John Fallon - Games are a Learning Style

The teacher shares their journey of integrating games into the classroom, inspired by past educators who used role-playing games. They developed an alternate reality game based on the Odyssey to teach problem-solving and resilience. Despite lacking tech skills, they successfully created engaging puzzles, demonstrating that games can enhance learning and reach students not engaged by traditional methods.

What role does the teacher believe educators should adopt in the classroom?

• Strict disciplinarians

• Artists and designers

• Passive observers

• Content delivery systems

What was the impact of role-playing games on the teacher during their school years?

• They preferred traditional teaching methods.

• They were transformative and made learning exciting.

• They felt tricked into learning.

• They found them boring and unengaging.

Why did the teacher choose the Odyssey for their alternate reality game?

• Because Odysseus is invincible like Achilles.

• Because Odysseus is a strong hero like Hercules.

• Because Odysseus is a tenacious problem solver.

• Because Odysseus has superpowers.

What core competency does the teacher aim to teach through the Odyssey game?

• Memorization

• Resilience and problem-solving

• Speed reading

• Artistic skills

What was one of the teacher's initial concerns when creating the game?

• Lack of time

• Lack of classroom resources

• Lack of student interest

• Lack of programming skills

How did students respond to the alternate reality game?

• They were uninterested and disengaged.

• They spent hours solving puzzles and learning new systems.

• They preferred traditional homework assignments.

• They found it too difficult and gave up.

What does the teacher believe about the potential of games in education?

• Games should replace all traditional teaching methods.

• Games can reach students not engaged by traditional methods.

• Games are a distraction from learning.

• Games are only suitable for younger students.