Experience Points — University XP

Episode 121 Michele Haiken on Gamify Literacy

In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Michele Haiken, an experienced literacy educator, and middle school English teacher, discusses her journey into gamification for teaching literacy. She shares how an educational conference sparked her interest and how students, especially gamers, played a crucial role in implementing it in her classroom, emphasizing student buy-in, motivation, and creativity. The conversation explores aspects like student agency, competition, and cooperation within gamification, along with insights from Michele's book, "Gamify Literacy." A case study from her dystopian unit is provided, highlighting literacy skill development and empowerment. The discussion also addresses the balance between traditional and innovative teaching methods in both middle school and higher education. Michele teaches various classes, including English methods, literacy development, and middle school literacy, and her blog, "The Teaching Factor," shares insights and resources.

gamification, Michele HaikenDave EngSeptember 29, 2024gamification, literacy, innovation, classroom, missions, michele haikenComment

Episode 120 AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: Hidden Information

In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the “mega topic” of hidden information in games. They explore hidden role games and games with hidden information, discussing examples like Battlestar Galactica and Scotland Yard. They touch on games such as Inside Job, Werewords, Dune, and HeroQuest, exploring their unique gameplay elements and how hidden information impacts strategies. They talk about the challenges of teaching these games to new players and the importance of understanding game states for effective gameplay. They share their experiences with different games, emphasizing replayability and excitement. The episode also covers communication-limited games like Codenames and Just One, highlighting how such mechanics enhance the social aspect of gaming. They also discuss traitor games and the psychological intrigue they add to gameplay. Overall, the episode provides insights into the appeal, challenges, and evolving nature of games with hidden information in modern tabletop gaming.

Episode 119 Sarah Le-Fevre on Play and Impactful Learning

In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Sarah Le-Fevre, a games-based learning professional with expertise in addressing complex organizational challenges and fostering ethical innovation. Le-Fevre uses tools like Lego Serious Play to create immersive learning experiences. The discussion covers Le-Fevre's background in games and learning, her journey into games-based learning, and her experiences addressing systemic challenges within organizations. The conversation also touches on the diversity of Le-Fevre's projects, including keepsake games for organizational wellness and fungi-themed organizational culture games. Furthermore, Le-Fevre provides insights into her upcoming book, which explores a playful systems practice approach to impactful learning. The book challenges traditional learning design methodologies and emphasizes the need to consider the broader system when implementing organizational change.

ludogogy, sarah le-fevreDave EngSeptember 1, 2024ludogogy, learning, systems, playful, impactful, diversityComment

Episode 118 What is the Game State?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the Game State? Determining the “game state” is often one of the questions that designers and developers will ask themselves when determining how to take a design or iterate on the development of a game. The game’s state is important to understand from a design perspective. But what role does understanding the “game state” play for educators, instructors, and trainers using games-based learning?

game stateDave EngAugust 18, 2024game state, game mechanics, player experience, learning outcomes, storytelling, narrative, gamemasters, NPCsComment

Episode 117 Zack Hartzman on Teaching with Video Games

In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng chats with Zack Hartzman, a licensed secondary school teacher from New York City and the creator of Hey Listen Games. Zack shares his journey of integrating video games into the classroom and discusses the motivation behind Hey Listen Games. They explore the evolution of game-based learning, emphasizing the need to diversify educational mediums for student engagement. Zack highlights key principles from his book, "Teaching with Video Games: A Strategy Guide," focusing on the potential of video games to teach problem-solving, mechanics, and foster relationships beyond traditional boundaries. The conversation also covers Zack's involvement in the Game Awards Future Class, an initiative diversifying the gaming industry.

video games, games-based learningDave EngAugust 4, 2024education, video games, curriculum, pedagogy, engagementComment

Episode 116 AP Table Talk: Trick-Taking Ladder Climbing

In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the enduring appeal of trick-taking and ladder climbing games. They reminisce about classic games like Hearts and Euchre, delving into lesser-known variants such as Nine Five Two, where players aim for different trick objectives. The conversation touches on modern games like SCOUT and Haggis, highlighting their strategic nuances. They discuss the diversity in ladder climbing games, focusing on favorites like Tiger & Dragon and Sail, and how these games adapt to various player counts. They share insights into their preferred contemporary trick-taking games and ponder potential variations within the ladder climbing mechanic. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving dynamics and meta plays in trick-taking games, making them timeless favorites.

Episode 115 What is Player Engagement?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Player Engagement? Games require that players interact with them. They require individuals to contribute; to change; and to augment the game according to their own will and agency. This encompasses player engagement and how they come to interact with games as well as what keeps them coming back to play.

Episode 114 Jenny Varrichio on Applied Games for Corporate L&D

In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Jenny Varrichio, an associate director of training at United Healthcare with expertise in instructional design, particularly gamification for adult learners. Jenny shares her 15 years of experience, focusing on integrating gamified elements into corporate environments. The conversation covers her diverse design experiences, her doctoral research on formative game-based activities for workplace learning, and the launch of her consultancy, "Learning Mechanic." The episode concludes with Dave Eng announcing the upcoming launch of Learning Mechanic and encouraging listeners to explore a free course on gamification.

Episode 113 What is Game Literacy?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Game Literacy? We don’t often think about when we first started playing games. Or really the “first” game that we ever played. Most players are preoccupied with the game that they are playing “now” or the game that they will play next. Yet, we don’t stop to think about what we already know about games and how we’ve applied that to learning and experiencing new games.

Episode 112 Dan White on RoboCo and GBL at Filament Games

In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Dan White, founder of Filament Games, discussing the intersection of education and gaming. Dan's journey from teaching to game development is explored, emphasizing the challenges of creating engaging learning experiences. The concept of "pleasing frustration" is covered, where games strike a balance between challenge and support to maintain learner engagement. The conversation delves into game mechanics and their role in learning, citing examples like the game "RoboCo." The alignment of games with educational standards and the promotion of problem-solving skills are also discussed. The episode concludes with insights into Filament Games' philosophy on innovation and continuous improvement.

Episode 111 AP Table Talk: Tech Trees Tech Tracks

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on "tech tree" and “tech track” games. They emphasize how tech trees are a central component of many video games and board games, offering players various strategic paths and upgrades. They mention games like "Tapestry" and "Space Station Phoenix" that use tech tracks and tech trees for engine-building and resource management. They also explore how tech trees can add complexity and thematic depth to games and highlight the importance of balancing different strategies. They touch upon games like "Civilization" and "Terraforming Mars" and discuss the idea of introducing legacy elements to tech trees, allowing progress across multiple plays. The episode provides insights into how tech trees enhance gameplay in various genres and why they are a popular game mechanic.

Episode 110 Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Experience Points" Dave Eng interviews Andrew Harris, a game designer, therapist, and educator behind The Guild Chronicles program. Andrew discusses the origins of The Guild Chronicles, a transformative game-based learning program he developed, which combines tabletop RPG elements with therapeutic and educational objectives. The program focuses on fostering social-emotional growth, collaboration, and teamwork among autistic youth. Andrew explains how the game mechanics encourage players to work together, solve challenges, and develop skills in a safe and engaging environment. He highlights the narrative elements that make the intervention unique and effective, helping players learn and grow through shared experiences. To learn more, visit GuildChronicles.com.

Episode 109 What is Choice Architecture?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Choice Architecture? Both life and games are full of choices. Some of us approach those choices head on. Others take their time to come to rational conclusions about what choices are best for them. Yet others don’t put that much stake into the outcome of their choices.

choice architectureDave EngApril 14, 2024choice architecture, choice, decision, nudges, defaults, behaviors, choice architectsComment

Episode 108 Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games

In this episode, Dave Eng and Sue Baechler discuss the impact of learning games. Sue Baechler shares her journey from creating a sales game that broke records to starting her own learning game business. They delve into the Bottom Line Game at CVS, an educational board game that aimed to enhance profitability understanding. The game's mechanics involved challenges and opportunities on a game board, mirroring real-world scenarios. CVS used it for training new store managers for over five years. Sue also talks about the evolution of her All In Game, an inclusive online planning tool developed with Focus Games post-COVID-19. It aims to foster collaborative action planning for teams. The game can be tried for free on the Focus Games website.

Episode 107 AP Table Talk: Rondel

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces "Patchwork" as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like "Sabika," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention thematic considerations, player count dynamics, tie-breakers, and variations in game mechanics. Dave and Brian also touch on games with changing rondel layouts and explore twists in mechanics, such as action resolution prior to moving. They conclude by reflecting on the accessibility and strategic choices offered by rondel mechanics.

rondel, game mechanics, AP Table TalkDave EngMarch 17, 2024rondel, board games, game mechanic, AP Table TalkComment

Episode 106 Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play

In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng discusses educational games and their integration into traditional lectures with guest Silviana Falcon. Silviana shares her experience of using educational games as fundamental components of her lectures over eight years. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming learning environment through interactive games that foster camaraderie and teamwork among students. One of the games she uses, "StarPower" by Garry Shirts from 1969, simulates a three-tier society based on wealth, enabling students to experience power dynamics and economic decisions. Silviana's approach involves gradually introducing games to engage students and enhance their understanding. The episode underscores the benefits of well-chosen educational games for deeper learning.

Episode 105 Liminality, Transition, and Games

On today’s episode, we’ll discuss the concepts of Liminality, Transition, and Games. The term “liminal space” may not be familiar to you. But if you’ve ever made a transition from a physical place; a mental space; or experience anything that you would ever consider “life changing” or “transformative” then you may have already experienced “liminality.” But what exactly is liminality? Why is it important? How does it relate to games, learning, and games-based learning?

liminalDave EngFebruary 18, 2024liminality, liminal, transition, rites of passageComment

Episode 104 Clayton Whittle on Environmentalism and Games

In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Clayton Whittle, a researcher, educator, and environmentalist. Clayton's work centers around using game design to educate and motivate action in the realm of environmental education. He discusses his role as a past resident fellow at Pennsylvania State University, focusing on developing game design frameworks for environmental education. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond designing for behavior and towards empowering informed and motivated action. Clayton highlights the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in environmental education. VR can create visceral experiences for policymakers, while AR can engage players in real-world based play that drives awareness and action. The episode underscores the value of technology in fostering environmental consciousness and activism.

Episode 103 What are Tactics?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What are Tactics?” Tactics are one of those concepts often discussed by gamers and designers alike. Especially when it comes to addressing playstyles, design, and competition. Tactics are often compared to strategy in this regard. But what exactly are tactics and how do they compare against strategy and strategic decisions?

tactics, strategyDave EngJanuary 21, 2024tactics, strategy, military, sports, politics, business, games, games-based learningComment

Episode 102 Terry Pearce on Untold Play and Applied Games

In this episode of the Experience Points podcast, host Dave Eng interviews Terry Pearce, founder of Untold Play, a games-based learning expert. Pearce discusses how he helps trainers, educators, and designers incorporate gamification into learning programs. He highlights his work with organizations like HSBC and the NHS, adapting complex topics like project management into interactive games. Pearce shares his process of tailoring existing materials using gamification principles, mentioning frameworks like Octalysis and Lazzaro's Four Keys to Fun. Listeners can connect with Terry Pearce through his website www.UntoldPlay.com or on LinkedIn for more insights into games-based learning and gamification.