Influencer Strategy to Implement Gamified Blended Learning 

As educators we constantly face the challenge of motivating students and keeping them engaged in their learning journey. Being a teacher, in video game design I believe I've come up with a solution to tackle this issue. I propose an approach called "gamified blended learning" that combines educational gameplay with online modules and in person discussions. This method harnesses the power of games to captivate students while also fostering knowledge and skills related to growth mindset and neuroplasticity.

In this influencer strategy my main objectives are to enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes and cultivate a growth mindset. To achieve these goals I've identified behaviors for both students and teachers that will drive results. These behaviors emphasize gameplay, collaboration, reflection and facilitated discussions. Administrators, lead teachers, parents and influential students play roles as influencers who can help promote engagement with the game and encourage adoption of gamified learning.

By combining evidence based learning principles with an enjoyable gaming experience designed by our students themselves, we can create an environment for absorbing and applying growth mindset concepts. This innovation taps into students' inherent passion for games to make the process of learning irresistible.

I am dedicated to collecting data in order to improve our methods and show the advantages. I genuinely believe that incorporating gamified learning into our approach will revolutionize the way our students learn. I am excited about collaborating with you to make this vision a reality!

Desired Results: 

-Students and the players of their games develop a growth mindset and understanding of neuroplasticity.

- Increased student engagement and motivation to learn

- Improved learning outcomes and knowledge retention 

 

Measurement:

- Players will be need to demonstrate knowledge of growth mindset/ neuroplasticity in order to advance to the next level or gain power ups etc.

- Student surveys on engagement, motivation, and learning

- Knowledge assessments before and after lessons

- Tracking of academic performance across blended learning modules

Vital Behaviors:

- Students creating the educational videogames

- Students collaborating and problem-solving together in groups with divided duties.

- Students reflecting on growth mindset concepts during debriefs and after playing

- Teachers facilitating engaged discussions connecting game creation and gameplay to learning objectives

Influencers:

- Administrators - Approve additional resources for game design and blended learning software.

- Lead Teachers - Provide training for teachers on facilitating gamified learning. 

- Parents - Encourage student participation and share positive feedback.

- Student Gamers - Set an example of full engagement during gameplay and discussions.

To gain buy-in, I will highlight research on the benefits of gamified learning for motivation and retention. I will start with a pilot for voluntary participants to demonstrate the value before expanding. By leveraging key influencers at multiple levels, we can create an engaging new way for students to internalize growth mindset principles while having fun playing an educational game. This innovative approach channels students' natural passion for games into deeper learning.

To successfully implement my gamified blended learning proposal, I must identify key motivators and abilities at the personal, social, and structural levels. Research shows that incorporating a minimum of four sources of influence increases the likelihood of success tenfold. My aim is to utilize all six components in the chart below to encourage the vital behaviors of engaged gameplay, collaboration, reflection, and facilitated discussions. By tapping into these motivational and ability factors across personal, social, and structural realms, I can promote the desired actions that will lead to improved student engagement, learning outcomes, and growth mindset development. My goal is to alter these essential student and teacher behaviors by leveraging multiple sources of influence, integrating gameplay into learning 3-5 times per month to ultimately create an impactful educational videogame project over a 12 week period. This multifaceted approach will provide the motivation and ability for change at multiple levels.