Name
WORKSHOP: I Thought This Was Just Farming Simulator: An Introduction to Game Based Learning in Agricultural Education
Date & Time
Friday, June 23, 2023, 2:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Location Name
Room 8
Description

Experiential Learning (EL) has been a prominent method used to educate students within Agriculture. EL provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world experiences. Encompassed within the scope of Experiential learning, numerous teaching techniques can be implemented within an educational setting. While Agricultural Education has grown in Problem, Project, and Inquiry Based Learning, Game Based Learning (GBL) has not seen the same level of engagement. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the use of Games and Gamification within the classroom and laboratory while being provided with the opportunity to engage in different GBL lessons. This engagement will allow participants to explore the opportunities and challenges that are associated with the development, implementation, and assessment of a GBL environment. Participants will do this through 1) discussion of the foundations of GBL, 2) exploration of GBL lessons in action, and 3) evaluation and reflection of GBL environments. Results from research conducted and presented in NACTA Journal and others will be incorporated into the discussion and implementation of this workshop. Through facilitated small and large groups, participants will be guided though different GBL exercises designed to be implemented in post-secondary and extension-based learning environments. Participants will walk away from this workshop with a better understanding of GBL, lessons to implement in their learning environment, and reflection techniques to use with GBL and other EL lessons. This workshop will be limited to 25 participants.