Learning by Teaching: An old paradigm and a new computer game
Summary:
Discussion/demo of MathCraft: an RPG whose user must advise/tutor an avatar facing survival challenges after a spaceship crash, thereby better appreciating and understanding the underlying STEM.
Description:
We've all had the experience of not REALLY understanding something until we've had to teach/explain it to someone else. That source of power (Learning by Teaching) is almost untapped in K-12 education today. We'll discuss this historically, then focus on MathCraft, a new computer game we're finally ready to reveal. It's a post-spaceship-crash adventure RPG where the user -- typically a middle school student -- must help mentor and advise an on-screen avatar who faces in-game challenges which naturally lend themselves to be modeled using grade-appropriate math and science. Our AI selects the problems for that user, based on a growing model of the concepts and skills they do/don't yet understand, the sorts of bugs and traps they are/aren't prone to, etc. The seminar will include a demonstration of the program, and interested attendees will be able to try it out themselves.
Library Staff from YOUmedia talk about programming in YA spaces, showcase their Mad Skillz initiative, and talk about meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.
In our ultra-competitive marketplace we need to differentiate ourselves. Explore today’s experiential economy and how to capitalize on differentiating activities to make your store a destination.
Description:
Today’s consumers demand more than just a product to win their retail dollars. In this ultra-competitive global economy, it is more important than ever to give consumers a reason, other than price, to visit your store. And, more important than ever to give them a reason to come back. From the moment that a consumer enters your store you have an opportunity to win their allegiance. Utilize that opportunity to create a memorable experience for your customer and you will see them return, with friends. From your friendly greeting to your insightful direction and product knowledge, your customers have come to your store for an experience. In this seminar we will discuss the transition to today’s experiential economy and how to capitalize on differentiating activities to make your store a desired destination.
Foster deep learning by having your students play and analyze games. Dr. Heidenreich will share his experiences of teaching “Math of Games for Liberal Arts Majors” over the past seven years.
Description:
Dr. Heidenreich developed a ‘Math for Liberal Arts Majors’ class based on analyzing games. In this talk, he will describe how the class is designed to foster deep, embodied learning of mathematical thinking using a combination of ‘teaching’ games designed to illustrate principles in statistics, as well as ‘real’ games like King of Tokyo, Settlers of Catan, and Magic: the Gathering. He will also reflect on how the class has grown in the seven years he’s taught it.
In this session, Matthew Farber, Steve Isaacs, Zack Gilbert, and Lucas Gillispie will discuss Minecraft and share ideas for how it is helping us to redefine learning.
Description:
You can hardly walk 5 feet without hearing a kid (or adult) talking about Minecraft. The game often serves as our kids' 'third place' or 'affinity space'. They are learning digital citizenship in an authentic manner and the learning that takes place in the game is pretty incredible. The Minecraft community is responsible for any documentation you can find, tutorials you can watch, etc. Minecraft demonstrates how kids learn in informal spaces. As a result, many educators have embraced the game for classroom use. This has taken many forms whether it be as a means of delivering or exploring content or constructing buildings and complex systems. It is being used in any and all content areas and empowering students in the learning process. In this session we will discuss Minecraft and the new Minecraft: Education Edition and share ideas for how it is helping us to redefine learning.
Networking with a Financial Professional to help your Business Grow!
Summary:
Learn how to connect your clients to professional services they may need, build a real feeling of community, and market your store through joint-sponsored events.
Description:
With the "Rise of Geekdom", many gamers are career-minded professionals that want to slay a dragon or two on the weekend. Gamers run into three main issues impacting Game Store Owners (GSOs): Not enough money to buy the games they want; Not enough time to play the games they have; Too worried about work/budget/cash flow to enjoy the games they do play. There are people in your community who want to meet your clients, help them pursue their financial goals, and share the same gaming interests. They can help drive business through increased traffic, a sense of community, and the services they can provide YOU (the GSO)! Jeff Riegle is an independent financial adviser with Waddell & Reed, Inc. As an avid gamer, Jeff wants to help GSOs learn how to develop relationships with financial professionals and discuss the value the financial industry can provide. Waddell & Reed, Inc. - Member SIPC
Paizo 2016: New Products from the World of Pathfinder
Summary:
Paizo’s Publisher Erik Mona previews new Pathfinder releases from Paizo and select partners. Attendees will receive a free Pathfinder Battles figure, while supplies last.
Description:
From the heights of horror in the new Pathfinder RPG hardcover, Horror Adventures, to brand new RPG initiatives and product lines to come, Paizo Publisher Erik Mona previews the exciting new releases from the world of Pathfinder, as well as the latest licensed goodies from select partners. All attendees will receive a free Pathfinder Battles promotional figure, while supplies last.
Panic in the Streets! Using Pandemic as a Learning Tool
Summary:
In this session educators and librarians will learn how to incorporate different aspects of the board game Pandemic into their classrooms and libraries.
The benefits and how-tos of hosting Pathfinder RPG and Adventure Card Game events in your store, library, or school. Attendees will receive a free Pathfinder Battles figure, while supplies last.
Description:
Join Paizo Publisher Erik Mona and Organized Play Coordinator Tonya Woldridge to discuss the benefits and how-tos of holding educational and entertaining Pathfinder RPG and Pathfinder Adventure Card Game events in your store, library, or school. All attendees will receive a free Pathfinder Battles promotional figure, while supplies last.
Play's The Thing: Integrating Games into One-Shot Academic Library Instruction Sessions
Summary:
Librarians at a small, liberal arts college incorporated games into a library workshop for first-year students as means of encouraging student engagement.
Description:
Teaching librarians have long lamented the challenge of getting students engaged in learning information literacy and research skills. The common refrain is that students are either forced to endure workshops in the library classroom, or students feel “they already know everything” about researching. This presentation will illustrate how librarians at a small, private institution incorporated elements of educational game theory into a first-year research writing workshop, resulting in increased student engagement while maintaining focus on student learning and peer teaching.