There are two resources that I explored in detail for this "Thing": the first is "ClassBadges" It addresses two quandaries: how do we tap into intrinsic motivation? and how do we value the characteristics of a scholar we want to promote outside of summative grades?
During the RCSD Google Summit last year, I attended a PD about gameification that piqued my interest. A science teacher presented on how they used badges to recognize accomplishments that wouldn't normally be indicated in GPA: lab minutes achieved, homework percentage turned in, citizenship (including advocating for others as well as contribution to the physical classroom environment). This fit into the sweet spot, however, the work and effort that goes into this endeavor seemed prohibitive; this teacher manually made the badges, designing, laminating and handing out each to scholars.
Enter ClassBadges. This *free* site allows users to create a class, design badges using stock images or custom art. These obviously can be printed out physically, but the freedom of digital existence, particularly when utilizing Google classroom, opens up the possibilities. Initially I plan on designing badges for the habits of work I have been tracking: Prepares for class, Engages in class, Demonstrates effort and perseverance. However, I also want to expand to the particular mission goals that East has developed over the last two years: being tenacious, advocating for self and others, thinking purposefully.
This site acts as a good tack on system; it is not necessarily transformative.
In my exploration, I found a cool resource that integrates directly with google classroom, called Classcraft. This site professes to transform your classroom into an RPG. While I have concerns whether or not my students would find this "corny" it seems fairly fully featured. The free version allows for positive reinforcement of behaviors (think PBIS behaviors: answering questions correctly helping others, arriving on time) as well as providing immediate consequences for negative behavior.
Different character classes have different abilities, so scholars can self select based on what they know about themselves. Warriors have higher HP but fewer abilities, meaning that there is more leeway for making mistakes in class for those who may suffer from a lack of focus, but there is less possibility for using skills that allow for hints, cheat-sheets, privileges (choosing your own seat, leaving the classroom for up to 5 minutes, turning in assignments late without penalty) or use of notes during assessments. Mages have fewer hit points, but more ability points to use on said privileges for yourself or others.
Which brings me to the other potential benefit: collaboration. Classcraft allows for customization of both individual characters and teams. Teams can receive boons and punishments based on the actions of the group, building in a kind of responsibility and accountability that can help nourish a healthy classroom environment that is about community, not just about the individual. That student who focuses with easy and is difficult to distract is not characterized as a teacher's pet, but as an asset who can benefit the whole team. Responsibility for others is a quality that is undervalued in our individualistic society. These teams can and *should* be organized thoughtfully. My bias is towards a heterogeneous organization, using data such as SRI or pre-assessments to ensure that no team is stacked. My bias is also to have team leaders selected by leadership qualities outside of academic skill.
I'm excited to continue exploring this idea moving into next year. I feel like I've taken a seed and now have a sprout.
Thanks for sharing these tools! Not something that I've done much with. I have a colleague who does a lot with badging, but I hadn't heard of the classcraft tool. Interesting!
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