The training “ Gamification in the classroom” took place on 6-10 September 2023 in Poland. The training was hosted by the Irena Szewińska Public Elementary School No. 4 in Pułtusk. The main objective of the ‘Gamification in the classroom’ training course was to familiarize participants with the concept of gamification, good examples of gamification and its use in education. During the course, participants learnt the key elements of effective implementation of pedagogical principles of fun and games so that learning is inspiring. In addition, the challenges of using gamification in educational environments were discussed. The training proved to be an inspiration , as well as a glimpse into the future of education.
The training started with a warm welcome from the principal of the host school, warm up exercises and an introduction to the training programme. The practical workshops were led by our amazing trainer Anna Poplawska-Skibniewska. The first workshop referred to gamification theory and why it should be used in the classroom. The other parts of the workshop dealt with digital tools, useful apps and websites that support gamification. In addition, the Breakout Edu & Educational Escape workshop with ideas for game development concluded the first day of the content-based training.
On the next training day in Pultusk, in addition to the topic of gamification, the use of artificial intelligence was also discussed. During this training day, all participants learned how to combine a powerful tool such as artificial intelligence with the concept of gamification to make learning more attractive and, above all, enjoyable! How can artificial intelligence help personalize the learning process? How to gamify lessons using artificial intelligence? How to design an educational game using artificial intelligence? These and other questions were answered by trainer Beata Hejne, who conducted three inspiring workshops referring to artificial intelligence, the future of teaching and learning and the latest tools and trends in AI. A wonderful experience and a real contact with nature was a gondola cruise on the Narew River, which concluded the second training day.
The third training day was also full of positive experiences and the acquisition of new skills. We started the day with a visit to the Municipal Office in Pultusk and a meeting with the Mayor. The meeting was held in a very friendly atmosphere, exchanging experiences and looking at Pultusk from a different perspective. The training programme also included a visit to Irena Szewińska’s Public Primary School No. 4 in Pultusk. An interesting and practical experience for the participants was a workshop entitled: “Educational Gamification and Game-Based Learning”. It should be mentioned that part of the workshop was the observation of lessons using gamification, modern technologies and rewards from intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. A performance prepared by the school’s students entitled: ‘The Little Prince’ was an extremely valuable experience. The students showed how drama can be used to tell a beautiful story and how to combine music with dance, emotion with gesture and set design. We ended this fruitful training day with a guided tour of Pultusk.
The next day of our LTTA training “Gamification in the classroom” started with a workshop: ” Reflections on Kirkpatrick and Sweller’s theory”, led by Beata Hejne. We then travelled to Toruń, one of the most beautiful historical cities in Poland. All participants were delighted with the beauty of the place. In addition, they very much enjoyed the legends told by the guide.
On the last training day, we openly shared our final insights on gamification. Finally, the moment came to conclude the training programme with a certificate ceremony.
