Paul Darvasi - Teacher Designer, Creator, Artist

A media studies teacher at Royal St. George's College in Toronto shares his journey of integrating video games into education. Inspired by the idea of turning a class into a video game, he designed a game based on 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. The game transformed his teaching approach and significantly increased student engagement, especially among previously unmotivated students. The experience highlighted the potential for new educational systems that foster creativity and choice, critiquing traditional systems. The teacher reflects on his transformation into a more creative and dynamic educator.

What inspired the teacher to consider turning their classroom into a video game?

• A documentary about video games

• An article read during their Masters studies

• A conversation with a colleague

• A workshop on educational technology

What novel was the teacher's game based on?

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

• 1984

• The Great Gatsby

• To Kill a Mockingbird

How did the teacher introduce the game to the students?

• By sending an email announcement

• By giving out flyers

• Through a surprise launch on a Monday morning

• By discussing it in a class meeting

What was a significant outcome of the game for the students?

• They requested more homework

• They showed increased motivation and engagement

• They started skipping classes

• They became more interested in video games

What critique did the game offer about traditional education systems?

• They are too lenient on students

• They focus too much on sports

• They lack creativity and choice for students

• They are too focused on technology

How did the teacher's role change after implementing the game?

• They became more of a disciplinarian

• They took on roles like designer and creator

• They stopped using games in teaching

• They focused more on administrative tasks

What future plans does the teacher have regarding this type of educational system?

• To write a book about it

• To continue experimenting with it

• To implement it in other schools

• To abandon it completely