Gamify Your Classroom

Matthew　Farber, EdD is a social studies teacher at Valleyview Middle School in Denville, New Jersey. He is also an adjunct instructor, Edutopia blogger, and cohost on　Ed Got Game　on the BAM Radio Network. Dr.　Farber　was a　recipient of a Geraldine R. Dodge Teacher Fellowship, a Woodrow Wilson HistoryQuest Fellowship, and is a　Certified　BrainPOP Educator. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Laura, son, Spencer, and playful Weimaraner dog, Lizzie.　To learn more, visit: MatthewFarber.com.

• Greg Toppo: Foreword – Acknowledgments – Introduction – Games for Learning – What Are Games? – Player Types and Motivation – Balanced Design Digital Games – Platforms with Learning Games – Play and Learning – Puzzles, Games, and Digital Toys – Teaching with Minecraft – Game Labs – Multiplayer Learning – Gamification – The Teacher as Designer – The Student as Designer – Making Digital Games – Geeking Out and Earning Badges – Games to Change the World – References – Index.

The world of games in education is vast. Matthew Farber is a clear-eyed guide to lands both familiar and foreign, and Gamify Your Classroom is a combined atlas and encyclopedia of game-based learning. This book is valuable for teachers, school leaders, and scholars. No matter what your destination in game-based learning, Farber can help you navigate like a native. -Barry Fishman, Professor, University of Michigan Matthew Farber's voice rings with authenticity-he's a real teacher, in a real classroom, who is passionate about working with young people. He is a true practitioner of what he presents, but he also is able to float above his school to offer us a comprehensive, bird's eye view of the complicated and often contradictory field of games and learning. It is a gift for all of us to have a teacher's voice as part of the literature and research in this field. In this book, Farber has done what games and play have the power to do-raise big questions, investigate different perspectives and stories, explore challenges, and allow us to emerge from the experience full of joyous curiosity and inspired to learn more. -Rebecca Rufo-Tepper, Director of Programs, Institute of Play Matthew Farber's [Gamify Your Classroom] is the definitive guide to game-based learning. Whether you are dipping your toes in the pool or swimming in the deep end, this book is a rich resource. He has left no stone unturned as he provides background of game theory, history of the game industry (commercial and educational) and a tremendous practical overview of what is happening in the game-based learning space. The book is an easy read and demonstrates that he is a walking encyclopedia on the topic. I am truly amazed at the fact that Farber clearly connected with everyone in the field, and ties the work together beautifully. -Steve Isaacs, Middle School Teacher of Video Game Design and Development