From One-Shot To Campaign: A GM's Guide To Growing A Gaming Club
Summary:
We will look at how to start a gaming club and will look at strategies for growing the gaming club. It will look at different options of RPG, board games, and integrating art into the group.
Description:
The session will focus on strategies to start and sustain a gaming club. We will look at ways to advertise club to increase participation. We will also look at cost effective ways to get the club going. The presentation will be made by two teachers who have taken different approaches to developing their respective gaming clubs.
Common business & educator situations and the game industry collide in this Clue-meets-Family-Feud style seminar. Case studies, in-class analysis, & expert advice!
Description:
A seminar favorite, revised for this year! We identify cases (I am making lots of sales - why don't I have more money in my bank account?) and in game-style fashion, the audience shares their thoughts and we share ours (treats/prizes for matched answers!!). Slides sent to participants after the convention.
Game Theory For Gamers: Decisions, Strategies, & Payoffs
Summary:
This session will provide an introduction to formal Game Theoretics as used in the social sciences and explore how choices impact the player experience.
Description:
The player experience in games is frequently a combination of chance and choice. Many gamers understand the math and probability that dictate chance, but few understand the numerous ways in which choices are influenced and evaluated.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Using classic Game Theory models on conflict, trust, ethics, and decision-making, attendees will learn via experiential activities and role-play a series of engaging classroom experiences.
Description:
Using common, easy-to-find, materials, participants will learn the mechanics and the theory behind numerous Game Theory archetype games. The activities will range from the Prisoner's Dilemma to the Ultimatum Game as well as the Stag Hunt to name but a few. We will also very lightly debrief the mathematics and history that drives the underlying engines driving the games presented. Applications from Nuclear War to business and ethics will be touched on.
Games That Boost Cognitive Skills & How To Implement Them In The Classroom
Summary:
Learn how cognitive skills function in the brain & the role they play in learning. Well also learn how games can be modified to implement in group settings along with the skills each game can target.
Description:
We will also discuss neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to develop better connectivity. This will be a resource for teachers looking to build skills like attention, memory, processing and logic with their students in a fun way. We will discuss a couple dozen games (most can be purchased at Gen Con).
Learn ways to implement Universal Design Learning (UDL), Gamification, and other non-traditional approaches in education. We explore interactive course design, alternative grading, and game examples.
Description:
The biggest challenge I often hear is how to actually apply all the cool gamification, UDL, and additional pedagogy one might have learned throughout the years. Ill walk you through a step-by-step guide of how Ive successfully integrated many fun and engaging approaches into my undergraduate theatre courses. These can be applied/adapted across different ages and subjects. Time will be made available to brainstorm ways to incorporate these concrete examples into participants own work. Join Lets Play Games: Improve Communication and Empathetic Understanding event to get more examples and actually play the games Led by Prof. Maya Michele Fein of Baldwin Wallace University and assisted by student, Matt Hanrahan.
Gamification 101: Introduction to Gamification in the Classroom
Summary:
An introduction to using gamification in college-level courses. Learn about the basics of dynamics and mechanics in the classroom, and hear from personal experiences.
Description:
We will briefly discuss an introduction to gamification in the classroom, and will talk about how to include gamification elements within the constraints of university teaching. We will walk you through a process on how to gamify your classroom. We will discuss how gamification can provide access to STEM content for traditionally marginalized students.
Join us for a workshop where you get to choose to dive deep into creating an XP grading system or designing roles for your class or project!
Description:
In this hands-on, level-2 session on gamification, well explore how to move beyond points and badges to create more immersive and purposeful learning experiences. Participants will choose between two focused working groups: one will examine how to structure experience points (XP) systems that reinforce learning goals and provide meaningful feedback, while the other will investigate how assigning rolessuch as navigator, strategist, or mentorcan enhance collaboration, agency, and classroom culture. Whether you teach K12 or college level, youll leave with practical strategies and examples to adapt for your own context.
Unleash the power of play to unlock student motivation & transform learning with gamification strategies. Workshop your way to more effective classroom activities.Includes free e-book
Description:
This workshop is open to all. It is designed to assist instructors using "engaged education" strategies "mod" their tools using gamification to make them more engaging and effective, without reducing rigor. The workshop will provide 2 sets of handouts -- one to use during the workshop, and one to take home -- as well as a free e-book offering eight examples of gamified classroom discussion exercises.
Gamifying ENG 101: TTRPGsIn College & Dual Credit Education
Summary:
Transform learning into an epic quest! Join me as I share how I turned an English 101 course into a mini-RPG, complete with classes, factions, quests, and Merlin, an AI guide. Adventure awaits!
Description:
Turn your classroom into a world of epic quests! This session explores how I transformed an English 101 course into a gamified TTRPG experience. Students chose "classes" like scholars or strategists, joined factions, and tackled quests guided by Merlin, an AI mentor. Using an open-world design with main quests and side missions, I reimagined assignments as adventures, fostering creativity and collaboration.
The TTRPG lens and gamification made research and writing engaging, empowering students to take ownership of their learning while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Discover how fantasy-inspired mechanics can transform your teaching and inspire students to see education as a thrilling campaign of growth and discovery.