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Dr. Scott BrewsterVictoria Van Voorhis

Mitch Weisburgh Dr. Richard Van Eck

Powering Up STEM Professional Development with Games

The Big Question How can we make games ubiquitous in schools?

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Professional Development

360 approach; Get teachers hooked first

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What We Know: K-8 Teachers

❖ Need improved math & science skills

❖ Lack positive attitude about math & science

❖ Uncomfortable with games

❖ See games as supplemental

We cannot change students’ math or science scores or solve the STEM pipeline problem until we address these challenges.

Where Do We Start? Pre-Service Teachers;In-Service Teachers

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So what does game-based training in STEM look like for teachers?

Gamifying PD

❖ Skills & Knowledge

❖ Using Games in the Classroom

❖ Making Games a Core Part of the Classroom Experience

Adopting Solutions Teacher Education Programs;K-8 Professional Development

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Existing Products

What We’ve Learned

❖ Improved STEM knowledge & skills

❖ Enhanced preference for STEM disciplines

❖ Improved comfort teaching with games

How to Appeal To Teachers

❖ Console quality graphics & media

❖ Engaging narrative

❖ Cross-gender appeal

A Part of the Package

❖ TPACK Framework

❖ Aligned to Standards

❖ 21st Century Skills

❖ Formative Assessment; Dashboard

TPACK

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Framework to understand and describe the knowledge needed by teachers for effective pedagogical practice in a technology enhanced learning environment

Jordan Ellenberg

Simple, Profound Complicated, Shallow

Commercialization

Conclusion & Questions