Save Time and Ignite Excitement: Six Time-saving Features for Game-based Learning

Save Time and Ignite Excitement: Six Time-saving Features for Game-based Learning

6 easy-to-use Breakout EDU features to unlock creativity, critical thinking, and engagement

Teachers spend countless hours planning and preparing for lessons each day - and countless more analyzing the impact of those lessons on student learning. That’s why Breakout EDU has developed features to ensure our games can be used with minimal time investment for teachers while providing a maximum return for students. 

From the game timer facilitation tool designed to streamline game facilitation to student performance dashboards yielding valuable real-time insights, these time-saving tools save teachers precious time so they can focus on what matters most – inspiring young minds and helping to shape the future. 

Here are 6 easy-to-use Breakout EDU game features to unlock creativity and critical thinking while amplifying engagement: 

1.Recommended games engine

Breakout EDU’s recommended games engine is a key that unlocks a universe of educational possibilities. This feature delivers games right to a user upon logging in allowing teachers to view, select, and modify immersive, interactive experiences for students. No coding or technical wizardry is required! 

With an intuitive interface and an extensive library of customizable games to choose from, teachers have the freedom to personalize learning adventures to align with instructional goals and curriculum requirements. Games displayed on the recommended games engine are curated based on games a user has previously rated highly, match subject and grade preferences, and games other users with similar interests also liked too! To update your preferences, visit the “About Me” section on the “My Account” screen. Sit back, relax, and let the games come to you! 

Sign in to see what games have been selected just for you and let us deliver an unforgettable educational experience for your students.

2. Game details pages

Every Breakout EDU game is accompanied by a game details page. This essential resource saves teachers time by helping them plan and organize educational adventures without dedicating hours to brainstorming and research. The provided game details provide a wealth of information to ensure a seamless experience for both teachers and students.

Each game details page has been designed to save time and optimize the planning process. The pages provide an explanation of the game, instructions on setup, answer keys, and even reflection questions. 

Additionally, users have access to a comprehensive overview outlining the learning objectives, suggested grade levels, and curriculum connections. This information serves as a compass, ensuring games align perfectly with educational goals and standards. With these details readily available, users can swiftly assess a game's suitability and confidently integrate it into lesson plans, ultimately saving time.

The game details pages are a toolkit for teachers. Click on any game on the Breakout EDU website to view instructions on how to set up kit-based games with step-by-step instructions and videos, download printables, and review facilitation guides and answer keys.

3. Game timer facilitation tool

Game timers and facilitation tools are conveniently provided for every Breakout EDU game. This powerful feature empowers teachers to focus on facilitating the game instead of keeping track of time, hint cards, or student progress mid-play. The Breakout EDU experience is more enjoyable when teachers and students can focus on the fun together instead of worrying about operational details. 

Setting a countdown timer is a great way to establish a sense of real-world urgency and challenge, prompting students to strategize, collaborate, and think critically as they work towards their goals. The game timer not only adds an element of excitement and immersion but also ensures that your instructional time is utilized effectively, maximizing the learning potential within each class period.

Teachers can also opt to play music for ambiance or to keep students focused throughout the game. Turn music on or off at any time to heighten suspense and add a touch of whimsy to the overall experience.

This tool also allows teachers to adjust the number of hint cards available because we know striking the right balance between challenge and support is crucial. Customize the number of hint cards to fine-tune the level of assistance provided to a unique classroom population of learners to foster a sense of accomplishment and growth for all.  

As the game is played, the timer facilitation tool also can record key milestones, such as when clues are revealed, locks are opened, or puzzles are solved. This real-time information empowers you to make informed decisions, tailor your instruction, and offer timely feedback, resulting in targeted interventions that support student learning and growth.

4. Student performance dashboards

View student performance and unlock personalized instructional insights with Breakout EDU’s student performance dashboards. These comprehensive reports provide teachers with easy access to a wealth of data, enabling them to identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional support, all with the click of a button.

These performance dashboards break down individual student performance, offering a detailed view of their progress within each game. Teachers can effortlessly explore metrics such as the number of lock attempts made by each student and the time taken to complete the game. By analyzing these key performance indicators, educators gain a deeper understanding of student problem-solving strategies, perseverance, and time management skills, which in turn informs instructional decisions.

With this data, one can easily pinpoint individuals or groups who may require additional guidance or intervention. Whether it's a student struggling with specific puzzle types or those who need support managing their time effectively, the report cards allow you to personalize your instruction, offering targeted support to address their unique needs. 

Student performance dashboards can also be integrated into existing student performance reports. With the ability to download and export the data, teachers can incorporate it into broader assessments and progress-tracking systems. This streamlined approach saves you time and effort, eliminating the need for manual data entry or duplicate record-keeping. 

5. Shared game library

Breakout EDU’s shared games library enables teachers to harness the power of student creativity. When students create their own games, they get to showcase their hard-earned content knowledge while challenging their classmates in a thrilling educational showdown.

The shared games library is a platform for teachers to share games their students have created with the rest of their class. By doing so, students become active contributors to the learning process, taking on the role of both creators and participants. This interactive exchange fosters a sense of ownership and pride as students demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, collaborate with their peers, and design immersive learning experiences.

As peers participate in each other's created games, they are assessed on their understanding of the content while also being inspired by their classmates' ingenuity and innovation. This peer-to-peer engagement adds an extra layer of excitement, motivation, and healthy competition to the learning process, fostering a dynamic classroom community where knowledge is celebrated and shared. 

This collaborative approach allows students to leverage each other's strengths, support one another, and collectively explore the depths of their subject matter expertise. Transform any classroom into a vibrant learning ecosystem where students become co-creators of knowledge empowering each other to reach new heights of academic excellence with the shared games library from Breakout EDU. 

6. Learn + Play courses

Learn and Play Courses offered by Breakout EDU are leveled courses that provide a self-guided pathway for students to explore the intricacies of puzzle design, unleash their creativity, and learn how to utilize the Breakout EDU platform to create their very own games.

These courses consist of short, engaging videos, detailed explanations, and sample games carefully curated to nurture students' thinking and logic behind puzzle design. Through these comprehensive resources, students delve into the world of game design, unraveling the secrets behind captivating challenges, and understanding the key components that make a game truly immersive and intellectually stimulating.

One of the significant advantages of the Learn and Play Courses is that they provide a self-guided learning experience. Students have the freedom to navigate through the courses at their own pace, allowing for individualized exploration and deepening of knowledge. This flexibility enables students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering a sense of autonomy, curiosity, and engagement. As students navigate through the courses, they develop a deeper understanding of game design principles, honing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills along the way.

By engaging with sample games, students gain valuable insights into the intricate balance between challenge and engagement, pacing and flow, and the art of constructing clues and locks. This immersive experience equips students with the necessary knowledge and inspiration to create their own captivating and intellectually stimulating games.

Conclusion

Breakout EDU offers a variety of powerful platform features to save valuable time for educators. Embrace Breakout EDU's time-saving features and unlock a world of immersive, efficient, and captivating game-based learning experiences!

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