The Game Design Tool Kit &
Professional Development Workshops 
are now available!

 

Give your teachers the tools and resources they need to develop their students' 21st Century skills while teaching the core curriculum!  
 
Let your teachers know that they can download the Game Design Tool Kit for FREE and see what so many teachers have been anxiously waiting for!  

Interested in our Game Design Professional Development?  
We offer standard or customized Game Design Inservice Training Sessions, Game Jams and Boot Camps.  

 

If you're thinking, "What is the GDTK?", "How does the GDTK apply to 21st Century skills?" or "Why should teachers use game design in the classroom?" then you'll want to continue reading below.  


GDTK In Action  
 
The Learning Games Network, a non-profit spin-off of the MIT Education Arcade and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Games+Learning+Society Program, has launched the Game Design Tool Kit, a proven set of tools built to show teachers how to engage, inspire and challenge their students' thinking and improve their comprehension of new ideas and information through a unique game design research & development process.  

  GDTK Download

 

What is the Game Design Tool Kit (GDTK)?

  • A collection of tools and resources that help teachers use creative game design processes in the classroom.
  • Teacher-driven coaching strategies.
  • An extended research and development project.
  • A FREE, downloadable handbook with a lesson plan guide (register and download for free here).
  • Professional Development Inservice Training Sessions and Game Jams for middle and high school teachers beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.
The GDTK guides students through all stages of game development and design including research, conceptualization, creating a paper prototype, making peer presentations and playtesting the finished product. 
 
Resources are segmented into four phases: Explore (gaming vocabulary and research), Discover (brainstorm, creative development and documentation), Create (making a paper prototype), and Share (presenting a pitch and playtesting).  

How does the GDTK apply to 21st Century skills?
  • Students learn to consider technological limits and capabilities with the opportunity to develop more advanced technology skills.
  • Develops creative and critical thinking skills. 
  • Encourages students to collaborate and work with others 
  • Improves communication skills. 
  • Promotes team and classroom discussions, writing activities, documentation and presentation.  
  • Students manage their own contributions and promote accountability by helping track team members' contributions.
  • Helps build self-confidence. 
Why should I use the GDTK in my classroom?
  • It has been developed by LGN in conjunction with its partners (MIT Education Arcade and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Games+Learning+Society Program, and Fablevision) and the Kentucky Department of Education's Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP). 
  • It engages students in the exploration of topical and subject-specific material.
  • It helps teach core curricula through a medium most students are very familiar and comfortable with. 
Do I need a technology or game design background or any other special skills 
to use the GDTK?
  • No, neither a technology nor a game design background is a necessary prerequisite.
  • Using free and open-source digital game development software programs created for users of all experience levels, teachers may choose to apply digital game programming to their GDTK implementation.
How do I know the GDTK is effective/worthwhile?
  • Seed-funding from HP Catalyst, along with collaborative development of the GDTK by LGN and its distinguished scholarly and creative partners (MIT Education Arcade, the Kentucky Department of Education STLP and Fablevision) is evidence of LGN's reputation, knowledge-base and expertise. 
  • The GDTK and its associated professional development program has been designed to exceed the requirements of standard, certified professional development programs.  
  • The GDTK has been the foundational building block for a number of highly successful Game Jams and Game Design Boot Camps in Kentucky, at MIT, and at Stanford University with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus.
  • It has garnered the enthusiastic support of those teachers who've used the GDTK process or who've participated in the LGN Game Jams and Boot Camps.
  • Teachers completing any one of the GDTK Professional Development programs will receive a Professional Development certificate from the MIT Education Arcade. 
Why is the GDTK Handbook download free?
 
Learning Games Network, is a non-profit organization 
committed to the development and distribution of games informed by research in the learning sciences, creative design, and technical development.
  • To provide highly effective tools for learning that engage students of all ages in ways they'll understand and enjoy.
  • To meet the need for low-cost solutions for improving the learning experience and achievement levels.
  • We do our best to locate funding and/or partners to help make classroom solutions accessible.
 



What is the GDTK Professional Development Program?
  • Inservice Training Sessions (4 hours)
  • 2- and 3- daylong Game Jams
  • 1- to 2-weeklong Boot Camps offer teachers
  • Intensive, hands-on opportunities to engage students in STEM learning through the process of game design 
  • Standard and customized programs
How does a PD workshop enhance the value of the GDTK?
  • Gives teachers intensive, hands-on experience 
  • Helps make classroom integration as smooth as possible
  • Provides a way for teachers to collaborate and share thoughts and experiences
  • Some workshops provide an opportunity for teachers to work with students in real-time
  • Allows teachers to test the process to determine applications and length of time for their own classroom implementation 
Where and when can I participate in GDTK PD?
  • LGN works with teachers, school administrators and district leaders to schedule on-site PD sessions
  • Workshops and times are scheduled according to participants' needs
  • We are currently focusing on the New England region, however all requests will be considered 
  • Inservice Training Sessions (4 hours) can be scheduled during Inservice Days, weekday evenings or weekends
  • Game Jams are typically held over a weekend and can be customized according to subject-matter
  • Boot Camps are held during the summer break 
  • LGN occasionally offers PD workshops on the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA
How much does an Inservice Training Session cost?
  • We work directly with school and district leaders to minimize teacher-direct costs  
  • Inservice Sessions are typically open to as many as 30 participants and pricing begins at $2,500.00
  • Customization by subject-matter, project application or distant travel may increase overall cost
  • We seek to partner with corporate sponsors and individual donors to support school communities and educational programs  

Email us at gdtk@learninggamesnetwork.org for more information or a pricing quote.


 
LGN Logo Fablevision
Questions?  Visit our website at www.learninggamesnetwork.org or contact us directly at gdtk@learninggamesnetwork.org.