This blog began as an assignment for my MLIS from the University of South Carolina. However, I hope it will become a place of growth and learning.
ISCI 761 M6: Bloxels
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Image Credit: Playbloxels.com, Logo
What is Bloxels?
Bloxels is an online gaming creation platform with a large community for collaboration. According to the website there are currently 20,972 educators with active subscriptions to Bloxels. There are several options for purchase with the most being a $6,000 district bundle that provides 1500 student accounts, 80 boards, 4 card decks and VIP support. The lowest cost option for a class bundle is the Bloxels EDU for $150.00 which offers 25 licenses plus an educator for one year. Other than these options, there is a space to request a quote from Bloxels. Bloxels can be used in the classroom but it can also just be used independently for fun. There is a subscription cost for this but the app is available for free download and does offer a selection of free games. Something that I really appreciated was that there was a physical aspect to this resource that coupled with a digital. Students can use a board to manipulate blocks and design characters and settings. The same ability is available online.
Image Credit: Bloxelsbuilder.com, Tutorial
Technology Integration Matrix & Bloxels
The Technology Integration Matrix (also known as TIM) is a framework of 5 characteristics (active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal-directed) and 5 levels of technology integration (entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation). The three links below are to the TIM descriptors for teachers, students, and setting of instruction.
I think the use of Bloxels best helps students with the goal-oriented characteristic of the transformation level of instructional technology implementation: "Students engage in ongoing metacognitive activities, and work on self-directed goals, at a level only possible with the support of technology. Students are empowered to extend the use of technology tools and have greater ownership and responsibility for learning." Students may have to write, design, and trial their stories or challenges using other platforms or steps in the Bloxels software but their goal should be clear - create a game that demonstrates understanding on their instructional content. Many students interested in game design or creation would find this an authentic learning experience as they can create and compare games. Students can also collaborate in groups to design or play their games. TIM is a complex technology integration matrix in how comprehensive it is. In using this matrix, seemingly every aspect of technology integration and use has an expectation.
Bloxels Resources
"Bloxels Review, Build Your Own Video Games...With Blocks?? We Take A Look" from Toy, Gadget & Product Reviews by Dad Does found on YouTube
Common Sense Education's review gives Bloxels a 3/5 rating and determines its usability as fit for grades 1 through 7. It is available for Android, iPad, iPhone, Chrome, and Web. It offers advice for teaching with it and an evaluation of it's contribution to learning.
TeachersWithApps also made a review of the product with recommendations - one being that if working with younger kids, they may struggle when they game doesn't design or play the way they want. Younger than 3rd grade may need groups and guidance.
The School Library Journal has also done a review. While the review was not bad, it did note that the learning curve for the application was steep. Those with more game design and gaming experience may understand it better.
References
Booth, J. (2016). "Bloxels: Build Your Own Video Games." TeachersWithApps. www.teacherswithapps.com/bloxels-build-your-own-video-games/.
Chen, M. (2020). "Bloxels EDU." Common Sense Education. www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/bloxels-edu.
Matteson, A. (2017). "Kids Create Video Games with Bloxels, no Coding Required." School Library Journal. www.slj.com/story/kids-create-video-games-with-bloxels-no-coding-required-slj-review.
This looks like such a fun game. I know that my students would absolutely love it. The only problem I have is the amount of students you can have use it. Last year I had 28 students and this year I have 26. With having more students, it would be nice if they could move it up to 30. But other than that it looks like a great resource for students in the classroom. My own son would really like it also. He is really into gaming and coding
You can alter the number of memberships you have - each additional student license was $6. I too am interested in how this would play out practically for a school and what specific grant opportunities there may be. Thanks for the response!
Thanks for sharing about Bloxels! I love how it shows real learning by the students getting the actual hands-on experience. I also love how they have a physical piece to compliment the digital online. I can see how learners would have to think outside the box but this tool is also great since we have so many learners interested into video games. It would be great for librarians and teachers to collaborate with getting students started with this tool to learn about programming or coding.
Thanks! I downloaded the app on my phone to experiment and really enjoyed it. I think I would really enjoy getting to build a game and design a character using the physical manipulative.
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This looks like such a fun game. I know that my students would absolutely love it. The only problem I have is the amount of students you can have use it. Last year I had 28 students and this year I have 26. With having more students, it would be nice if they could move it up to 30. But other than that it looks like a great resource for students in the classroom. My own son would really like it also. He is really into gaming and coding
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou can alter the number of memberships you have - each additional student license was $6. I too am interested in how this would play out practically for a school and what specific grant opportunities there may be. Thanks for the response!
DeleteThanks for sharing about Bloxels! I love how it shows real learning by the students getting the actual hands-on experience. I also love how they have a physical piece to compliment the digital online. I can see how learners would have to think outside the box but this tool is also great since we have so many learners interested into video games. It would be great for librarians and teachers to collaborate with getting students started with this tool to learn about programming or coding.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I downloaded the app on my phone to experiment and really enjoyed it. I think I would really enjoy getting to build a game and design a character using the physical manipulative.
Delete