1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
…of what, you ask? Of everything students have learned! Even though there is a Breakout EDU game that already exists for every K-8 standard, the best way for students to truly prove mastery of any topic is by creating something that applies knowledge and understanding. Regardless of whichever taxonomy frames your instruction and assessment, creation is always at the top.
2. Apply literacy/writing skills
With a catchy story, players engage with the puzzles, which makes them want to get into that box! By designing a plot, setting, sequence, and even the characters in a Breakout EDU game, creators will weave clues together, move a great game forward, and connect curriculum in an authentic way.
3. Use the 4Cs and design thinking skills
Breakout EDU gives students a chance to experience real-world situations, think critically, work collaboratively, and appreciate the result of that hard work, dedication, and persistence. When collaborating to create games, students must use all of those critical, cooperative, 21st-century skills. This process requires careful planning, a growth mindset, and backward design thinking which demonstrates a deeper level of understanding.
4. Showcase unique styles of creativity
We know that every learner is creative in some way. Their myriad learning styles just go to show that everyone has something unique and interesting to contribute. While some easily make connections, and some have the ability to rearrange elements of thought, others just bring a flood of ideas that may mesh with someone else’s penchant to imagine and daydream. These skills can lead to creative and clever puzzles!
5. Publish to an authentic audience
When students get their creations out there for their peers to see, they can see the purpose for their work. Who better to evaluate the “fun-factor” of a learning game than other learners?! Plus, since the whole class has learned the same skills, student-created games provide an outstanding opportunity for everyone to reinforce what they know!
6. BONUS REASON
The best reason of all to have students design Breakout EDU games is because the resources are right there at your fingertips! Available with your full platform access, there are several student game design courses built right into the Breakout EDU Platform. From instructional videos to planning guides, to sample games, everything you need to guide students through the process of creating their very own games is there. So why not start today and get your thinkers creating!