Tom Torralbas

Describe gamification and the two distinct ways it has been used in the classroom. Gamification is the process of using a gaming-type environment to deliver a specific lesson or message to the players.  Players/students can learn specific content, in the realm of playing and competing in games. "Gamification is the process of using game mechanics and game thinking in non-gaming contexts to engage users and to solve problems. Gamification leverages game design, loyalty program design and behavioral economics to create the optimal context for behavior change and successful outcomes." (Gamification When it comes to Education) In the classroom, gamification has been used to teach students new material.  By creating a gaming environment around a lesson, teachers can develop engaging, competitive environments for students to explore and learn content. Additionally, gamification can also be used to test students knowledge.  By moving the testing elements to a gami...

Computational Thinking Activity 1:  Code Studio - Mickey Mouse!    https://studio.code.org/c/565405261 Activity 2a:  Trinket - Mickey Mouse - again!   https://trinket.io/python/754d9782b7 Activity 2b: Christmas tree: Define computational thinking and describe at least five skills included in computational thinking “Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem solving process that includes a number of characteristics and dispositions.”   While it is NOT computer science, it does involve the use and development of computer applications.  These applications can be used across all disciplines, including science, math, and humanities.  Students and teachers that learn to use Computational THinking will be able to identify relationships between academic subjects, as well as applications to their real world environments. Some of the elements of Computational Thinking include: Decomposition : Dissect data, processes, or problems int...