EdGamer (Zack Gilbert)

In EdGamer 147 we are joined by two amazing educators, Katya Hott and Kathy Yu Burek. Katya is a User Testing Lead, Project Manager at BrainPOP. Kathy manages and designs key aspects of Classroom, Inc.’s learning games and programs to provide engaging learning experiences. They are going to share their expertise of going from the classroom to the edtech/edgame industry. They believe that teachers are an integral part of edtech development. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

In EdGamer 148 we are joined by Bob De Schutter (MA, PhD). Bob is a C. Michael Armstrong Professor at the College of Education, Health & Society and the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies of Miami University (Oxford, OH). His interdisciplinary research and teaching interests include game design, the older audience of digital games, and the use of digital games for non-entertainment purposes. Bob has also created his own software to study the effectiveness of the gameful classrooms.… Read the rest

“Gamify Your Classroom: A Field Guide to Game-Based Learning” by Matthew Farber is now available. It is a practical textbook about how to implement game-based learning and gamification techniques to everyday teaching. It is a survey of best practices aggregated from interviews with experts-in-the-field. Each chapter concludes with practical lesson plan ideas, games to play (both digital and tabletop), and links to research further.  The book also draws on Matt’s experiences implementing games with my middle school students.… Read the rest

The current education policies and expectations are overwhelming teachers. Innovative instruction, including Games and Learning, could be left behind. Gerry and Zack will discuss this topic and the current educational games news on this week’s EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- zack@edgamer.net

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

Dr. Seann Dikkers is an assistant professor in the Educational Technology division of the Patton College of Education at Ohio University. Formerly Dr. Dikkers served fourteen years as a middle school teacher, high school principal, and education consultant. Now he researches, writes, and shares the usefulness of digital media for teaching and learning as the founder and director of Gaming Matter. His newly released book TeacherCraft: How Teachers Learn to Use Minecraft in their Classroom will be an essential guide to educators who want to integrate Minecraft.… Read the rest

EdGamer 41 is all business! We have a jam packed show this week with segments on Sony’s new PS Vita, a Smithsonian exhibit dedicated to video game history and a writing opportunity on video game violence from the ISTE website. We also discuss the fizzling of Facebook gaming as well as some huge new video game releases. This week’s episode is short but powerful…just like Zack…tune in!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show contributor: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

EdGamer 42 is packed with great info! This week we tackle the complex and controversial issue of ‘Gamification’ in the classroom…fun or fad…we help you decide. Plus, we revisit the Vita and look ahead to another great new game that is due out in the near future. Check it out!

***A clarification of a incorrect statement by Zack- Taoists use Yin-Yang and Buddhist use a wheel called the Dharmachakra. We could go into great detail concerning any connections between impermanence and Yin-Yang, but we shall save that for another time.… Read the rest

There are some new devices being released and this week we thought we would take a look at all the major gaming platforms to discuss their effective use in the classroom.  All of these devices have positives when it comes to gaming, but not all of them would be a great purchase for their learning value.  We would love to hear your comments concerning the wide range of topics we discuss in the week’s EdGamer Podcast.… Read the rest

On EdGamer this week we take a look ahead by looking back! That’s right, EdGamer44 previews some hot sequels that are due out this summer. We also reveal the results of our first ever EdReach poll question. Finally, on this episode we discuss the latest news involing everyone’s favorite on-line game emporium, Steam. Don’t miss another great episode of EdGamer as we creep towards our 50th episode!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show contributor: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

It’s a packed house on EdGamer 45! This week we welcome back two of our favorite guests: Lucas Gillispie, a gamer, Instructional Technology Coordinator for Pender County Schools and blogger at Edurealms and Justin Roth, a clinical researcher and avid gamer. We only needed two topics to fill the show this week with all this brain power so we chose carefully. First debate the use of Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft in the classroom and then we check for an update on the Boise State 3D Game Lab.… Read the rest

• “The Games That We Play”
  • There are many games that Gerry and I use in the classroom.  We have picked six games that we currently use and we will explain why we use them.
  • Zack’s Pick- BBC Interactive Games
    • Mummy Maker
    • Pyramid Challenge
  • Gerry’s Pick- Classic classroom games: The Great Debate
    • Involves Role Play
    • Students can be forced to see multiple perspectives on one issue
    • Includes current events
  • Zack’s Pick- Word on the Street by Out of the Box Games
    • On each turn, one team flips over a category card.

Watch out for EdGamer 46…this week we’re ‘Roland in the deep’ (sorry Roland) with returning guest Roland Aichele from West Sacramento Prep in California. Roland fills us in on the latest trends of the west coast including some low tech gaming madness. We also talk about Dan Pink one of the most interesting authors in the business world that is frequently being referenced in educational circles and how his latest book ‘Drive’ may fit into our gaming and education curriculums.… Read the rest

Sylvia Martinez, president of Generation YES, is our guest this week and she helps us answer an important question. Is Khan Academy a Monday solution?

“This is the Monday… Someday problem – the fact that even if a teacher changes everything in their classroom, nothing else in the system will change. How can one argue for a long term (Someday) overhaul of math curriculum, pedagogy and assessment when you know even if it does change, it’s going to be long time from now, and you have kids coming in on Monday who need to pass a test on Friday that will depend on them memorizing a bunch of facts and skills?… Read the rest

Episode 48 of EdGamer has us return to the lab…Boise State’s 3D Gamelab that is! We welcome back Dr. Chris Haskell and chat about what new advances in the 3D Gamelab have come about since our last chat. Somehow we find time to talk about badges, FOEs (Friends of EdGamer), Minecraft and a couple amazing Boise State studies among all of the awesome insight from Dr. Haskell. You cannot miss this episode of EdGamer, it’s one of the best yet!… Read the rest

“Everything I have ever done is an obsession.” – Dr. James Paul Gee

The ‘Geenius’ is back! Its EdGamer 49 and Zack gets a very special birthday gift…another conversation with Dr. James Paul Gee. There are few words that could sufficiently sum up the the amazing and intense conversation we have with Dr. Gee. His thoughts and insights in the field of gaming and learning are unparalleled. Dr. Gee runs us through his current work, identifies some recent successful examples in the field of gaming, and finally gives us a glimpse into what he considers the future of gaming and learning.… Read the rest

Last week was Zack’s birthday and this week it’s our birthday…our 50th! That’s right, it’s the 50th episode of EdGamer. We take a look back at all the great shows we have had and highlight a few of our favorite memories. If you are new to EdGamer check this out for some recommendations on can’t-miss past episodes. We are proud of our first 50 and we can’t wait to bring you 50 more…thanks to all for tuning in!… Read the rest

We’re over the hill and headed back to the mines on episode 51 of EdGamer. It has been a year since we last spoke to Joel Levin (AKA Minecraft Teacher) and what a year he has had! On this episode we review all the fascinating things Joel has done with Minecraft in the classroom and talk about some of the amazing people he has worked with along the way. We continue our trend of revisiting with some of our early guests in this week’s can’t-miss EdGamer.… Read the rest

In the 52nd episode of EdGamer, we find ourselves battling the toughest question we have faced: “What is an educational game?” To help us sort out our thoughts on this we contacted a higher power and great friend…no, not Yoda (well, sort of), Lucas Gillispie! Lucas returns to EdGamer to talk about some great new game releases and gives us his professional opinion on what constitutes educational gaming/learning. You do not want to miss his valuable insight…join us for another huge edition of EdGamer!… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer we take a look at a great resource a new friend from Down Under passed along to us. After a quick review of the latest happenings we focus on a handout that clearly outlines Blooms Taxonomy for video game usage, learning and design. This week’s show is brief but doesn’t lack any punch. Don’t miss your chance to hears tons of bad Australian accent attempts by Zack…only on EdGamer 53!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

It’s summer time on EdGamer this week…well at least for some of us. In episode 54 we figure out what steps teachers would need to take this summer to get ready to use games in the classroom next year. We include some valuable links to resources and also look ahead to some great summer conferences you should consider attending! Watch out, it’s another don’t miss episode of EdGamer…summer style!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer  Episode 55 we try to figure out the motivation behind an…uh…interesting article by a few psychologists. Then in happier thoughts we check out a great article about Ken Burns and manipulation. Finally we look ahead some exciting new game releases. Tune in to the latest EdGamer episode and find out Zack’s deepest, darkest secret (spoiler alert: he cried at the end of Harry Potter).

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

We’re packing up EdGamer and taking it on the road this week as we visit and review the Games+Learning+Society Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Join us for an interesting discussion on the current state of gaming and education. There was enough information, food, and fantastic people to fill a lengthy podcast, but we managed to select a few highlights! If you are an EdGamer fan you cannot afford to miss this review of the most important conference to our genre.… Read the rest

On the second episode of the Ed Gamer podcast, we take some time to review the ICE (Illinois Computing Educators) we recently attended in St. Charles, IL. A lot of ground has been made in the world of gaming and education, but there is still much to do. During this podcast we examine the difference between virtual learning environments (such as World of Warcraft and SecondLife) and simple outcome games (ie. Tetris…there has to be a better example).… Read the rest

Episode 57 of EdGamer has us checking in with our first guest from the recent GLS conference: Jeff Holmes from ASU and the Center for Games and Impact. We discuss a plethora of topics with Jeff including the new Surface tablet from Microsoft, the Teach with Portals platform from Valve and everything new and interesting from Jeff’s work and studies. Check out EdGamer 57 for reviews, previews and great conversations with a new friend of EdGamer: Jeff Holmes.… Read the rest

EdGamer 58 is back with another great guest! This week we welcome Crystle Martin from UW-Madison and the GLS Conference. Crystle joins us to chat about her recent dissertation defense and all of her exciting future plans! This is another can’t miss episode of EdGamer on the EdReach network. Tune-in!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Crystle Martin

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

Welcome to the Dojo…We got fun and games! This week on EdGamer 59, we take on a myriad of topics about gaming and learning. From new Civilization updates, to a gaming book club, and to some new innovative programs. This episode is packed with info on the latest current events. Don’t miss this episode…listen up to level up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

EdGamer 60 is packed with more summer gaming news! We look forward to another exciting education and gaming conference as well as a ‘Steam-y’ summer sale. We also preview a new tablet and look at some sights that bring some new light to the classroom. Watch out for way too many French references on a Bastille themed EdGamer!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

To Whom it May Concern:

I am looking for an easy gaming platform to use in my classroom.  I would like it handle single, coop, and multiplayer versions of educational games.  I would like it to connect my classroom and other classrooms so interactions can take place between students.  As a Steam user, my thoughts came quickly to your platform and how easy it is to connect to other players.  I have been using games to educate for many years. … Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 61…Paging Dr. McCall…Dr. Jeremiah McCall! We are joined by the mastermind behind the Gaming the Past website (and book) for some conversation on how video games can be used in the history classroom. Jeremiah takes us through a myriad of examples of games, lessons and resources. This is a can’t miss episode for anyone looking to incorporate simulation or games in the classroom…check it out!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Dr.… Read the rest

On this delicious episode of EdGamer we teach you how to make chocolate-covered broccoli…or maybe we don’t. EdGamer 62 finds us searching the vast terrain of gaming and education news for topics such as gaming and learning myths, Oregon Trial, PCs vs. consoles wars and news and notes of future releases. Don’t miss an appetizing, if not at least entertaining, episode of EdGamer!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer we…enter the Dojo! Episode 63 introduces you to the two geniuses behind ClassDojo! This episode features a look into the creative brains of Sam and Liam, the creators of ClassDojo and walks you through all the basics you will need to get set up. If you are looking for an amazing new tool for the classroom this year, you have to catch this episode of EdGamer!

“ClassDojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily.… Read the rest

Welcome (back) to the Dojo! This week on EdGamer 64 we give you the second part of our amazing interview with Liam and Sam. We hear about some of their favorite games and Liam’s intense history with gaming and education. Check out this compact but powerful week of EdGamer!

“ClassDojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators.… Read the rest

This week Gerry and I went to Gen Con!

Gen Con Indy is the original, longest running, best attended, gaming convention in the world. For over 44 years, Gen Con Indy has been setting the trend and breaking records. Last year, more than 120,103 turnstile and 36,106 unique attendees experienced Gen Con Indy. Gen Con is the best four days of gaming!

Gen Con’s focus is on board games, role playing games, miniatures, simulations, and card games.  … Read the rest

Holy Gen Con its EdGamer 66! On this week’s episode we walk you through our visit to this year’s Gen Con board gaming convention in Indianapolis. We break down several new games and talk about all of the fascinating people and presentations we observed. Don’t miss our review of the ‘best four days in gaming!’

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Luuuuuuuuuke…..we are your followers. This week on EdGamer 67 we welcome back long time friend Lucas Gillispie to chat with us about his new gaming and education initiatives. We dissect SAGA, MOOC and as many other four letter words as we can think of! We are not sure if there is more information or if there are more laughs, but it is another can’t-miss episode of EdGamer.Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Lucas Gillispie

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 68 we talk about heroes…real heroes. We also hunt down some interesting articles about game contests and new game-based schools. Toss in a pinch of new school news, jibe-ing, and some up-and-coming games, and you have another action packed episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Hero teacher tackles gunman at NCHS

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 69 we have a ‘Quandary’ for you…What could be better than a chat with Peter Stidwill, a Producer at the Learning Games Network? Peter is extremely well versed both education and video games, and we are excited to pick his brain for a half hour. He gives us the inside scoop on Quandary and more importantly the most effective ways to implement this game in the classroom. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Peter Stidwill

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on our 70th episode of EdGamer we celebrate complete randomness with tons of great info on gaming and education. We bleep out our thoughts on censorship and look forward to a new platform for a personal favorite, Bastion! Zack tells us about his up and coming plans to attend FlatCon and Gerry gets pumped up about his new gaming club at school. This week is a hot mess of awesomely random insights…tune-in and level-up!… Read the rest

This week in EdGamer we scale the ‘Bastion!’ We use Episode 71 to take a deep look into the new iPad version of Bastion and its implications for the classroom. Plus we check out the AMD App Zone and a cool new infographic. Don’t miss another action packed episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on the 72nd episode of EdGamer we bring you a brand new friend of the show named James Sanders. James, besides being extremely innovative, is also the founder of the new site ClassBadges. We get an inside sneak peak of the site as well as a glimpse into the future vision of ClassBadges. Don’t miss another packed episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: James Sanders

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 73 we cover a myriad of topics! Have no fear, the title does not refer to classroom grading procedures but instead a new Lego The Lord of the Rings game. We also revisit some old friends and Gerry’s gaming club. Check out this week’s show for some ways to support your favorite gaming and education podcast (…yes, EdGamer) on Stitcher and the worst summary of Magic: The Gathering you have ever heard.… Read the rest

This week on Episode 74 of EdGamer we welcome a new friend to the show…meet Kyle Simons. Kyle walks us through the ‘magic’ behind his Kickstarter effort, a language learning RPG! The concepts behind this effort are just as breathtaking as the visuals involved. Join us for a look at what could be the future of language learning and gaming. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Kyle Simons

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on the 75th episode of EdGamer we look into the ‘DNA’ of the new strategy-puzzle game Phylo. We also check up on the Magicians Kickstarter we talked about last week…spoiler alert…it’s been doing well…really well! Finally we share a fun link to a list of classic amoral decisions video games force you to make. Don’t miss our diamond sword edition episode…tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 76 we give you the cheat code on how to start a game club at your school! We also stand up for SIT, check out the Wind Map and  ramble on about tons of other interesting stuff…or at least we think its interesting. Don’t miss this episode as we slowly creep toward the century mark. Tune-in and level- up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

• Start a Gaming Club
  • Parental permission form
    • for rides home and permission to be here
  • Is there a need?

This week on EdGamer Episode 77 we review and dissect Zack’s new Game Club efforts! We also review some old Bangles songs, more Minecraft, simple maps, and simple games. This is an eclectic but action packed episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

• Start a Gaming Club
  • Parental permission form
    • for rides home and permission to be here
  • Is there a need?
    • Social skills
    • Bullying
    • A safe place to play
  • Academic (yes)
• Planning meeting with core students (Guild Leaders – 8 students)
  • Mission statement
    • Focus and goals
    • Using games to enhance learning
      • Have fun, create, and socialize
  • What games and platforms?

This week on Episode 78 of EdGamer we look ahead to the exciting new world of Google Ingress. Plus we feature some great classroom resources by Zack and a review of the first week of his game club at his school. Don’t ‘resist’ becoming ‘enlightened’…Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

Need more tools for your lessons?  Would you like to find more games that could assist you and your students?  Your best resource could be the other people in the classroom who are younger than you.  I am your EdGamer Edvisor…..so tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

This week on EdGamer Episode 79 we run through all the latest gaming and education news on the net! Our main article finds us discussing a classroom board game where the winner is the one who can create peace on the battlefield. Plus we look at a great video short and a glimpse of a new physics inspired online game. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This Edvisor brief gives a quick assessment to a great electronic games rubric from California State University. We highlight the strengths of this rubric and offer a few suggestions for improvement. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

On this week’s EdGamer we brought back a former guest, Jeremiah McCall.  He is working with the Learning Games Network on a new project called Playful Learning.  This is an ambitious project that will help educators find games that will work in their classroom.  Playful Learning will also help teachers with the difficult task of implementation.  Tune in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Guest: Jeremiah McCall

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Happy Holidays EdGamer listeners…this week we give you a gift…our very first interview with a Ted Talk speaker…the amazingly insightful John Hunter. Mr. Hunter is the innovative force behind the World Peace Game and he is having a huge impact on the gaming and learning field. Join us for one of our most interesting episodes yet. Don’t miss this EdGamer first…tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: John Hunter

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Are violent video games the cause of violent crimes, especially in children?  Who is to blame and is there a solution in stopping these tragedies within our schools?  Join us this week as guests Joel Levin (The Minecraft Teacher), Lucas Gillispie (Edurealms), Gerry, and Zack  try to answer these question and many more on this week’s EdGamer.  Tune-in and Level-up. (Video is available on this episode’s page. The audio was pulled from the video recording.)… Read the rest

For our final scheduled podcast of 2012, Episode 82, we bring in a new friend to the show. Jochen Kranzer is a managing partner at ovos, a small interactive studio in Austria. He walks us through his latest project, an educational physics game called Ludwig. Jochen also joins us for some ongoing talk about violence in media, especially video games and how it impacts our schools and children. Don’t miss the final EdGamer of the year.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 83 we start off 2013 by looking back at some of the best games from 2012. We try to determine how, or if, they should be used in the classroom. Plus, we run the gamut of new articles about education and gaming including topics on children s  privacy, U.S. History and …Kerbal? Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This IS the podcast you’re looking for! This week on EdGamer Episode 84 we contemplate the reality of building the Death Star…spoiler alert…our vote is a resounding, YES! We also give you some ‘EdCeptional’ news about games in Special Education settings, follow up on Homeland Security and try to figure out how to pronounce d0x3d, a link from our dear friend Niilo…another don’t miss episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 85 we creep ever closer to the century mark! Zack gives us a low down on one of the fastest growing student led conferences in Illinois, the SIT conference. This episode is short but robust and full of great information, especially if you have students interested in showing off their Minecraft skills. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 86 we are joined by our good friend and repeat special guest Jeremiah McCall of the Learning Games Network! Jeremiah is nice enough to walk us through some of the great stuff happening with the Playful Learning initiative. He also tosses in some amazing insight on the latest topics of gaming and education. Don’t miss this episode. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Jeremiah McCall

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

On Episode #4 of EdGamer we discuss the games our students are playing outside of our classrooms. Few teachers, or parents for that matter, have a solid idea of the types of games their children are playing. We take some time to look at the different types of games students are playing as well as discuss some informal research we did with our students about their gaming habits. Listen to this episode to hear more about the diversity between male and female student gamers, the different platforms for games, as well as the possibility of integrating these games into our classrooms.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 87 we are joined by the president of one of the ‘coolest’ educational gaming companies around…Dave McCool of Muzzy Lane (sorry for the pun Dave). Listen in as Dave gives us a detailed tour of all the amazing stuff Muzzy Lane has going on. From elementary to adult, there is a little something for everyone in this episode. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Guest: Dave McCool

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This short and powerful episode of EdGamer, our 88th installation of the series, brings to light some new games we experienced in game club this week. If our sporadic title isn’t enough to interest you, check out another great preview of the SIT Conference in this podcast. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

EdGamer Edvisor is a compacted but highly focused version of EdGamer that gives the listener a quick list of tools or reviews to aid learning in the classroom. This episode highlights our top 5 Social Studies games for the classroom. Enjoy!

Top 5 Social Studies Games

Civilization IV

BBC Interactive History Games

Minecraft and MinecraftEdu

iCivics – Filament Games – BrainPOP – Learning Games Network

Muzzy Lane Software

There are many others, but here are the ones I use?  … Read the rest

This week on the 89th installment of EdGamer, we try to figure out why Bill Gates “confuzzles” us (Zack is extremely proud of his new word…). The discussion quickly turns to frustration as we banter about topics such as standardized testing, individuality in students and common standards. We end the show with some lighter gaming news about some great new products. Tune-in and level-up!

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Here’s our Show Notes

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

EdGamer Edvisor is a compacted but highly focused version of EdGamer that gives the listener a quick list of tools or reviews to aid learning in the classroom. This episode highlights our top 5 (ish) digital creation tools for the classroom. Enjoy!

1. The right computer lab – Macs, monitors & Wacom tablets
2. Adobe Photoshop/CS Suite & Adobe Lightroom
3. Final Cut Pro / iMovie
4. 3D Studio Max / Maya / Autodesk Suite / ZBrush / Sculptris / Pixologic / Cheetah 3D
5. Unity Game Engine
6. Sound editing software – GarageBand / Avid’s Pro Tools
7. Journaling program – Corel / Pento / Evernote
8. Hosting program – JIBE / web design

Your thoughts?… Read the rest

This week on episode 90 of EdGamer we review two of the best conferences of the year for technology and education. In the last two weeks EdGamer has attended the ICE and SIT conferences and we have a plethora of new things to share with you! Plus, you get to hear all of the wonderful antics as a result of Zack spending a few days at Gerry’s house. This you can’t miss! Tune-in and level-up!

Alternate Title- The Best Seat on the ICE

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links and people we met at these two conferences.… Read the rest

Gerry is calling in from Texas for EdGamer 91. He is attending the NAEA (National Art Education Association) 2013 Conference in Austin.  He left the snow of Chicago for the warm weather of the south and he is filling his brain with new ideas about Games and Learning.  Zack gives us an update about his game club, we discuss SXSWedu, and Zack has been asked to join the Playful Learning Advisory Board.  Don’t miss this great discussion!… Read the rest

Pete Figtree of Ruthless Diastema is our guest this week on EdGamer 92.  Pete has a great Games and Learning  blog and podcast.  We have a lot in common, but Pete has focused on a specific gaming genre for his high school English and Language Arts classroom….role-playing games.  He loves using non-digital Indie games to assess his students’ learning in literature.  Tabletop games, cards, and dice are commonly seen in Pete’s classroom and his students enjoy.  … Read the rest

This week on EdGamer episode 93 we run through some new great resources. Zack posted a Minecraft guide for teachers, we discuss a new interactive tool called Kahoot!, and GeekDad has a wonderful two part article (one and two) on finding new board games. EdGamer is jam packed, so tune-in and level-up!

Alternate Title– Spring Break and Winter Storms

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

Jamie Brooker joins us this week for EdGamer 94. Jamie is Co-Founder & Lead Designer of Kahoot! Crafted using a design-led approach, Kahoot! is a web-based mobile and tablet friendly platform. With a simple user experience, it creates a social, fun and game-like environment in the classroom. Do you want to try this interactive game in your classroom? Use “edgamer” as the priority code for the beta access. EdGamer is in Kahoots with some serious games, so tune-in and level-up!… Read the rest

On Episode #5 of EdGamer we discuss three websites that caught our attention this week. We take a look at the new release of Sims Medieval from EA games and debate the possible educational uses for the program. Then we take some time to discuss a teacher from New York who is currently using the game Minecraft to help educate his elementary students. Finally we introduce and discuss an illustrated video to the sound clip of a presentation from Sir Ken Robinson.… Read the rest

This week Zack is interviewed in Minecraft Minechat 10.  Colin Gallagher and Rob Newberry are the hosts of Minecraft Minechat and they are two teachers that live in Singapore.  Colin is an Irishman and Rob is from Toronto.  We had a wonderful conversation within a Game Of Thrones build called Westeroscraft. This recording you are hearing has many of the highlights from this interview.  Go to the EdGamer page on EdReach to enjoy the full show with video.… Read the rest

As we creep closer to the century mark, episode 95 of EdGamer takes a deeper look at video games and assessment. This detailed conversation offers critical reviews of our current evaluation techniques of student learning and teacher effectiveness. On a positive note, we look to video games to help remedy this situation! Join us for this important topic and more news and notes from the field of gaming and learning. Tune in and level-up!

Other gaming news – There is a discussion of the rules of golf and what is transpiring at this year’s Masters Golf Tournament.… Read the rest

EdGamer episode 96 covers a lot of ground. This was an eventful week that saw tragedies in Texas, Boston, and major flooding in parts of the Midwest  The week ended well with Zack and his game club (games we played- No Thanks! – Cartegena – Botswana) and Rush’s induction (Zack is a big Rush fan!) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We also discuss a video by Constance Steinkuhler and interest driven learning.  … Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 97 we try to decipher the connection between the Girls Scouts of America and Vikings…who could pass that up? Let us enlighten your half hour with knowledge about #EdWin, great history games, and Zack’s old age. It’s an episode you can’t miss. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

He’s back and he’s bringing us World Peace…the board game and the book! EdGamer 98 features the return of one of our favorites guests, John Hunter. Listen in as we discuss John’s new book, World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements, and attempt to solve the world’s problems in a half hour. It’s another can’t miss episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

Maria  Cipollone (pronounced: chip-alone) is a born-and-raised Philadelphian who is also a PhD student in Media and Communication at Temple University.  She studies how “new” media technologies (e.g. video games, virtual/augmented reality experiences, mobile technologies) shape our thinking, working, and especially learning.   In her dissertation, she wants to answer the following questions:  what happens to the motivation to play Minecraft when we take Minecraft to school?  What psychological factors (for example ‘tele’presence) contribute to motivation to ‘mine’?  … Read the rest

Celebrate EdGamer’s 100th Episode with our Special Guest, Atari Co-founder, gaming pioneer, and edtech entrepreneur, Nolan Bushnell. We’ll discuss Nolan’s new book, as well as his exciting new ed company, Brainrush.com! Tune -in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Guest: Nolan Bushnell

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us

EdGamer artwork by Tricia Fuglestad

This is EdGamer 101 and class is in session! Our guest today is one of our favorite returning guests, Dr. James Paul Gee. Join us as we discuss his new book and other tidbits from the world of gaming and learning. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor: Gerry James

Show Guest: Dr. James Paul Gee

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 102 we bring you an enlightening chat with Lucien Vattel, the Executive Director of GameDesk.org. Join us as we talk with Lucien about GameDesk’s mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn through gaming. Lucien describes for us how GameDesk is going about creating a ‘next generation’ model of education. This is a can’t miss episode. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

You wanted more…you got it! Last week we on EdGamer we discussed a teacher from NYC who was using the game Minecraft in his elementary school classes. In this episode of EdGamer we are happy to introduce our first guest…the “Minecraft Teachr” himself…Joel Levin from Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in NYC. Listen in as Joel joins us and talks about his experiences with Minecraft, the benefits of gaming in education, and how to go about using Minecraft in YOUR classroom.… Read the rest

We’re back from the Games & Learning Society Conference and we have a ton to share! In EdGamer 103 we take you through all the highlights of the conference from great sessions to keynote addresses. We take this chance to look back at the great time we spent with old friends and look forward to the great conversations we are going to have with new friends. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

Even though EdGamer couldn’t make it to ISTE 2013, we could connect with BrainPOP, a major player in Games and Learning. Annie Choi and Scott Price had some BrainPOP news to share and they gave us some insight to the great content for students and amazing tools for educators.  Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Guest: Annie Choi

Show Guest: Scott Price

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer Episode 105 we dig back into the violence in video games debate. Can violent video games be a therapeutic release for some children? We take a look at a parallel endeavor by some military veterans using MMA (mixed martial arts) to release tension. Plus, we have the latest news on the Civilization series and some other great tidbits along the way. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 106 we take off the training wheels and use Google Hangouts On Air without any assistance. Scary…but not as scary as the return of Death in Sakkara. This is the great 1920’s Egyptian murder mystery game created by Preloaded.  This was one of Zack’s favorite classroom games that was removed by the BBC because of website upgrades.  It is back from the dead!  We also discuss Playful Learning, Valve’s new education tool for game creation, and Google came out with some magical device called the Chromecast.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 107 we chat with F.O.E (Friend Of EdGamer) Heather Robertson about her latest projects involving the integration of technology in bilingual language classes. Heather also shares with us some of her favorite games as well as some great insight into the future of education. Don’t miss this episode! Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Show Guest: Heather Robertson

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 108 we are thrilled to have one of our favorite F.O.E.s (Friend of EdGamer): Lucas Gillispie. We ‘look’ ahead to the future of 3D gaming with a preview of Oculus Rift. Lucas helps us speculate on the possibility of using a technology like this in the classroom. Finally, we take a trip through the world of learning and gaming to touch on a myriad of subjects from games for the blind to Xbox self-publishing to Schoology badges.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 109 we have two guests, Heather Robertson and Wade Berger. Heather is a recent guest and Wade is a first timer to EdGamer from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and GLS. Our topic is the direction and future of Games and Learning. Our discussion includes mobile platforms, investment, creation, and tools to help teachers implement games in their classroom. It is a can’t miss show with great guests and content. Tune-in and level-up!… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 110 we hang out with two new guests: Rob Steller and Josiah Hills!  The guys walk us through their Kickstarter campaign for their upcoming educational platform ClassXP. We discuss the implications this program can have for teachers and assessment as well as how it differs from the gamification trends in the field. Don’t miss this episode. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 111 we chat with one of our favorite FOEs (Friend of EdGamer) Ben Rimes! Join us for captivating talk on gaming and learning as well as topics such as Diablo 3, Minecraft, and Firefly. Plus, you can’t miss some important breaking news from the…Normal Cornbelters? What has Zack gotten us into now? Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 112 Zack and Gerry are stuck together…alone! Our guest for this show, “A Gamer’s Education’s” Craig Girard sent us a list of great questions to ponder. Listen in as EdGamer attempts to define itself and give a ‘state of the field address’ on games and learning. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Join us for EdGamer 113 as we welcome new FOE’s (Friends of EdGamer) to the show. Laila Shabir and Ish Syed are the creators of the Kickstarter “PENGUEMIC-Word Domination.” Join us to get the inside scoop on this great new game and how it can be used in the classroom! Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Show Guest: Laila Shabir

Show Guest: Ish Syed

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Alternate title that was not used- Kids Know What Real Games Are

We’ve done it again! For the second straight week we have a fascinating guest on EdGamer. This week’s episode (Episode 7) finds us chatting with Lucas Gillispie, an Instructional Technology Coordinator for Pender County Schools in southeastern North Carolina. Lucas has a history with gaming and education that eclipses 99 percent of the field.

A little about Lucas (from his site http://edurealms.com/) –

His current projects include the WoWinSchool Project, a collaborative effort to explore the impact of using World of Warcraft in both an after-school program and as part of the regular instructional program, Minecraft in School, which seeks to explore the use of Minecraft in with elementary learners, and iPod Games for Learning, a program that uses the iPad and iPod Touch as platforms for game-based learning.  … Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 114 we ‘roll’ back into the world of board games! From digital versions to updates of some classics, we fill you in on all the latest news. Plus we react to an announcement from Valve concerning a new gaming platform. This is another great episode of EdGamer, don’t let it pass you by. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 115 we get caught up on all the info we missed getting out to you last week, including Zack’s beard turning grey (or gray)! We have two books to share, an infographic on gamers, a Minecraft contest, a Thunderclap for BotlLogic, and a blog post criticizing Sir Ken Robinson. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 116 we are joined by the dynamic duo behind the ‘For Youth Inquiry,’ Jacob Watson and Nikki Zaleski. They help us sort through a myriad of news about education and gaming including iOS board games, the BotLogic Kickstarter and the UWW Playful Learning Summit. The main event has us talking with Nikki and Jacob about the ‘For Youth Inquiry’ and their mission to “engage youth in safe, accessible conversations about sexual health and sexual violence through participatory theater” (and games!).… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 117 we are joined by one of our favorite F.O.E.’s (Friend of EdGamer) Lucas Gillispie.  Our discussion revolves around classroom setup and the technology we would like to have now and in the future.  Lucas has experience with changing classroom environments and this led to a great conversation.  Do you want some great ideas on how to overhaul your room?  This episode of EdGamer will get you started. Tune-in and level-up!… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 118 instead of looking at the history of gaming, we take a look at how gaming can help teach history! We give you a plethora of resources for you to use in your classroom to help kids understand the workings of our past. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 119 we give you a quick run through on all the latest gaming and learning news across many platforms. A sweet new Lego release, multi-platform gaming coming from Microsoft, and De-Mystifying Minecraft for educators. It’s another can’t miss episode from the bearded gaming guys. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

This week on EdGamer 120 we have two fantastic guests from the new gaming initiative ‘Historia.’ New FOEs Jason Darnell and Rick Brennan to tell us how ‘Historia’ harnesses the power of history and games to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. You are going to want this in your classroom! But don’t take our word for it, tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Show Guest: Rick Brennan

Show Guest: Jason Darnell

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest

Guests, guests and more guests! Episode 8 finds EdGamer interviewing notable intellectual Sylvia Martinez about her her personal history with gaming and education. Sylvia is the President of Generation YES.

GenYES is an innovative program that creates 21st century leaders and learners. GenYES students help teachers use technology in classrooms, supporting effective technology integration school-wide. (from genyes.org)

We have had some fantastic guests so far, however Sylvia gives us a unique vantage point due to her extensive history with gaming in the private sector.… Read the rest

The title says it all! This week on EdGamer 121 we discuss the Playful Learning Summit in Whitewater, SimCity is trying to get into the classroom,  Mathbreakers looks like a promising math game, and a little side of pension theft just for holiday spirit! Its another can’t miss episode of EdGamer. Tune-in and level-up!

Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.

Here’s our Show Notes

Show Host: Zack Gilbert

Show Contributor/Producer: Gerry James

Contact us with any questions or comments- edgamer@edreach.us… Read the rest