As an elementary technology
teacher, author Brad Flickinger observed that his students had little motivation to
use the devices surrounding them for anything other than gameplay and entertainment.
His solution was to rethink his teaching, adding elements of gamification, challenge-based
learning, design thinking and other approaches to learning. With this, the badge
system was born. By incorporating badges, students are motivated by
using the familiar challenges of gameplay as they earn visual indicators of
progress and complete challenges. At the same time, they are mastering skills and
progressing
academically.
In this book, teachers of all subjects and grade levels will learn why
badges work and the secrets to designing challenges that enable students to
fully engage with and take control of their own learning. This book will get you
thinking differently about motivation and achievement and will prepare you to
embark on your own badging initiative.
The book includes:
- Step-by-step planning advice
- Tips on implementation and technology
- Support from examples and success stories
About the Author
Brad Flickinger is a
self-proclaimed geek and maker who puts his passion to work as a technology
director and technology teacher. In 2012, Flickinger received the Leadership
Award from Edtech Digest for his blog SchoolTechnology.org
. He currently lives in Panama
City, Panama, and spends his summers traveling as an edtech speaker at conferences,
attending district meetings and consulting to help schools and districts with
technology initiatives.