In this episode, I got to talk to Cate Tolnai and Lindsey Blass about their new book Power Up Your Classroom! They share their passion for gamifying the classroom with game-based learning and teaching through play. We discuss what types of classroom environments are appropriate for gamification and ways you can incorporate game-based learning today!
For those of you who don’t know, Cate is a passionate fan of learning, coaching, and connecting. She works as the Director of Member Engagement for California’s ISTE Affiliate, CUE. She also serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothills College. Cate has spent over seventeen years in education and is committed to supporting educators as they integrate technology in the classroom.
Lindsey spreads her love of learning as the Personalized Learning Environments Program Manager for San Francisco Unified School District. She reimagines learning through empowering teachers and administrators as designers of flexible learning environments that leverage technology to personalize instruction. She too serves as Adjunct Faculty for Foothill College/Krause Center for Innovation where she teaches courses on blended learning, assessment strategies, game-based learning, and more.
This episode is jam-packed with inspiring nuggets that will get you started with gamification today. Listen as Lindsey and Cate share their passion for gameplay in the classroom and how you can use game-based learning to teach above the test. You won’t want to miss this episode and you will definitely want to read their book after you hear about all of the passion and love they poured into its creation!
.
..
[ctt template=”1″ link=”5cxk3″ via=”yes” ]Are you ready to Power Up Your Classroom with #GBL and #Gamification [interview with @CateTolnai and @LindsayBlass1] on episode 22 of the #ShakeUpLearning podcast?[/ctt]
In This Episode:
[00:29] – Welcome back ya’ll! Kasey is chatting with Cate Tolnai and Lindsay Blass about gamification in the classroom.
[01:50] – Shout to Kim Nowak for her wonderful email regarding Kasey’s masterclasses.
Join the Google Classroom Master Class
Join the Google Slides Master Class
All courses: https://shakeuplearning.teachable.com
[03:18] – Listen to our Speakpipe message from Susan Noake and her idea for using duty time to build relationships.
Leave you own speakpipe message for Kasey here.
[05:01] – Cate and Lindsay say hi and share some information about themselves.
[08:21] – Learn more about Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay, who the book is for, and how it will change your classroom.
Gamification v. Game-Based Learning
[13:43] – What’s the difference between gamification and game-based learning?
From the book: Power Up Your Classroom by Cate Tolnai and Lindsey Blass
The 4 C’s of Game-Based Learning
[15:38] – Learn the 4-Cs in game-based learning.
- CHOOSE: Learners experience choice in process and product
- CLARIFY: Learners reflect on their progress in an iterative growth process
- CONNECT: Learners build relationships through common progress, skills, interest, and goals
- CELEBRATE: Learners have opportunities to celebrate both process and mastery of learning
[19:14] – What is one simple way to incorporate gamification in your classroom?
[22:03] – Learn why you have to start with the culture in the classroom regarding failure before starting any type of gamification in the classroom.
[25:44] – Cate and Lindsey share specific topics in the book they are really excited to present.
[32:33] – Hear how Cate and Lindsey respond to the issue of time in the classroom and teaching to the test.
[38:36] – How to find Cate and Lindsey to connect!
Cate on Twitter: @CateTolnai
Cate on LinkedIn
Lindsey on Twitter: @LindseyBlass1
Lindsey on LinkedIn
Podcast Question of the Week
[41:31] – Kasey shares the podcast questions of the week:
How can you empower your learners with gameplay in your classroom? Name two takeaways.
Post your answer to your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ShakeUpLearning, or share it in the Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook!
[42:35] – Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review on iTunes. (Bonus points if you use the word “y’all” in your review!)
[ctt template=”1″ link=”iTF7_” via=”yes” ]Want to learn how to leverage the power of #gamification in your classroom? Learn how you can on episode 22 of the #ShakeUpLearning podcast with @LindseyBlass1 and @CateTolnai[/ctt]
Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
The Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook
Join the Shake Up Learning Book Study!
Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic by Kasey Bell
Shake Up Learning Summer Book Study Facebook group
Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning with Game Play by Cate Tolnai and Lindsey Blass
The Shake Up Learning Show episode 19: Top 10 Secrets of an Awesome Tech Coach
Questions & Comments
Do you have a question you would like me to answer on the show? I’d love to hear from you!
I also love to hear from students!
Leave me a voicemail and your message could be played on the podcast!
Do You Want to Be on the Podcast?
To learn more about our process for selecting guests, please visit our show page here.
Sponsorship and Other Inquiries
If you have other questions or inquiries about the podcast, please use this contact form.
© Shake Up Learning 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com.
© Shake Up Learning 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.