Technology: In Plain English טכנולוגיה: באנגלית פשוטה: Games Student's Play... (with apologies to The Spinners)

I admit it - I like playing games!

Well, maybe not board games, but certainly computer games!

Yes, I even like Fortnite!!

More on that for another blog though...

The thing is, back when I was full time in the classroom (when dinosaurs - I mean original iPads and iPods - roamed the earth...), I could just never figure out how to incorporate games into my curriculum. Sure, I would have the class "play a game" to help break up a lesson so that I could engage my students in different ways, but to "gamify" a whole lesson or curriculum?? - I just couldn't figure it out.

You see, I didn't have the "tools" or the knowledge on how to do this.

I tried reading books and papers on the concept, but I needed practical examples to fully understand things. I just couldn't find the right help that would allow me to succeed.

Well, I am soooo glad that times have changed!!

My wife Batsheva (as my regular blog readers might recall, she wrote the acclaimed book: "The Jewish Educators Companion" - available on Amazon) - is the co-director of the Arete Institute here in Los Angeles. One of the Institute's missions is to help educators acquire skills that will help them change the way we educate our kids. One of their projects, in conjunction with Jon Cassie of "Game Level Learn," is a day-long conference on HOW to gamify curriculum and USE games to promote critical thinking skills in the classroom. The really cool thing about this event is that it is HANDS-ON!! With REAL LIFE EXAMPLES. And what is even better is that it IS BEING HELD ON A SUNDAY - so there is no problem taking time off to attend!!!!

The event involves presenters from all over the US who have successfully integrated gaming into their classrooms and schools. This is one of those "golden opportunities" where an educator can speak directly with other educators who are on the leading edge of this fascinating modality of learning - so don't miss it!!!

When: November 4, 2018, 8 am – 6 pm

Where: The Areté Institute,

11500 Olympic Blvd. Suite 318

Los Angeles, CA 90064

The registration fee is only $50 and you can register by clicking here. Hurry up though, space is limited!

(For readers of my blog, enter the secret code LEVELUP to get 10% off)

I would love to hear about you and your attempts and successes at gamifying your classroom. Please drop me a line about it on the blog page so that I can post your comments.

Regards,

Yossie

(DISCLAIMER... Nope, I am not getting paid by Arete Institute for posting about this event on my blog. I just want want you, my readers, to be aware of a really great professional development opportunity. Though, there is a remote possibility that my wife might bake my favorite lasgna when it's her turn to cook dinner... just suggesting dear!! :-)

YossieFrankel

Director of Technology