Growing through Gamification

The gamification of the classroom is a fairly modern concept that many teachers are apprehensive to adopt in their lesson plans. I, too, was curious about how video games could be applied to the classroom setting and did not know how I could possibly find such a diversion that truly blends with my curricula. My Instructional Technology instructor, Dr. Leigh Zeitz, introduced me to an application that has effectively changed my mind towards gaming in my courses. The diversion he suggested is called Food Street which simulates restaurant management. To better formulate my opinion on the gamification of education, I decided to try out this game for myself. I have been hooked ever since!

Watch this video below to learn more about the application!

How does it relate to learning?

Upon playing Food Street, I have realized the many different abilities that could be enhanced by using this application in the classroom. For instance, students can learn time management skills by running their fictional restaurant. Players must keep track of the length of time food must cook and produce, as well as complete customers' orders as quickly as possible. Individuals may also learn how to multi-task, as students monitor their supplies, cooking status, and orders to ensure all processes run smoothly. If you are teaching in the younger elementary grades, individuals can also improve their mathematical skills. Players have to keep stock of the produce they have, count how many ingredients are needed for each recipe, and analyze purchases with the funds they currently possess. In addition, students also must be able to manipulate objects when organizing furniture, counting the available tiles needed to relocate an appliance. Younger individuals can also learn about various food groups found in their kitchen and garden, as well as the farm animals found in their barn and coop. Finally, children also attain independence by playing this game. Food Street gives students a sense of pride and ownership in running their own restaurant. Individuals learn they are in control of certain aspects of their life in a world full of orders from authorities. These are just a few of the many learning opportunities found playing this game.

How does it change my ideas about gaming?

Food Street has greatly changed my view on the gamification of the classroom. I did not understand the potential of these diversions until I changed my mindset and looked at them from an educational perspective. By using applications like Food Street, we can get children motivated about learning once again while still building upon necessary life skills. By introducing these games, we can plant a seed that will blossom as the students continually play during class and on their own time. Diversions such as Food Street are so engaging; I could hardly set down my game to write this blog post! Overall, I believe if we take a step back and reanalyze these video games, perhaps we will find a connection between them and our curricula. In doing so, we can reach our kids and keep their attention in this technologically filled world.

Let us continue this conversation! Please comment below to share your feelings on the gamification of education or if you have an example of a game you have utilized in your classroom.

Image Source: Maria LoBianco (Me)