Mary Elenius, Bootcamp TA, stands out in the edtech world by using gamification to engage students. She infuses her curriculum with elements inspired by popular culture, such as Game of Thrones or Harry Potter references, transforming mundane topics into captivating challenges.
Mary built a Harry Potter themed javascript game on codepen for her current cohort of students to work on independently and received loads of positive feedback. One student remarked, "It felt more like a learning experience than looking at boring old code." Such feedback highlights the transformative impact of Mary's approach, making learning enjoyable and memorable for her students.
By personalizing experiences and incorporating familiar references, Mary creates a learning environment that resonates deeply with her students. She shares that, for adult learners, tapping into nostalgic elements and innate human tendencies like competition seems to be a key motivation factor: “The closer they lean into the camera, the more I know I’ve got them hooked!”
For educators hoping to follow suit and gamify their students’ learning, Mary recommends starting with creative slide decks and visual aids. Of course, not all learning materials are conducive to gamification, but straying away from words on paper can go a long way in guiding students toward that “aha” moment.
Additionally, Mary stresses the significance of catering to individual student motivations. Whether through pop culture references or customized assignments, she aims to ensure each student's learning journey is personalized and fulfilling.
In the online learning environment, where engagement is essential, Mary's gamification techniques shine. By infusing creativity and interactivity into her teaching, she not only motivates students but also cultivates a genuine passion for learning.
As Mary continues to champion gamification, her impact extends beyond the virtual classroom, paving the way for dynamic and transformative learning experiences.
Image by Freepik
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