Gamification for the Win

When it comes to including gamification in the classroom, teachers can reap the benefits of some low-hanging fruits with impressive results.

"For most children, online video games offer an early window into social interactions with friends—and strangers. These virtual realms have become the latest hotspots where parents, teachers and guardians attempt to reinforce safe, positive and responsible behaviors online."

Can technology help kids develop empathy? Due to the rise of virtual reality experiences, there’s been some buzz lately about the impact technology might have on how we understand and share the feelings of others.

Since video games have an inherent ability to transport us to places and meet people we normally wouldn’t, teachers can use them to create authentic experiences in their classes — where students reflect on their own lives, share personal stories with peers, and hopefully begin to share in the perspectives of others. Games can’t be the sole tool to help build empathy, but emotional and powerful moments in games can drive meaningful discussions in the classroom.

Minecraft is touted for its educational possibilities. But is that potential really accessible to all?

Nobelprize.org, the official site of Nobel Prize, offers a number of interesting educational games you can use with your students in class. These are interactive games and simulations based on Nobel-awarded achievements to teach and inspire students. There are actually over 29 games covering different topics including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics. Most of these games include a ‘Read more’ link to help students learn more about the subject. Below are the 10 most popular games in Nobelprize.org. To access all the educational resources and games, check out this page.

Introduce game dynamics like leveling up and earning badges into your classroom to boost student engagement.

As part of our week-long World Book Day celebrations the library kicked Monday off with a lively round of Quidditch Ping Pong! It's

Easy Pokeball Bookmark - Pokemon Go Origami - Paper Crafts. With Pokemon Go being all the rage right now, it was time we FINALLY made some Pokemon DIYs.

"Two decades in, and it’s abundantly clear that one of the most effective ways to nurture the 21st century’s trademark skills—creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration—is by creating opportunities for kids to do what kids do naturally: play. So we’ve crafted this educators’ guide to game-based learning, packed with resources for gaming gurus and greenhorns alike."

Jim Lerman's insight:

A sizable, and growing, collection of resources on game-based learning for educators. Resources are grouped into 3 sections:  The Big Picture, Gaming in the Classroom, and Teaching with Minecraft. Don't miss the beginner's Minecraft video tutorial.

Danish toymaker LEGO has revealed a new set aimed at helping adults improve their mental wellbeing. Titled "Forma," the set uses LEGO pieces to create the skeleton of a fish, which is then finished with customizable skins. The idea behind the project comes from the view that combining organic forms and mechanical work could help reduce stress and anxiety.

"With the proliferation of the wide range of EdTech tools that we have seen in recent years and the widespread popularity of games (whether video, sport or board) among students, it comes as no surprise that many are seeking ways to introduce new and innovative EdTech games into their curriculum."

Great for teachers & students. Flowlab is being used all over the world to introduce game design & development, along with crucial STEM skills. Creating themed games is also a fun way to get students engaged with classroom material.

This CodaKid infographic lists 12 surprising things that students can learn from Minecraft, including computer programming, architecture, physics, and more.

Gamification allows us to enhance our knowledge and enhance our basic soft skills like multi-tasking, collaborating, creative thinking and committing to a goal. In 2002, the word gamification was coined as a way to describe the incorporation of game-thinking and