The Gamified Classroom: Passport to Innovation

In this episode, Lisa shares her experience presenting "Sync or Swim" at the Instructional Technology Council conference in Austin, Texas. Fresh from SXSW EDU, she reflects on using LEGO to spark creativity and engagement—both in person and in asynchronous online learning. Discover why building a "Quirky Duck" unlocked innovative ideas, how constraints can free creativity, and why playful learning isn't just for kids. Whether you teach K-12 or higher ed, in-person or online, this episode will inspire you to bring more joy and quirkiness into your classroom.

In this episode, Lisa Cherivtch reflects on her experience building a gamified classroom that blends storytelling, active learning, and LEGO® Serious Play®. She shares how visible thinking strategies help students move beyond passive listening and into deeper engagement. Lisa explores the balance between fun and academic rigor, explaining why intentional design, not entertainment, is what makes learning stick.

In this engaging conversation, Lisa Cherivtch hosts Martin Koeners and Adam Lusby from the University of Exeter, who discuss the transformative power of play in education by using the art and science of design, play, and story to enable innovation. They explore how playful pedagogy fosters creativity, community, and social connections, while also addressing the challenges of integrating play into serious disciplines like medicine and business. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in learning, as well as the upcoming events, Playposium and InnoPlay Studio, aimed at furthering the conversation around play in education.  Innoplay: www.innoplay.co.uk Professor Passport: www.professorpassport.com   Takeaways: Teaching is not just the transfer of knowledge, but involves deeper engagement. Play is a fundamental aspect of human experience and learning. Community involvement is crucial to the success of educational initiatives. Play can lower the stakes in high-pressure learning environments. Storytelling enhances the learning experience and fosters connection. Play is an antidote to loneliness and social disconnection. Everyone has their own unique way of expressing play. Curiosity drives creativity and innovation in education. Playful pedagogy can be applied across various disciplines, including medicine and business. The upcoming Playposium and InnoPlay Studio events aim to further explore the role of play in education.

In this episode, host Lisa Cherivtch reflects on the transformative role of play in education and how it unlocks creativity, confidence, and connection in the classroom. Fresh from a play-focused education conference, Lisa shares practical strategies and class-tested activities—including her fan-favorite Ugly Sweater marketing project—that help students feel safe taking risks, making mistakes, and growing. From hands-on engagement to emotional support, this conversation dives into how playful learning helps students think differently, collaborate authentically, and leave with skills that matter.   

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch speaks with Roni Jackson, co-founder of Red Flag Mania. This educational technology platform uses true crime stories to engage students in learning. They discuss the development of the platform, its applications in various academic settings, and the importance of storytelling in education. Roni shares insights on student engagement, customization of learning experiences, and the challenges of modern education. The conversation highlights the need for innovative teaching approaches that resonate with today's students.

In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch teams up with Stefy, Chief Coaching Officer at Bowie Strategy, to level up your mental fitness game! Together, they explore how teachers can reignite their passion for teaching, outsmart their “inner saboteurs,” and transform classroom challenges into power-ups for growth. Tune in for fresh strategies to reset your mindset, bring more fun and friendly competition into your lessons, and rediscover the joy that makes teaching a winning experience. #GamifiedClassroom #TeachingMindset #TheGamifiedClassroom #PodcastForTeachers #EducationPodcast #TeacherMotivation #EduPodcasts

In this episode, Lisa Cherivtch chats with high school science teacher Jessie Ackerman, who believes that the best learning happens when students are having fun. From turning food into science experiments to creating moments of real curiosity, Jessie shares how play and hands-on experiences help her students truly connect with the material. She also opens up about the balancing act of meeting standards while keeping lessons fresh and authentic — and why being genuine and enthusiastic makes all the difference in the classroom. Whether you’re an educator looking for inspiration or just someone who loves seeing creativity spark curiosity, this conversation will leave you smiling — and maybe a little hungry for learning.

In this episode, Lisa Cherivtch sits down with researcher and game designer Scott DeJong to explore how games can transform the classroom. They dive into the balance between meeting learning objectives and keeping students engaged, the difference between gamification and game-based learning, and why storytelling matters in education.   The conversation also touches on media literacy in the era of disinformation, the value of games for sparking challenging discussions, and practical strategies educators can use to design meaningful, engaging learning experiences.   Link: https://www.thefeedgame.com/    

In this episode, we dive into the world of kinetic play with the innovative Flop Ball, a tool designed to foster connection and learning. Created by juggler Paul Miller and his wife Dawn Daria, a former teacher, the Flop Ball combines playful movement with analytical insights. Discover how this dynamic duo brings together the art of juggling and educational psychology to create a unique experience that enhances focus, coordination, and social interaction. Join us as we explore the transformative power of the Flop Ball and its impact on learning and connection. For more information, contact:  www.FlopBall.com and www.Playfulcampus.com

In this engaging episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch welcomes Jim Thompson from the University of Lancashire to explore the transformative power of play in education. Discover how playful learning environments can break down barriers, foster creativity, and enhance student engagement. Jim shares insights from his experiences at the Playful Learning Conference and offers practical strategies for educators to incorporate fun into their teaching methods. Tune in to learn how a playful approach can make learning more effective and enjoyable for both students and teachers alike.

In this enlightening episode of The Gamified Classroom, we explore the extraordinary career journey of Sii Luxford-Wragg from the University of Exeter. From his beginnings as a pastry chef through his time in retail, Sii shares how these seemingly unrelated experiences shaped his innovative approach to medical education. Sii reveals his techniques for bringing playfulness into healthcare education. We discuss the unexpected connections between different professional worlds, the courage required to pivot careers, and how embracing diverse experiences can lead to breakthrough educational approaches. Whether you're an educator looking to inject creativity into your teaching, a professional considering a career change, or simply curious about innovative approaches to medical training, this conversation offers valuable insights on thinking beyond traditional boundaries in education. Join us for a delightful exploration of how the most unexpected ingredients can create the perfect recipe for educational innovation

In this episode, Lisa Cherivtch interviews Leslie Van Wolvelear, an accounting professor who specializes in gamification in education. They discuss the importance of engaging students through fun and interactive activities, both in face-to-face and online learning environments. Leslie shares her journey into gamification, her experiences with creating escape rooms and quests, and the impact of these strategies on student motivation and learning outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to adapt to the changing landscape of student engagement and the benefits of networking and collaboration in implementing gamification

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch interviews Jimi Dennison from Fun in Motion Toys. They discuss the journey of the company, starting from its origins with Spinballs to the introduction of the Shishibo, a transformative toy that has gained popularity. The conversation explores the company's recent focus on the educational space, emphasizing the importance of play in learning and the benefits of tactile engagement. They also touch on the connection between play and mental health, highlighting how simple toys can have profound effects on well-being. The episode concludes with insights into the future of Fun in Motion Toys and their commitment to making learning fun and engaging.

Level up your teaching! This episode of the Gamified Classroom features a fascinating conversation between host Lisa Cherivtch and psychology professor Tony Surdo exploring the psychology of gamification. They unpack the benefits and challenges of using game elements in education, offering insights into engaging students through both competition and collaboration. Tune in for key takeaways on fostering novelty, understanding diverse student needs (including gender preferences for learning styles), and practical strategies to enhance learning retention and classroom engagement. Learn how to start small and use gamification thoughtfully to truly empower your students.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of SuperBetter, an app that leverages the psychology of gameplay to enhance mental health and resilience. Join us as we speak with Keith Wakeman, CEO of SuperBetter, about how this unique platform is helping individuals navigate life's challenges by transforming them into engaging quests. We explore the science behind "gameful living," the impact of positive reinforcement, and how SuperBetter empowers users to build stronger mental and emotional well-being. Key Talking Points: Introduction to SuperBetter: What is SuperBetter and its core mission? The origins of SuperBetter, and the work of Jane McGonigal. The concept of "gameful living" and its application to real-life challenges. The Psychology of Gamification: How SuperBetter utilizes game mechanics to improve mental health. The role of positive reinforcement, goal setting, and progress tracking. How the app helps users build resilience and coping mechanisms. SuperBetter's Features and Benefits: Overview of key features: quests, power-ups, bad guys, and allies. How users can customize their experience to address specific mental health needs. The app's impact on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The Science Behind SuperBetter: Discussion of the research and studies supporting SuperBetter's effectiveness. How the app incorporates principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. The importance of community and social support in mental wellness. Real-World Applications: Examples of how individuals are using SuperBetter to overcome challenges.

In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, we explore the exciting intersection of technology and education with Xavier Moretti, the visionary behind Teach with Koala. Xavier's journey is fascinating, transitioning from a tech-driven career at Apple to pioneering an innovative edtech platform revolutionizing online learning. We explore how Xavier and his team leverage gamification to create engaging and immersive educational experiences. Discover how Teach with Koala transforms virtual classrooms, making learning fun and effective for students of all ages. Xavier shares insights into: His unique career path from Apple to edtech entrepreneur. The core principles behind Teach with Koala's gamified approach. How they are addressing the needs of modern-day students. The future of gamified learning and its potential to reshape education. Join us as we uncover the story behind this groundbreaking edtech company and learn how you can bring the power of gamification into your classroom."

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch interviews Dan Facchini, Managing Director of Innovation DuPage, a business incubator and accelerator. They discuss the importance of fun in learning, the role of Innovation DuPage in supporting entrepreneurs, and how it differentiates itself from traditional business development centers. The conversation highlights the significance of community collaboration, academic partnerships, and the impact of experiential learning on students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dan shares success stories from Innovation DuPage and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and resources for those looking to start their own businesses.

In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, I speak with game designer Joe Barron about the untapped potential of games in education. We discuss how his games, while not explicitly designed for the classroom, can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

Welcome to The Gamified Classroom, where we dive into the innovative world of gamification in education. In this episode, join our host, Lisa Cherivtch, as she engages with Federico Chialvo, the visionary behind Joyful Mathematics. Discover how Federico's journey of personal challenges and inspirations led to the creation of games designed to make learning math an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Federico shares his background as an immigrant from Argentina struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, and how games like 'Number Munchers' sparked his enduring passion for mathematics. Learn about his creative process in developing educational games that aim to change the way people perceive and learn mathematics, focusing on creating joyful and memorable learning experiences. Explore the story behind his flagship product 'Multi', a game that turns the anxiety of learning multiplication into a fun challenge, and how he successfully launched it with a Kickstarter campaign. Federico also discusses the balancing act of running Joyful Mathematics alongside a bustling family life, and his strategies to grow the business amidst various hurdles. This episode offers insights into the transformative power of play in education and emphasizes the importance of creating engaging educational tools to foster a positive learning environment. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation might shift your perspective on mathematics education.

Welcome to The Gamified Classroom, where host Lisa Cherivtch explores the world of gamification in education with guest Andrew Davies. In this episode, they delve into the innovative use of AI to enhance student engagement, drawing insights from Andrew's keynote presentation at the Teach, Play, Learn conference. Andrew shares his transformative journey of using AI tools to create captivating videos and quests that turn typical lessons into engaging stories. Andrew elaborates on his method of teaching typography through a narrative framework, likening classes to video games to captivate students' attention. From employing ChatGPT to generate scripts to using AI-generated voices akin to Morgan Freeman's, Andrew shares how AI has significantly reduced the time taken to prepare educational materials while boosting creativity and student interaction. Lisa and Andrew discuss the effectiveness of playful pedagogy in maintaining student interest and enhancing learning outcomes. Discover how reimagining teaching with story-driven quests and multimedia tools can create a dynamic and inclusive learning experience for students of all backgrounds.

In this episode of the Gamified Classroom, host Lisa Cherivtch explores the transformative impact of traditional hands-on activities to boost student engagement. Dive into the world of gamification as Lisa shares her experiences from a retail simulation game, where students design their own retail spaces with just construction paper and creativity, demonstrating the power of simplicity in learning. Lisa also introduces the fun and effective game "A Few Truths and a Lie" used to enhance persuasion skills, highlighting how straightforward activities can enrich classroom dynamics. Tune in to discover how these timeless teaching methods can foster collaboration, creativity, and student enthusiasm, making learning both enjoyable and impactful.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Gamification Podcast. Today, host Lisa is joined by Charles Stewart, a language arts teacher who has pioneered the use of games in his classroom to captivate and engage his young students. In this episode, Charles discusses his journey into gamification, sharing insights from nearly a decade of experience in transforming traditional lessons into interactive and engaging experiences. He provides examples of how he uses games like a werewolf-inspired activity for "To Kill a Mockingbird" and even integrates Dungeons & Dragons into teaching creative writing. Charles also delves into the challenges and successes of gamifying education, addressing concerns from parents and colleagues, and emphasizing the importance of balancing traditional learning methods with innovative game-based techniques. The conversation further explores the role of AI in enhancing educational games and the process behind creating his own game, "Conversely," designed to stimulate meaningful conversations. Charles and Lisa discuss the potential for games to foster teamwork, communication, and creative thinking in both educational and professional settings. Join us as we explore how gamification can revolutionize the classroom, making learning more engaging and effective for students of all ages.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The Gamified Classroom, the Passport to Innovation," hosted by Lisa Cherivtch, a passionate college professor with a vision for revolutionizing education and business training. In this episode, Lisa shares her journey and the inspiration behind the podcast, offering insights into how gamification and storytelling can create transformative learning experiences. With two decades of teaching experience and extensive global travel, Lisa brings a unique perspective on integrating artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies into educational and corporate settings. She highlights the diverse approaches to learning across cultures, such as Japan's gamification emphasis and Finland's focus on experiential learning. Discover how Lisa's use of AI to create immersive marketing lessons can be adapted for global business training, turning passive learning into an engaging, practical experience. This episode offers practical tips for educators and business leaders to innovate their practices, from designing engaging quests to measuring the effectiveness of gamified learning. Join Lisa on this exciting journey and subscribe to explore how these tools can reshape the future of learning and development. Connect with her on social media to share your thoughts and collaborate on innovative educational strategies. Stay tuned for the next episode, where Lisa will delve into the basics of gamification and its application in various learning environments.