Gamification and Tactile Strategies for Diverse and Exceptional Students

Welcome back to Teaching with Lesly, today I will share some resources that utilize the power of gamification and tactile learning strategies. For students with varied learning needs, these approaches offer interactive and engaging ways to build skills. Gamification combines learning objectives with game like features such as rewards with badges or achievements. Meanwhile, tactile strategies include hands-on, touch-based activities to offer sensory reinforcement. Together these methods create inclusive environments where students can thrive regardless of their abilities or challenges. 

Blooket 

Blooket is an online platform that combines educational content with engaging game mechanics to enhance student participation and motivation. Educators can create or select from a library of question sets on various topics and then host these as games in the classroom. This is a great tool in which students can review concepts in a fun, low-pressure environment that reinforces key information before tests or quizzes. With individual and collaborative play, Blooket is adaptable for diverse learning styles. Its collaborative game mode encourages students to work together to answer questions and strategize. Teachers can also choose from a variety of game modes, each with its own set of rules and mechanics, adding unique elements that keep students entertained. In addition, it allows students to interact directly with the content through clicking, dragging, and selecting answers making it engaging for kinesthetic learners. The platform’s competitive elements, such as earning points and avatars, add excitement and encourage students to challenge themselves. Lastly, Blooket provides instant feedback, which helps students see their mistakes in real-time and keeps them focused on their progress. With bright visuals and game-like atmosphere that appeal to young learners, this platform makes learning feel like playing rather than a task. Overall, this is an effective tool for educators looking for ways to engage students and enhance their learning experience.

Osmo Education 

Osmo Education is another great interactive platform that blends physical and digital play using iPads or tablets along with tactile objects. The design allows for a range of activities from using letter tiles to spell to coding blocks to complete programming challenges. This tool focuses on building foundational skills in reading, math, problem-solving, and creativity which are ideal for elementary classrooms. It offers various kits that focus on specific subjects such as Words for language and vocabulary, Numbers for math concepts, Coding for basic programming and Masterpiece for drawing and creativity. Osmo Education can be implemented in the classroom as part of a learning center, collaborative group activity, or an individualized intervention tool. For instance, teachers can set up Osmo as a center where students rotate to practice spelling. This platform also supports diverse learners by offering adaptive activities that can be adjusted based on the student’s progress to ensure a personalized experience. The hands-on and touch based manipulatives provide an effective way to connect with material in a way that traditional paper exercises may not. Moreover, Osmo facilitates collaboration by letting students work together on challenges, helping them enhance their communication and teamwork skills. With its blend of physical and digital interaction, Osmo provides a versatile and engaging learning experience, making it a valuable addition to any classroom. 

Overall, implementing gamification and tactile strategies into the classroom can have a great impact on diverse learners and exceptional students. Tools like Blooket and Osmo Education offer unique ways to make lessons more accessible and enjoyable for students. These platforms not only support academic growth, but also foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By embracing these tools, teachers can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that allows every student to thrive! 

References

Blooket. (n.d.). https://www.blooket.com/

EdTech Hustle. (2020, November 25). Introducing Blooket - a new game based learning platform [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFe9Rch0Q8w

Osmo. (2016, December 9). Meet Osmo [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKwh6nu9wLg

Osmo in schools. (2022, December 13). Osmo for Schools. https://schools.playosmo.com/