Reflecting on Individual Progress

Reflecting on the past 16 weeks of designing learning games—from playing Zoombinis (LOVE!) to analyzing many types of games to learning Twine and designing Garden Design Heroes to Equation Architects to learning Construct 3 and designing Planet Protector—all of these learning experiences have been transformative for me. This learning journey has taught me invaluable insights and knowledge into the game design process and its potential to shape educational experiences.

One of the most insightful aspects of this training was recognizing and exploring the complexity of aligning game mechanics with learning objectives. This iterative process grew my brain! Each game I designed presented unique challenges that needed both my critical and creative thinking processes. 

• Planet Protector's emphasis was on decision-making and environmental stewardship practices. Having a more sophisticated scoring system and creating levels challenged me to add layers and complexity to engage players. 
• Equation Architects helped me process how to take abstract mathematical concepts and transform them into tangible, interactive elements. 
• Garden Design Heroes, steeped in narrative, showed me how to incorporate agency, high-interest decisions, and empathy into a game. 

One topic I would like to explore further is assessment within games. Designing Planet Protector taught me how complex assessment can be, and I'd like to explore how to integrate assessments into gameplay creatively. 

I thoroughly enjoyed connecting narrative and mechanics that could ignite curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. The technical aspects of Construct 3 were challenging for me; however, the more I played with it, the more I saw potential. 

Throughout this training, I've continued to develop essential skills for today's modern educator. A few reflections: 

• Learner Agency: By playing and designing the games, I have gained a whole new understanding of the power of learner agency. 
• Systems Thinking: I better understand how game elements interact with one another. 
• Iterative Design: This! The multiple iterations helped me build knowledge as well as game design skills. 
• Storytelling: Crafting compelling narratives (one of my favorite learning experiences) strengthened my ability to connect emotionally with the game and the audience. 

All of the above skills are useful and necessary beyond designing games. In fact, the above is directly connected to my philosophy of learning design: head (systems thinking), heart (learner agency), and hands (iterative design and storytelling). My view of games for learning has grown tremendously. Games can be powerful learning tools for fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—all when designed with purpose and intention. 

A serious game is an interactive learning experience where gameplay is designed to achieve specific learning outcomes/objectives. It combines the art of game design with the science of learning. I would go so far as to say the best serious games can blur the line between work and play, making learning an integral, seamless part of the play experience.

Designing learning games has been a delightful experience that has deepened and elevated my thinking on what learning design can be. The skills, insights, and perspectives I've gained will definitely influence my work as a learning experience designer and creativity consultant. 

Thank you!!