MU Workshop

Gaming Literacy
Millersville University | Middle-level literacy class | February 17th 2014

Discussion Resources

Here's some stuff you'll use during our time together.

Quest: Play Some Games

Quest: Gamification Resources

Gamification is the application of game mechanics in a non-game context, such as your classroom management system, your assessments, your grading procedures, etc. in order to increase user motivation and engagement.

Quest: Game Based Learning Resources

Identified on Twitter by the hashtag #gbl, Game Based learning involves using actual games in your classroom that you've selected to reach specific objectives or goals.

Quest: Game Design Resources

Anchor activity (Boss Fight). 

Teams, it is time to develop a game or gamified activity. Pick a concept and develop a game scenario to teach / review / test it.
  1. First, read Mix Strategy & Luck
  2. You may use
    • Any supplies available
    • Quick hand-held gaming apps (spinners, dice, timers, etc).
    • Standard deck of playing cards.
  3. Team up with another team to demo / playtest your game. 
  4. DFTBA

Follow up resources

Here's some Reading & Videos for further exploration...

    Project Based Learning Research


    Writing successful directions for games or gamified activities requires an understanding of the five elements of game design (GSM). Make sure that you and your players are clear on:
    1. “What do you do in the game?” (mechanics: collecting, shooting, throwing, solving)
    2. “How do you win the game?” (what is your goal?)
    3. “What limitations have you given players to make it more challenging?" (What are the rules of the game?) 
    4. “Describe the game space.” (tabletop, grid, floor, etc.)
    5. “What do you use to play the game?” (components: coins, dice, rubber bands, etc.)

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