Game-Based Learning: Safe Technology-Fun Classroom

Introduction

This course is aimed at teachers and school staff from pre-school level to primary and secondary, education as well as staff of non-government organizations, government and policy makers and company staff. The coruse will focus on theoretical input on gamification and approaches to introduce more game based learning in different countries and across school subjects. It will have a strong focus on responsible and successful implementation of games in the classroom. In addition to gamification, course involves technical background for safe technology and how to encourage students to use technology safely. Participants are expected to have at least A1 level of English proficiency.


Objectives

• Understanding of the concept and strategies for implementation of gamification.
• Developing communication, collaboration, presentation, problem solving, negotiation, critical and creative thinking skills.
• Enhancing professional skills through mastering handpicked selection of versatile types of games for teambulding, building of trust, content consolidation and revision, exploration and development of creativity.
• Providing and exercising creative ideas and practical resources for successful implementation and responsible use of game based learning.
• Reflect on the importance of educating critical thinking and autonomous approach when searching for information.
• How to foster positive group dynamics and encourage collective learning.
• Gain knowledge on how to adapt educational games to make them less guided and give more autonomy and research abilities to students.
• Sharing experiences of school project work and use of GBL in education from different organizations in order to help each of us to be more effective in our work.
• Developing the online collaboration platform for preparation, dissemination and networking in order to develop future partnerships and projects.
• Strengthening the European collaboration among people using GBL in education in different contexts.
• Providing insights into different education systems.


* The programme can be designed according to the participant profile and group needs.
* For groups of 8 teachers or more, we adapt the course content and approach to the training needs of your educational center and offer personalized training programme.


DAILY TRAINING PROGRAMME

DAY 1
Introduction of participants
Outline of the programme
Warm ups and ice-breakers
Welcome Activity - Pre-test


Day 2
Presentation of the training course.
Group dynamics: Getting to know each other.
Reflection exercise: What is education?
Group experiment: Experiments and demonstrations.
Group dynamics: Generating an open attitude in the group and raising energy.
Reflection and group discussion: Identify and compare different methodologies.
Inspiring experiment: “Animated animals”.

Day 3
Group dynamics: Breaking the ice.
Practical activity: The spiral of science.
Reflection exercise: How to apply the scientific method in the classroom?
Group experiment: “Air, are you there?”
Group activity: Hunters by the method.
Challenge in pairs: “From Earth to the Moon”

Day 4
Group dynamics: Energizer for fostering collective learning
Reflection and debate: What does science teach us?
Group experiments: Learning by discovery and investigation.
Practical activity: Sequencing of an active science activity.
Individual challenge: “Place it in the orbit”
Group experiments: Learning based on challenges.

Day 5
Group dynamic: Energizer for encouraging team building
Reflection in small groups: Attitude of the teacher as a guide of Inquiry Based Learning.
Experiments to work different parts of the scientific method.
Practical activity: Design of an experimental workshop removing a piece of the puzzle.
Educating values: Playing with game theory.

Day 6
Group dynamics: Energizer and group building exercise
Group dynamics: Networking skills
Open discussion on possible future collaborations and planning follow up activities
Cultural activity or guided visit

DAY 7
Presentation of outcomes
Summary of key learning points
Final course evaluation and feedback
Validation of learning outcomes and handling certificates
Closing session