Explore Like a Pirate: Gamification and Game-Inspired Course Design to Engage, Enrich and Elevate Your Learners

Are you ready to transform your classroom into an experiential work that flourishes on collaboration and creativity? Then set sail with classroom game designer and educator Michael Matera as he reveals the possibilities and power of game-based learning. In Explore Like a PIRATE, Matera serves as your experienced guide to help you apply the most motivational techniques of gameplay to your classroom using strategies that work with and enhance (rather than replace) your current curriculum. Part one debunks common myths and fears about gamification and explains why and how game-based learning effectively engages students in any subject or grade level. Part two focuses on how you can empower students to take control of their learning. You'll also learn all about the different kinds of players in your classroom - and how to inspire them to set and achieve big goals. Part three is an all-in-one treasure chest, tool box, and field guide. Packed with ideas and examples that can be applied or adapted to any classroom - from badges and points, to mini-games and yearlong adventures - this is a resource you'll return to again and again.

Michael Matera has taught for more than a decade using interactive play, passion and purpose-driven learning to transform the classroom in international, public and private schools.

He is a pioneer in the field of education, using gamification and technology to increase authentic student engagement and content acquisition.  Along with being a full time teacher at University School of Milwaukee, Michael is also a nationally-known presenter and international consultant of game-based learning.  He was named one of ASCD Emerging Leaders in 2015 for infusing best practices in the field with accessible gamified teaching methods.  He is also an educational BamRadio talk show host and blogger, whose mission is to build connections among innovative, global educators.

Michael is driven to transform education through theoretical and technological applications that identify and inspire limitless learning thresholds in ourselves and in our students.  Join the transformation of education by visiting his website, mrmatera.com, co-founded an educational blog, edbean.com and on Twitter @mrmatera.