For my final EDCI 339 Free Inquiry post, I want to bring everything together in a way that is useful for busy classroom teachers. Instead of writing another long post, I decided to create a short YouTube screencast that walks teachers through three different game-based learning tools and shows how they can be used for both engagement and formative assessment.

Over the past few weeks, I explored research on game-based learning, looked at different platforms, and reflected on the challenges and opportunities of using games in real classrooms. This final screencast is my way of sharing what I learned in a teacher-friendly format.

Screencast: Three Game-Based Tools for Teachers

Game-Based Learning for Teachers: Using Wayground, IXL, and Minecraft Education for Engagement and Formative Assessment

In this video, I briefly walk through three platforms:

From a teacher’s perspective, I highlight:

  • what each tool does,
  • how it might fit into everyday classroom practice, and
  • how the built-in data and reports can be used as formative assessment, not just as a game score.

My goal was to keep the video short, practical, and realistic, from a future teacher that does not have a technology background.

Next Steps as a Future Teacher

Going forward, I’d like to:

  • Try Wayground in my future practicum in April.
  • Use IXL math in my future practicum as additional help/ work.
  • I want to complete Minecraft Education’s Teacher Academy and schedule a meeting with a teacher to see how they implement the game in their classroom.

This inquiry has taught me a lot; at times I felt overwhelmed by all the different resources out there. But I believe the only way you’ll know if they work is if you try them in your class first.