Jonathon Rios
@jonathonrios.bsky.social
Studying, researching, and designing smarter autonomous learning video games. Mathematician/Edu Game Designer #gbl #g4l #immersivelearning
Reposted by Jonathon Rios
Had a blast creating for the @lego-fortnite.bsky.social Summer Arcade!
We even placed within the Side Quest winners!
Island codes in the image below.
Be sure to play all the submissions
Go see why the NPCs were so cool:
youtu.be/cerpmOlDDck?...
We even placed within the Side Quest winners!
Island codes in the image below.
Be sure to play all the submissions
Go see why the NPCs were so cool:
youtu.be/cerpmOlDDck?...
August 20, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Had a blast creating for the @lego-fortnite.bsky.social Summer Arcade!
We even placed within the Side Quest winners!
Island codes in the image below.
Be sure to play all the submissions
Go see why the NPCs were so cool:
youtu.be/cerpmOlDDck?...
We even placed within the Side Quest winners!
Island codes in the image below.
Be sure to play all the submissions
Go see why the NPCs were so cool:
youtu.be/cerpmOlDDck?...
A4: Side content is tricky to implment. The overachievers will always do the content. While the average student may skip it just to get through the content. What I argue is more significant to design for is content all students crave for; Ex: Excitement, Competitiveness, Collaboration #LevelUpEDU
Q4 🗺️🏆 Treasure hunts and quests make games exciting and immersive. How can we design educational experiences that tap into the power of adventure and discovery?
Let’s brainstorm! 🚀🎮
#LevelUpEDU
Let’s brainstorm! 🚀🎮
#LevelUpEDU
March 14, 2025 at 12:11 AM
A4: Side content is tricky to implment. The overachievers will always do the content. While the average student may skip it just to get through the content. What I argue is more significant to design for is content all students crave for; Ex: Excitement, Competitiveness, Collaboration #LevelUpEDU
A3: In my area of mathematics, I would avoid luck-based mechanics at all costs. UNLESS, luck and probably WAS the lesson of the day. Then the sky is the limit on all the fun ways luck could be made into a game system. This example image below is an easy "what does more expected damage?" #LevelUpEDU
March 14, 2025 at 12:03 AM
A3: In my area of mathematics, I would avoid luck-based mechanics at all costs. UNLESS, luck and probably WAS the lesson of the day. Then the sky is the limit on all the fun ways luck could be made into a game system. This example image below is an easy "what does more expected damage?" #LevelUpEDU
A2: This one is a challenge to come up for in math. Though, I think the best case would be to explore planets that couldn't be traveled to. Dive into the history of moon rabbits and Vulcan, the planet that never was. How old civilizations thought of the planets and the solar system #LevelupEDU
Q2 🏰🎮 If you could create a game based on a folktale, legend, or historical tradition, what would it be? How would you use it with students?
Let’s imagine the possibilities! 🌟👾
#LevelUpEDU
Let’s imagine the possibilities! 🌟👾
#LevelUpEDU
March 13, 2025 at 11:52 PM
A2: This one is a challenge to come up for in math. Though, I think the best case would be to explore planets that couldn't be traveled to. Dive into the history of moon rabbits and Vulcan, the planet that never was. How old civilizations thought of the planets and the solar system #LevelupEDU
A1: I need to redo this answer. I think Hades and God of War make for good contenders of well established myths and legends that classrooms can use. Especially as a jumping off point for why the different interpretations exist and the roles each of the storys give. Does great for narrative analysis.
Q1 🎮📖 Myths, legends & cultural traditions bring powerful storytelling to games.
What’s a game that does this well? How could it be used in education to explore different cultural narratives? 🌍✨
Use A1 in your response and don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag!
What’s a game that does this well? How could it be used in education to explore different cultural narratives? 🌍✨
Use A1 in your response and don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag!
March 13, 2025 at 11:45 PM
A1: I need to redo this answer. I think Hades and God of War make for good contenders of well established myths and legends that classrooms can use. Especially as a jumping off point for why the different interpretations exist and the roles each of the storys give. Does great for narrative analysis.
A2: This, I feel uniquely qualified to answer. Student identification is a FOUNDATIONAL to student (and player) engagement with difficult challenges. Students are regularly demotivated to engage with complicated systems. (1/3) #LevelUpEdu
Next up, Q2:
👾 Representation matters! Why is it important for students to see themselves in games, game design, and education? Let's talk about visibility and impact!
#LevelUpEDU
👾 Representation matters! Why is it important for students to see themselves in games, game design, and education? Let's talk about visibility and impact!
#LevelUpEDU
March 7, 2025 at 12:32 AM
A2: This, I feel uniquely qualified to answer. Student identification is a FOUNDATIONAL to student (and player) engagement with difficult challenges. Students are regularly demotivated to engage with complicated systems. (1/3) #LevelUpEdu
A1: Several fundamental game design and role-playing senarios allow for multiple teams to verse each other to win a goal. When it comes to being a "good citizen", it's easy to assign sides and powers to different groups of players to achieve a common goal based around government powers. #levelupedu
On Monday we celebrated President's Day which had me reflecting about duties as a good citizen and how this might show up in our games. Tonight's theme is Games and Good Citizenship as a nod to this and we'll explore how games or game design relate to this topic.
Respond with A1 and #LevelUpEDU
Q1:
Respond with A1 and #LevelUpEDU
Q1:
February 21, 2025 at 12:28 AM
A1: Several fundamental game design and role-playing senarios allow for multiple teams to verse each other to win a goal. When it comes to being a "good citizen", it's easy to assign sides and powers to different groups of players to achieve a common goal based around government powers. #levelupedu
I'm back to talk more fun digital learning games. Unforuntatly, I know too little about Civics games! I need to play way more of them. I do love all the iCivics game and Argument Wars is probably my favorite from there. Though I haven't played all of them. #levelupedu
Welcome to tonight's #LevelUpEDU chat!
4 questions. 30 minutes.
Respond to each question with A1, A2, etc.
Don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag!
First, Let's get started with introductions!
4 questions. 30 minutes.
Respond to each question with A1, A2, etc.
Don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag!
First, Let's get started with introductions!
February 21, 2025 at 12:19 AM
I'm back to talk more fun digital learning games. Unforuntatly, I know too little about Civics games! I need to play way more of them. I do love all the iCivics game and Argument Wars is probably my favorite from there. Though I haven't played all of them. #levelupedu
A4: I wouldn't mind seeing people try to answer the question "What is currently the "best" game in education? Digital or Analog." #levelupedu
Time for our final question - Q4!
What would you ❤️ love ❤️ to see in the future of our #LevelUpEDU community chats?
What would you ❤️ love ❤️ to see in the future of our #LevelUpEDU community chats?
February 14, 2025 at 12:38 AM
A4: I wouldn't mind seeing people try to answer the question "What is currently the "best" game in education? Digital or Analog." #levelupedu
A2: When I did amateur UX studies and observations of my anti-gamer parents, I was able to carefully select and enthrall them with a game that was able to turn their views around. But more impressively, they were able to learn a complicated control system as long as the game was fun. #levelupedu
Ready for Q2?
We all have games in education stories or memories. When did you fall in love with games in education?
Share your favorite story or memory!
#LevelUpEDU
We all have games in education stories or memories. When did you fall in love with games in education?
Share your favorite story or memory!
#LevelUpEDU
February 14, 2025 at 12:32 AM
A2: When I did amateur UX studies and observations of my anti-gamer parents, I was able to carefully select and enthrall them with a game that was able to turn their views around. But more impressively, they were able to learn a complicated control system as long as the game was fun. #levelupedu
A1: It's rare to see online, but I do love witnessing kids enjoying themselves playing the game. There is something fundamentally gratifying in watching kids play and learn that used to be "lectured" a generation ago. #levelupedu
First up, Q1.
There's so much to love about games in education but - what do you love most about games in education? ❤️
#LevelUpEDU
There's so much to love about games in education but - what do you love most about games in education? ❤️
#LevelUpEDU
February 14, 2025 at 12:25 AM
A1: It's rare to see online, but I do love witnessing kids enjoying themselves playing the game. There is something fundamentally gratifying in watching kids play and learn that used to be "lectured" a generation ago. #levelupedu
Name's Jonathon and I love to research and develop smarter learning digital games. Currently Marvel Rivals and Palworld got a good grip on me. #levelupedu
Welcome to our lovely #LevelUpEDU chat tonight!
❓ 4 Questions
⌛ 20 minutes
🗒️ Post your answers with A1, A2, etc. and don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag in all your posts and responses!
🤝 Before we jump in, let's introduce ourselves!
❓ 4 Questions
⌛ 20 minutes
🗒️ Post your answers with A1, A2, etc. and don't forget the #LevelUpEDU hashtag in all your posts and responses!
🤝 Before we jump in, let's introduce ourselves!
February 14, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Name's Jonathon and I love to research and develop smarter learning digital games. Currently Marvel Rivals and Palworld got a good grip on me. #levelupedu
In order for a game to be fun, it needs to already cater to player preferences in a manner that'll have them open to new lessons and ideas necessary for them to play the game better. Sometimes, the game can be a "black box", where the only way players to get better is to seek secondary resources.
#LevelUpEDU Question 3:
How can games serve as an inclusive medium to address diverse learning styles (preferences, not the debunked learning styles theory), needs, and abilities in ways that complement or exceed the reach of other tools?
How can games serve as an inclusive medium to address diverse learning styles (preferences, not the debunked learning styles theory), needs, and abilities in ways that complement or exceed the reach of other tools?
January 17, 2025 at 1:32 AM
In order for a game to be fun, it needs to already cater to player preferences in a manner that'll have them open to new lessons and ideas necessary for them to play the game better. Sometimes, the game can be a "black box", where the only way players to get better is to seek secondary resources.
Because games are ACTIVE engagement in 21st century skills, games actively test its players in understanding and enhancing their skillset while having fun. Books and other art can wrap up it's narrative without anyone having looked at it. Games will gladly Game Over your session if played that way.
#LevelUpEDU Question 2:
In what ways can games uniquely cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills that may differ from traditional media like books or films?
In what ways can games uniquely cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills that may differ from traditional media like books or films?
January 17, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Because games are ACTIVE engagement in 21st century skills, games actively test its players in understanding and enhancing their skillset while having fun. Books and other art can wrap up it's narrative without anyone having looked at it. Games will gladly Game Over your session if played that way.
The number ONE and MOST important aspect that games has over other all art is that games are an ACTIVE medium of consumption. In order to progress, witness, or understand content of a game is to actively interact with its content deliberately and carefully. Infinitely better than passive engagement.
Question 1 in tonight's #LevelUpEDU is the following:
How do games compare to books, film, audio, and art in their ability to engage students and foster deep learning across different subject areas?
How do games compare to books, film, audio, and art in their ability to engage students and foster deep learning across different subject areas?
January 17, 2025 at 12:17 AM
The number ONE and MOST important aspect that games has over other all art is that games are an ACTIVE medium of consumption. In order to progress, witness, or understand content of a game is to actively interact with its content deliberately and carefully. Infinitely better than passive engagement.
I'm slowly working towards being an educational game designer. Slowly but surely. Making learning games smarter and funner to play.
Currently, my game circle has been Mario&Luigi Brothership, Fortnite, Palworld, and Balatro.
Currently, my game circle has been Mario&Luigi Brothership, Fortnite, Palworld, and Balatro.
Welcome to tonight's #LevelUpEDU chat!
We're breaking down why games belong alongside other media formats as an educational tool.
My name is Nick Schiner and I'm the Director of Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning @digitalpromise.bsky.social.
We're breaking down why games belong alongside other media formats as an educational tool.
My name is Nick Schiner and I'm the Director of Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning @digitalpromise.bsky.social.
January 17, 2025 at 12:13 AM
I'm slowly working towards being an educational game designer. Slowly but surely. Making learning games smarter and funner to play.
Currently, my game circle has been Mario&Luigi Brothership, Fortnite, Palworld, and Balatro.
Currently, my game circle has been Mario&Luigi Brothership, Fortnite, Palworld, and Balatro.
Reposted by Jonathon Rios
Giving students the autonomy to attempt problems on their own should not be conflated with giving them the responsibility to learn on their own.
The feedback cycle is necessary for learning and you cannot get feedback without trying.
#Math #ScienceOfLearning #Maths #Education
The feedback cycle is necessary for learning and you cannot get feedback without trying.
#Math #ScienceOfLearning #Maths #Education
December 21, 2024 at 6:06 PM
Giving students the autonomy to attempt problems on their own should not be conflated with giving them the responsibility to learn on their own.
The feedback cycle is necessary for learning and you cannot get feedback without trying.
#Math #ScienceOfLearning #Maths #Education
The feedback cycle is necessary for learning and you cannot get feedback without trying.
#Math #ScienceOfLearning #Maths #Education
Should a digital learning game attempt to explicitly explain the academic lesson? Or should that be left to the educator while the game focuses on fun puzzles and challenges?
December 16, 2024 at 12:43 AM
Should a digital learning game attempt to explicitly explain the academic lesson? Or should that be left to the educator while the game focuses on fun puzzles and challenges?
My inexperience with teaching is going to shine brighter than any engine light.
My current measurement is making sure that every curriculum obj is met through some empirical tests. Once I'm confident that my project meets that empirical threshold, then I introduce some creative elements. #LevelUpEdu
My current measurement is making sure that every curriculum obj is met through some empirical tests. Once I'm confident that my project meets that empirical threshold, then I introduce some creative elements. #LevelUpEdu
Our friend @jonathonrios.bsky.social already kicked off this conversation in his response to the second question, so let's make it official with #LevelUpEDU Question 3!
How do you balance creativity and self-expression in projects with meeting curriculum objectives?
How do you balance creativity and self-expression in projects with meeting curriculum objectives?
December 6, 2024 at 12:53 AM
My inexperience with teaching is going to shine brighter than any engine light.
My current measurement is making sure that every curriculum obj is met through some empirical tests. Once I'm confident that my project meets that empirical threshold, then I introduce some creative elements. #LevelUpEdu
My current measurement is making sure that every curriculum obj is met through some empirical tests. Once I'm confident that my project meets that empirical threshold, then I introduce some creative elements. #LevelUpEdu
I don't teach in classrooms. But if I did, I would teach math which has little to do with self expression. If I did pull GBL for math focused on self expression, I'll do small DnD encounters where the students have to choose the best weapon for their personal char to achieve a math goal #LevelUpEDU
Tonight in #LevelUpEDU chat we're talking games and self-expression.
We're curious how you have used games or game-related content in your classroom to encourage student self-expression?
We're curious how you have used games or game-related content in your classroom to encourage student self-expression?
December 6, 2024 at 12:15 AM
I don't teach in classrooms. But if I did, I would teach math which has little to do with self expression. If I did pull GBL for math focused on self expression, I'll do small DnD encounters where the students have to choose the best weapon for their personal char to achieve a math goal #LevelUpEDU
I'm Jonathon Rios and I research to develop greater and smarter edu digital games.
Rn I'm restraining myself to playing ZB Fortnite with some Balatro. I also am watching my wife play Tears of the Kingdom as a UX experiment. #LevelUpEDU
Rn I'm restraining myself to playing ZB Fortnite with some Balatro. I also am watching my wife play Tears of the Kingdom as a UX experiment. #LevelUpEDU
Hello and welcome to tonight's #LevelUpEDU chat!
My name is Nick Schiner and I'm the Director of Peer-to-Peer Learning @ Digital Promise.
Right now I'm playing Slay the Spire, Balatro, the new Prince of Persia game, and CAN'T WAIT FOR OG FORTNITE TOMORROW!
My name is Nick Schiner and I'm the Director of Peer-to-Peer Learning @ Digital Promise.
Right now I'm playing Slay the Spire, Balatro, the new Prince of Persia game, and CAN'T WAIT FOR OG FORTNITE TOMORROW!
December 6, 2024 at 12:07 AM
I'm Jonathon Rios and I research to develop greater and smarter edu digital games.
Rn I'm restraining myself to playing ZB Fortnite with some Balatro. I also am watching my wife play Tears of the Kingdom as a UX experiment. #LevelUpEDU
Rn I'm restraining myself to playing ZB Fortnite with some Balatro. I also am watching my wife play Tears of the Kingdom as a UX experiment. #LevelUpEDU
Reposted by Jonathon Rios
Two stages of writing:
1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no
1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no
December 4, 2024 at 7:36 PM
Two stages of writing:
1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no
1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no
Reposted by Jonathon Rios
If you're looking for work in gamedev, here's a thread of guides I've written about everything from setting freelance rates to writing a good cover letter
I've been in gamedev for over 13 years and been on both sides of the interview table a lot, so these are all the things I wish I'd known
🧵 1/6
I've been in gamedev for over 13 years and been on both sides of the interview table a lot, so these are all the things I wish I'd known
🧵 1/6
October 10, 2024 at 11:06 PM
If you're looking for work in gamedev, here's a thread of guides I've written about everything from setting freelance rates to writing a good cover letter
I've been in gamedev for over 13 years and been on both sides of the interview table a lot, so these are all the things I wish I'd known
🧵 1/6
I've been in gamedev for over 13 years and been on both sides of the interview table a lot, so these are all the things I wish I'd known
🧵 1/6
Does anyone happen to have some systematic reviews of Project-Based Learning vs Game-Based Learning? I'm trying to figure out strength and weaknesses compared to each other.
@edugamergal.bsky.social Has me gone down a Constructivism Learning Theory hole and some nuances are lost on me. 💦
@edugamergal.bsky.social Has me gone down a Constructivism Learning Theory hole and some nuances are lost on me. 💦
November 29, 2024 at 8:04 AM
Does anyone happen to have some systematic reviews of Project-Based Learning vs Game-Based Learning? I'm trying to figure out strength and weaknesses compared to each other.
@edugamergal.bsky.social Has me gone down a Constructivism Learning Theory hole and some nuances are lost on me. 💦
@edugamergal.bsky.social Has me gone down a Constructivism Learning Theory hole and some nuances are lost on me. 💦
Reposted by Jonathon Rios
It’s for sure a gap in the research, but one that gets brought up in older research as our new approaches with digital games began to emerge in the 1990’s with better games. GBL with card games was then challenged with DGBL. Average age of a teacher is ‘now’ 42ish - perfect for the new age edu :)
November 19, 2024 at 4:06 AM
It’s for sure a gap in the research, but one that gets brought up in older research as our new approaches with digital games began to emerge in the 1990’s with better games. GBL with card games was then challenged with DGBL. Average age of a teacher is ‘now’ 42ish - perfect for the new age edu :)