what is classcraft?
Classcraft "is an online educational role-playing game that teachers and students play together in the classroom. It is not meant to replace the existing school curriculum but rather supplement classroom learning by encouraging teamwork and increasing student motivation and discipline." (www.classcraft.com)
How do i use classcraft?
I use Clascraft as a motivational classroom management tool. Students must adhere to class rules and work collaboratively to move ahead in the role-playing game. For example, if a student does well on a test, their avatar will gain experience points (XP). Avatars can also loose XP if they are disruptive in class. And only through teamwork can a classmate return to play after loosing all of their points. Classcraft "teaches responsibility, accountability, discipline, and teamwork" (www.classcraft.com), all of which I expect from my students.
how is education like a video game?
Classcraft's slogan is "Make Learning an Adventure". Children are obsessed with the adventures they undertake through video games. Therefore, an online educational role-playing game is the perfect venue for a gaming generation to learn. We can all agree that an adventure doesn't follow the straight and narrow, and the best adventures are messy! The greatest and perhaps most vulnerable adventure we undertake is that of education. We purposely place ourselves within the unknown. We go to school every day knowing we will learn something new which is utterly frightening. Why do we choose to undertake such a scary adventure? To grow as an individual; to question what is and what isn't; to find that which is hidden in ourselves; to unleash our potential and make a difference in the world around us. Gamification is the future of education. We've known for centuries that small children learn first through play. Why doesn't that philosophy apply to children who grow older? Children cheer when a teacher says they are playing a game during class. We do our best to incorporate as many "fun" activities as we can. Lets face it, games like Scoot, have their place, but are starting to become redundant. Educational technology is no longer a projection screen or a typing instrument. They are a means to 100% student-directed learning. Teachers can finally become the facilitators they were always meant to be.
are you interested in classcraft?
Please visit my class website, www.missandersonclasscraft.weebly.com, which I use in correlation with the Classcraft web application. It is here that students perform tasks which earn them XP.
For more information on Classcraft, please visit their website: www.classcraft.com. It is free and simple to join.
For more information on Classcraft, please visit their website: www.classcraft.com. It is free and simple to join.