What is the Player Journey?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the player journey? When we play games, we often get caught up in the excitement of the moment—exploring vast worlds, connecting with others, completing quests, and simply enjoying ourselves. But have you ever stopped to consider the journey you take as a player? This journey is not just about playing the game; it's a crucial process, especially when we examine games in the context of teaching, training, learning, and development.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/125

Support the show

AP Table Talk: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of deck, bag, and pool building in board games. They explain that deck building specifically involves players starting with a basic deck of cards, which they enhance throughout the game to achieve specific goals. The episode highlights "Dominion" as a pioneering deck-building game and mentions other notable games such as "Clank! In! Space!" and "Friday." The hosts also share their favorite deck-building games, including "Dune: Imperium" and "The Quacks of Quedlinburg." They conclude by debating the classification of various games and their mechanics, emphasizing the strategic decisions in deck building.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode delivered directly to you. We’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show! We live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit. Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.comUniversity XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP.

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/124

Support the show

Travis Windleharth on foundry10

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng chats with Travis Windleharth from foundry10 about games-based learning. Travis, with a background in science education, museology, and information science, focuses on how games shape youth's understanding of STEM concepts. Foundry10, co-founded by Gabe Newell, is explored, emphasizing its pillars—programs, philanthropy, and research—and their role in expanding learning perspectives. Travis discusses his role in the STEM design-based research lab, aligning with interest area teams. The episode concludes with insights into foundry10's collaborative approach to research and program design.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/123

Artist / Guest

Dave Eng, EdD

Travis Windleharth

Summary

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng chats with Travis Windleharth from foundry10 about games-based learning. Travis, with a background in science education, museology, and information science, focuses on how games shape youth's understanding of STEM concepts. Foundry10, co-founded by Gabe Newell, is explored, emphasizing its pillars—programs, philanthropy, and research—and their role in expanding learning perspectives. Travis discusses his role in the STEM design-based research lab, aligning with interest area teams. The episode concludes with insights into foundry10's collaborative approach to research and program design.

Custom Episode Webpage

https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/123

Tags

games-based learning, stem research, museology, design-based research, foundry10, travis windleharth, foundry10

Categories

games-based learning

travis windleharth

foundry10

Support the show

What are Progression Systems in Games?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What are progression systems in games?

One of the most becoming aspects of games is our ability to interact, change, and progress with them. We can progress as individual players; progress against opponents; and progress against the game itself. The formal elements of games in concert with game designers make up these different “progression systems” in games. But what are progression systems? How are they used? How can the best aspects of them be incorporated in the design process? And most importantly, how can they be used for games-based learning?

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/122

Support the show

Michele Haiken on Gamify Literacy

In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Michele Haiken, an experienced literacy educator, and middle school English teacher, discusses her journey into gamification for teaching literacy. She shares how an educational conference sparked her interest and how students, especially gamers, played a crucial role in implementing it in her classroom, emphasizing student buy-in, motivation, and creativity. The conversation explores aspects like student agency, competition, and cooperation within gamification, along with insights from Michele's book, "Gamify Literacy." A case study from her dystopian unit is provided, highlighting literacy skill development and empowerment. The discussion also addresses the balance between traditional and innovative teaching methods in both middle school and higher education. Michele teaches various classes, including English methods, literacy development, and middle school literacy, and her blog, "The Teaching Factor," shares insights and resources.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/121

Support the show

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: Hidden Information

In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the “mega topic” of hidden information in games. They explore hidden role games and games with hidden information, discussing examples like Battlestar Galactica and Scotland Yard. They touch on games such as Inside Job, Werewords, Dune, and HeroQuest, exploring their unique gameplay elements and how hidden information impacts strategies. They talk about the challenges of teaching these games to new players and the importance of understanding game states for effective gameplay. They share their experiences with different games, emphasizing replayability and excitement. The episode also covers communication-limited games like Codenames and Just One, highlighting how such mechanics enhance the social aspect of gaming. They also discuss traitor games and the psychological intrigue they add to gameplay. Overall, the episode provides insights into the appeal, challenges, and evolving nature of games with hidden information in modern tabletop gaming.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode delivered directly to you. We’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show! We live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit. Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.comUniversity XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP.

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/120

Support the show

Sarah Le-Fevre on Play and Impactful Learning

In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Sarah Le-Fevre, a games-based learning professional with expertise in addressing complex organizational challenges and fostering ethical innovation. Le-Fevre uses tools like Lego Serious Play to create immersive learning experiences. The discussion covers Le-Fevre's background in games and learning, her journey into games-based learning, and her experiences addressing systemic challenges within organizations. The conversation also touches on the diversity of Le-Fevre's projects, including keepsake games for organizational wellness and fungi-themed organizational culture games. Furthermore, Le-Fevre provides insights into her upcoming book, which explores a playful systems practice approach to impactful learning. The book challenges traditional learning design methodologies and emphasizes the need to consider the broader system when implementing organizational change.

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/119

Support the show

What is the Game State?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the Game State? Determining the “game state” is often one of the questions that designers and developers will ask themselves when determining how to take a design or iterate on the development of a game. The game’s state is important to understand from a design perspective. But what role does understanding the “game state” play for educators, instructors, and trainers using games-based learning?

If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.

I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!

I live to lift others with learning. So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.

Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.com

University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XP

Also, feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com

Game on!

Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/118

Support the show