Maximum XP

Learning through play helps us level up in the most nonlinear way. Through trial and error and trial again you watch as players who may appear nonplussed in the classroom are energized during game play.

Perhaps the most magical aspect of games is that there is no need for a standalone assessment, the game IS the assessment. That is, if you know what you’re looking for.

“The science of learning shows that assessment within play can show learning, provide practice, and demonstrate failures safely while supplying feedback.”

Chapter 6 highlights the way learning, practice, failure, and feedback are fuel for working memory and a gift to thoughtful educators and parents.

Think of Level Up 16 from #GameOnBrainOn as just a few of the many questions you might ask your kids during play.

Download and keep this fun image handy and discover just what’s cooking while your students or children are engaged in play. Their answers will amaze and surprise you:

If You Build It, They Will LEARN

If you want to see first hand the divergent and convergent thinking required during game play, check out Waldami. This game of logic was gifted to us by friends and quickly became one of our favorite family games. While it seems like a simple pattern recognition game it is actually quite complex and impressively cognitively stimulating. I love listening as my kids think aloud about the best possible card to play and hope that the two recent RISD grads who created this game have more cards up their sleeves very soon!

If playing is powerful, imagine how much learning occurs when you start creating your own games! The folks at iThrive have an impressive array of tools for creating your own games and the best part is…they’re all free!

Setbacks are the evolution of learning and even colleges are getting in the game. Check out the US University and College Programs that are providing scholarships to eSports players from UC Irvine to Hawaii Pacific University. I always knew Super Smash Bros would one day be revered!