is 100% free to all students.

Offering three customizable game modes called “space race” aimed at accuracy and speed, your typical question and answer mode, and “Exit Ticket” aimed at assessing how well lessons create a learning experience.

You can use Socrative on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers.

25. PlayBrighter

PlayBrighter allows you to set your students on missions to complete specific learning objectives in a gamified manner.

From spelling to science, French vocabulary, to the Fibonacci sequence, the games employ over 15,000 possible questions you could ask and gives you the ability to add your questions.

Utilizing avatars, students can add personas to their learning experience to accomplish learning objectives making the game more interesting.

26. Toovari

Toovari is a multi-player platform created and developed in Spain.

It allows you to create a class where you can invite students and test their knowledge via game mechanics.

Toovari also includes assessments and communication with parents providing a robust environment that capitalizes on the latest technologies.

27. Quizlet

Quizlet is a multi-national American company offering digital flashcards, matching games, electronic practice assessments, and live quizzes similar to Kahoot!.

Available in English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, French, Indonesian, Dutch, Italian, Turkish, Vietnamese, and more.

It is an excellent study aid for anything that requires memorization in a fun, gamified manner.

28. Trivenet

Trivenet is a free online trivia game created by a teacher to gamify the learning process.

In addition, it allows you to set up your own trivia game, allowing students to engage with your specific learning objectives.

And lastly, Trivenet is now available in a downloadable app for android platforms.

29. Breakout EDU

Breakout EDU offers 1,800 kit-based digital games that span every grade level.

Games are available for core subjects like Math, Science, History, and general topics such as holidays, team building, and more.

Through Breakout EDU’s puzzle-based game design, students' critical thinking and creativity are put to the test as teams explore clues to create the perfect lock combinations to solve the puzzles.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

Ana this is my cup of tea I really appreciate the topic and the suggestion of such important area that many us as educators put it in a second place when it comes to technology. Game based teaching has always been there since the days of Montessori and proved to be an effective way to communicate with kids and old people too. Here when it comes to technology + gamification as I said to my colleagues in one of the training as if you have both MESSI and RONALDO in one team you got it all but you have to master the power and use it the right way. In my neurology lectures with Mr. Foued a great teaching in both ISEFC and Boston University we came to discover that learning is almost impossible without playing especially with young learners (and other too). It creates neuro-connections that will last forever as the game is used alongside the rule or information and both are stored in that neuro-section and are more active and accessible. Technology is the way we serve the game and now thanks to the ease of access more options are available and teachers can curate or create their content to be adapted exactly to what they teach. Thank you again I am eager to share my experience in creating educational technology content for gaming to all my friends here. Love you all.

Gamifying classrooms is a fantastic way to boost student engagement. By incorporating elements like points, badges, and leaderboards, learning becomes more interactive and fun. This approach can motivate students, encourage healthy competition, and make challenging subjects more approachable. It's a great strategy to keep students excited and invested in their education.