Digital Games and Simulations
To be honest, this is the course that I was most looking forward to taking when I first researched the Educational Technology program at OSU. It did not disappoint! I am an avid gamer and have always found that using gamification and game-based learning was a great way to engage my students. Through this course, I developed a deep understanding for the reasons that these mechanics are such powerful motivational tools, as well as the research that supports their use for education.
A highlight of this class, for me, was in the course design itself. The structure of the class was structured as a game with levels, quests and experience points. I was not entirely surprised to find that this format is engaging, and the competitive aspect was extremely motivating. It was beneficial to experience a gamified class from the perspective of a student. It helped me to reflect on my own teaching practices and make needed revisions to ensure that I challenge and engage my students.
As a culminating project, I developed an online, gamified course that encourages teachers to add creativity to their classroom. Through the completion of this course, teachers will develop skills in creative apps, such as Popplet, Chatterpix, and Pages, while also learning about project work flow and digital organization techniques. I have been able to put the course, Level Up Your Tech!, into practice as a professional development option in my district. This class was, quite literally, a game changer!
A highlight of this class, for me, was in the course design itself. The structure of the class was structured as a game with levels, quests and experience points. I was not entirely surprised to find that this format is engaging, and the competitive aspect was extremely motivating. It was beneficial to experience a gamified class from the perspective of a student. It helped me to reflect on my own teaching practices and make needed revisions to ensure that I challenge and engage my students.
As a culminating project, I developed an online, gamified course that encourages teachers to add creativity to their classroom. Through the completion of this course, teachers will develop skills in creative apps, such as Popplet, Chatterpix, and Pages, while also learning about project work flow and digital organization techniques. I have been able to put the course, Level Up Your Tech!, into practice as a professional development option in my district. This class was, quite literally, a game changer!