1. Stop the snoring! Make class less boring!
Gamification
Stop the snoring! Make class less boring!

2. Instructional Designer and Adjunct
Stephen Scheib
Instructional Designer and Adjunct

3. From http://www.freevector.com/board-game-vector
Agenda
AKA our game board!
What is Gamification? (and what is not)
Why Gamify?
The Learners
The Story
Game Mechanics
Other Tips
From

4. Gamification takes existing material and adds game mechanics to it.
What is Gamification?
Gamification takes existing material and adds game mechanics to it.
Using “experience points” instead of “grades”
Entices learners by giving positive feedback
Builds motivation
Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask © Nintendo

5. Many confuse gamification with making an educational game.
What Gamification is NOT?
Many confuse gamification with making an educational game.
Do not have to be a game designer.
Do not need software building experience.
Do not need expensive technology.
Course content is the same!
Not a video game.
Don’t need to be a “gamer”.

6. Why Gamify? Why or why not? Do any of these interest you? Sports
Video Games
Board Games
Reading
Puzzles
Homework
Why or why not?

7. Super Mario Bros. © Nintendo
Gamification…
Promotes engagement
Strives on positive reinforcement
Reflects mastery-based learning
Try until you get it!
Entices with a story so you want to keep going
Makes learning fun
Super Mario Bros. © Nintendo

8. The Learners and Profiles
What motivates us?
Richard Bartle examined and defined 4 types of gamers.
Learners are unique, but are motivated by common themes.
What is boring to one, might be engaging for another.
Must keep the audience in mind!
From

9. The Story What do I need to do to gamify my course?
Create a narrative in which students can connect.
Stories resonate with us.
Entices, hooks us into continuing on.
Build your course’s story into the context of the course.
Borrow from the real world.
General themes
Overcoming a Monster
Rags to Riches
The Quest
The Voyage and Return
Comedy
Tragedy
Rebirth

10. Final Fantasy IX © Square Enix
Game Mechanics
Level up Guide:
Level 1- 0 points
Level points
Level points
Level points
Level points
What can I do?
Points/grade as experience (EXP)
Positive approach- start at 0 and only go up!
Level up as you advance.
Badges or other achievements
Social challenges/ Group quest
Trial and Error
When you “die” you restart and try again.
Embed ways to earn “extra lives”
Final Fantasy IX © Square Enix

11. Tips for Gamifying
Can be done in all formats (face-to-face, online, etc.)
Make a story/narrative
Use pop culture or public domain stories
Develop characters
Get a creative buddy or coworker to help
Focus on a problem or set of problems
Have students make avatars
Promotes buy-in; gives a sense of identity
Create group assignments (quests)
Groups = Guilds
Who will win?
Use adaptive release and achievements
Badges = Achievements in Blackboard
Unlock extra credit/ make up opportunity
Bonus questions for bonus points
Hint for the next assignment or quiz for getting 100%

12. More Tips for Gamifying
Use Grade Center as a leaderboard
Use gamer tags, or aliases
Promote the top 3, 5, or 10
Based on total points/ level
In Grade Center, add a column for their level
Manually entered, but clearly shows them their grade
Example of a level translating into a grade:
Level 13 is 1,000 points = A+
Level 10 is 910 points = B+
Level 7 is 820 points = C+
Level 4 is 730 points = D+
Level 2 is 670 points = D-

13. What if I am using a template?
Templates are generic, personalize them to meet your needs!
You don’t have to change the content of the course, just add a story to tie all the pieces together.
Adding badges, a narrative, and adaptive release is totally possible!
If you want to change the grading structure, discuss it with your chair.
Pac-Man © Namco, from

14. Excellent Resources
The Ultimate Guide to Gamifying Your Classroom By Amanda Ronan via
LMS Gamification: 7 Key Game Mechanics by Jill W. via

15. Q U E S T O N S ?
Questions?