015-Engaging in the quirky with Dustin Rimmey

🎙️ Podcast Summary NotesEpisode Title: The Power of Play: Gamification, Creativity & Student Voice with Dustin Remy Guests: Dustin Remy (@teachersplayground)Hosts: Megan Wells and Candace Miller👤 Guest Bio: Dustin RemyDustin Remy is a veteran educator, speaker, and edtech innovator passionate about transforming classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven learning spaces. From teaching AP Government and Debate to middle school STEAM and electronic media, Dustin brings a quirky, learner-centered approach to every subject. He’s known online as @teachersplayground where he shares gamified strategies, makerspace inspiration, and playful edtech ideas. Dustin is also a Learning Luminary with Forward Edge and a microcredentialing enthusiast.🧠 Key TopicsGamification & Play-Based LearningHow games help drive engagement and content retentioniCivics, Prodigy, and Play-Doh in economics to teach real conceptsAI-enhanced learning tools and interactive challengesStudent Choice & Passion ProjectsChoice boards, open-ended research, and student-led tech explorationsLetting students pursue coding, Canva design, video production, and moreEmpowering learners to take the wheel and personalize their educationReflection & GrowthExit tickets and digital reflections as daily routinesBuilding portfolios to track growthThe shift from classroom teacher to academic interventionist and what reflection means for credit recovery studentsProfessional Development & BadgingDeep dive into Edge•U Badges by Forward EdgeMotivation through microcredentials and gamified PDPraise for mentor Jillian and self-guided learning as growth fuelDigital Sharing & CommunityPower of educator social networks: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokRemixing ideas from online communities like Teach Better and Edgy BadgesVulnerability, introversion, and pushing through social anxiety at conferences💬 Notable Quotes“I've always wanted everybody to embrace their own creative weird.”“Let kids take the wheel. I learned more and had more fun as an educator this year than ever before.”“I use my kids as my research — what works for them often works in my classroom too.”“We need to stop assuming students will use AI to cheat. It can be a creativity tool.”“Reflection isn’t just an exit ticket — it’s a bridge to confidence and real growth.”“If I can help students check the school box more easily, then I’ve done my job.”📌 Follow & ExploreInstagram & TikTok: @teachersplaigroundWebsite: teachersplaiground.comX- @therealrimmey