Myanmar Teacher Platform

You might have heard about the term ‘gamification’ before. But what is gamification and how can we, as educators in Myanmar, apply the concept in our classrooms? Gamification is using of game-like elements, such as points, challenges, and rewards, to make activities or learning more engaging and enjoyable. Gamification transforms learning into a thrilling adventure, making students more engaged and excited about assessments. Most teachers know and acknowledge the value of in-classroom educational games. But what about technology-based gamification?  Technology-based gamification is a simple and still cost-effective approach that works wonders when effectively applied, especially for assessment. 

You don't need fancy online applications to create your games. There are now so many simple props, ‘Do it Yourself’ (DIY) technology-based games and online game generators are in a lot of cases free and easily accessible. With gamification, you can provide instant feedback through real-time assessment, helping you understand your students' strengths and areas for improvement. Moreover, gamification is inclusive and caters to diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring no student is left behind.

Regarding freely available resources there are some fantastic options for low-resource teachers. Platforms like Kahoot, Quizlet, and Scratch offer free tools for creating engaging quizzes, flashcards, and coding activities. 

To get started with gamification: Take it step by step.

• Don't be overwhelmed – begin with simple games or quizzes and build your confidence gradually.

• Choose the right tool that suits your classroom's needs and resources.

• Keep it simple and free.

• Involve your students in the process.

• Let them help create games or quizzes, fostering a sense of ownership in their learning journey.

Overcoming the fear of using ICT in the classroom is a crucial step. Don't be intimidated by the technology; embrace the learning journey alongside your students. Understand that mistakes are part of the process, and they offer valuable learning opportunities. Remember that ICT can be intimidating, but it's also a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. Keep learning and improving your skills.

Let us start mastering the magic of visual presentations in interactive teaching. 

Not every subject or topic captivates learners’ attention at first glance. That's where presentations come into play. Think of your lessons as captivating stories. Infuse them with slides, visuals, and multimedia elements that turn an ordinary lecture into an exciting narrative. Do you want to know how? Let’s delve into some practical examples.

For instance, when teaching history, create a timeline PowerPoint presentation enriched with images, videos, and personal anecdotes. Transport your students back in time, making historical events spring to life. Use the per-click animation feature so that you are in full control when to display the next picture, content or information appears. Use that technique to ask your students what they anticipate have happened then, on that date, or that specific event. This will help develop their critical thinking and analytic skills. 

Source of image: History of Photography and the Camera (Timeline) (thoughtco.com)

However, it is imperative to remember that engagement is the ‘secret sauce’ of effective teaching, and presentations are the catalyst. Embed interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or discussion prompts into your slides. Provide opportunities for learners to engage with the content after every six slides. Here is an example: After explaining geometric concepts, insert a slide with a visual representation of a complex shape. Ask them to measure the area, the circumference volume. Use a poll or a multiple-choice slide to assess their answers and see how many got it right. This could also be conducted through a competition between groups; with the winning group being in charge of compiling the next assignment.  

In summary, presentations are not just about slides; they are tools of transformation. They turn a routine lecture into an unforgettable learning journey. Don’t forget: a well-crafted presentation sparks curiosity, encourages interaction, and leaves a lasting impression. It's about making learning an exciting adventure.