Gamification Made Simple: A Guide for Higher Education Professionals

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Gamification Made Simple: A Guide for Higher Education Professionals is designed to be a practical, approachable, and experience-driven resource for instructors who may be new to the concept of gamification or already experimenting with game based learning. Each of the chapters is designed to meet their readers where they are in the process. Written by educators from different disciplinesspecial education and speech-language pathologythe book includes the perspectives of game designers, game players and game masters. What began as a basic role-playing activity in a graduate course evolved into an instructional framework that transformed student engagement by enabling them to apply what they were learning in a safe, real world setting. The book is grounded in real experiences rather than theory or technology (but those concepts are included as well). The goal is to provide readers with a step-by-step guide for planning, designing and implementing simple game based learning experiences through role-playing games (RPGs). What makes this book unique is the numerous potential examples for readers to review as they determine if, when and how they might plan and implement a game into their own classes. In addition, while the authors have researched the topic at length, they have real experience (positive and negative) as student/player, game designers and game masters. Peer feedback shaped the books organization and tone. Chapter headings are presented as questions to invite curiosity and support reader navigation. Recognizing that some readers might feel overwhelmed by game terminology, the authors also included a glossary and worked intentionally to simplify language and provide easy-to-visualize examples. To support different levels of experience, each chapter features clearly labeled sections based on game design expertise. Level I: Novice sections offer readers with little or no experience a basic understanding of the game and how to plan, develop and implement a new game. concepts and basic implementation strategies, while Level II: Intermediate/Experienced content provides deeper dives for those ready to expand and refine their games. Each chapter begins with a Game Masters Prologuea conversational reflection to help readers connect with the contentand ends with a Game Log, a brief summary and preview to help them prepare for whats next. While the discussion about complex game elements may be challenging for new gamers, Gamification Made Simple is more than a how-to book; its a conversation with colleagues whove been there and want to share what works to motivate readers to rediscover joy in teaching and learningone game at a time.

Author Bio

Glennda McKeithan, PhD, NBCT is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. With over 20 years of experience in K12 and higher education as a teacher, administrator, teacher mentor, and instructional coaching. She holds advanced certification in Curriculum Design and has additional expertise in autism, gamification and digital marketing. She has researched and presented on the advantages of game based learning at state and national conferences. Glennda lives in Zebulon, North Carolina, with her husband Michael and their three dachshundsOscar, Odell, and Spencer. She enjoys living just down the road from her kids Michael and Cindy, grandson Ryan, Bruno her grand dog and her three grand cats. In her free time, she loves playing cards, chatting with her sister, and collaborating with former students on creative projects (like this book).

Ann Marshall, SLPD-CCC - Dr. Ann Marshall is a practicing speech-language pathologist, researcher, and educator with over 14 years of experience working with K12 students in public schools. She earned her Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas, where her research focuses on social skills curricula for autistic students. Ann is passionate about inclusive education and supporting neurodiverse learners through evidence-based communication strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to helping educators and students thrive in real-world school settings. In addition to her research, Dr. Marshall brings creativity and fun to higher education through gamified and immersive learning. She has helped facilitate role-playing modules in a graduate course serving as game master, guiding students through interactive, story-based instruction. Outside academia, Ann is a yoga enthusiast, nature lover, and believer in the power of connection - whether in the classroom, on a long walk, or over coffee with friends. She lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with her husband, Larry, three cats, and one very patient dog. She is the proud mom of Konrad, Adam, and Kelli - three incredible young adults. Ann also appreciates the love and steady encouragement of her close family friends who have always been in her corner. She enjoys the quieter moments, the louder game nights, and anything that blends purpose with play.