Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education - The Torch Ep. 7

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is an American technology executive, author, Olympic bronze medalist judoka, and former UFC Bantamweight world champion. She is the president and founder of 7 Generation Games. She has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario welcomes Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, president of 7 Generation Games and a passionate advocate for integrating technology and education. Known for her deep appreciation of mathematics, Dr. De Mars discusses how her love for math inspired innovative approaches to game-based learning, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students. Together, they explore the intersection of gaming and education, discussing the innovative ways games can engage students, support educators, and address critical issues in modern classrooms. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how technology can transform traditional approaches to education. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Intro) 01:29 - Dr. AnnMaria de Mars' Background 04:22 - From Whim to Success: The Serendipitous Path to Higher Education 06:18 - How Do We Make Education Relevant for Every Student? 09:35 - How Can EdTech Unlock Student Potential? 13:01 - Can Game Development Drive Equity in Education? 14:36 - The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Rural Education 17:40 - Why Should Students Care About Math? 20:14 - How Do You Know When Students Are Truly Engaged? 23:49 - What Is Next for Dr. AnnMaria de Mars? 27:40 - Why Great Teachers + Smart Tech = Classroom Success 31:49 - Fire Round: Question 1: What Teacher or Educator Had the Most Impact on Your Life? 33:17 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book? 33:49 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is Your Favorite Quote? 34:44 - The Truth About EdTech: Passion Over Profits in the Classroom 36:04 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Outro) Listen to The Torch on: Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics. Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Connect with RCOE Online! Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/ #RCOEtheTorch #RCOE #ai #artificialintelligence #interactivelearning #educationaltechnology #edtech #gamebasedlearning