Blog Archives
Open Badges
Last night, I participated in Mozilla’s beta for Open Badges. In a short time, I earned two badges and started a Backpack.
Open Badges is a way for organizations and individuals to offer badge programs online. It is a vehicle for providing proof of supplemental education. You follow the steps and earn badges in what you are interested in learning.
The first badge in the beta was Badge 101 learning about the program. When completed, you’re asked to put your badge in Backpack. Backpack is where your digital badges are stored. Then, I was offered a second badge, Web Navigator.
If you’re interested in checking it out, go to openbadges.org.
Badge: Printables – My Games
Creativity is needed to create your own games. You can incorporate standards such as cards and dice. Or you might choose to create your own accessories. I’ve provided some printables to start creating your own printable games. The end product is up to you.
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Steps
1. Type of game.
Not all games are created equal. Your game might work well as a board game with rewards for landing on certain spots. Perhaps a quiet word find is more what you are looking for. Look through these choices to start determining what type of game you would like to create.
- Indoor / outdoor
- Quiet / active
- Limited space / unlimited space
- Length of time
- Themed game / one-off filler
- Individual / pair / group
- Learning / just for fun
2. Theme.
Your choice of theme will help determine your colors, style and even how it might be played. You can look for free graphics online to include or even create your own. Determine what your theme will be. Create a color scheme. Collect / make graphics you intend to include.
3. Purpose.
What is the purpose of your game? Adding dice and counting spaces can help lead into a mathematical game. Trading cards can feature historical facts. Decide what you want your game to do. Incorporate these ideas into your theme.
4. Templates.
Templates are a great way to start designing your game. Sometimes you’ll use the template as part of your game, sometimes as a design tool for experimenting with ideas before creating your game. Of course, you can find templates for dice, spinners and other accessories as well.
The AEP supplements for this badge program have a variety of templates you can start with. Start your own archive of templates specific for game creation.
5. Rules.
You’ve played a lot of games. Your kids have as well. Create a list of rules from other games and place into a file so that you have an idea file. You can sort by the types above (Step 1) or any way that makes sense to you.
6. Distribution.
Using the Adobe Acrobat PDF format, distribution is easy. You can keep a clean original and distribute it as well. Create an organization system for your archiving your printable games.
Put it together
7. Rules only.
Some games do not need accessories. For example, “Rock, Paper, Scissors” needs no additional parts. However, a set of rules is a good thing to have on-hand when introducing this game. Brainstorm games that only need a rules sheet. Create one.
8. Printable boards.
Blank board templates can easily be adapted to any theme. By saving the board you create, you can reuse it. Reuse a board game for:
- Birthdays
- Holidays
- Meetings
- Events
- On-hand filler
Take a blank board and create a printable board game you can use more than once. NOTE: You can make your board game more sturdy by laminating, adhering to foam core, etc.
9. Super-size boards.
Looking for a way to direct traffic at an event? Stuck inside with a group of hyper kids? Create a life-size game board. With paper, one sheet counts as a space. You can just use sheets of colored construction paper or mix it up by printing special instructions to mix amongst your regular “spaces.” For younger kids, add a dice with colored sides instead of numbers to your construction paper board.
For fun, AEP has three supplements that are single-page printable spaces to use for life-size games. Incorporate one (or more) of our sets into a game or create your own and play it with your kids.
10. Dice, spinners and numbers.
Dice, spinners and other number generators can be used to move around the board, draw cards, do actions, etc. These items can be adjusted for the age level of your group. For example, young children may find it easier to work with dice that have colored sides instead of numbers (Step 9).
Brainstorm other ways you can have kids include numbers into a game by using paper-created items.
11. Cards.
Cards can add variety to a game — from movement to special effects. They can also be utilized as a trading card. Our ATC template is a great way to create cards. In fact, you might even have each participant at your event create their own unique card and have everyone exchange them as part of a game. Look at how cards can be used as games or incorporated into games.
12. Money.
Putting a monetary twist to a game is another way to change an ordinary game. What would Monopoly be without the money? You can personalize money for an event with a photo, like a birthday party. AEP has a template you can use for this or create your own.
13. Counters and playing pieces.
Depending on your game, you might need counters in a variety of types:
- Individually designed counters that represent players
- Groups of counters, like checkers
- Sets of counters, like chess
Explore ways to create / find your own playing pieces.
14. Mazes.
Mazes can be created simply with a sheet of paper, ruler and pencil. You choose to make it easy or difficult. You can also use a template sheet under a blank sheet and trace the lines you want. Try creating a maze and have someone solve it.
15. Words.
Word games are not only easy to create, there are a plethora of Web sites that allow you to create them. Create the same word game online and by hand. Which do you prefer?
16. Origami.
Folding paper is a great way to create a printable game. From paper airplanes with contests for flying feats to paper footballs, we’ve all played with games and toys we’ve created with paper. Try creating your own cootie catcher / fortune teller.
What’s next?
17. Play test.
Just making a game isn’t enough. You need to test it to make sure others understand your rules, you have all the pieces you need and . . . most of all . . . it is enjoyable. Get a group together to play test one or more of the games you created
18. Party!
Host a party with printable games. These can be ones you found, created yourself, or have everyone create a game at your event.
19. Share.
Share the printable games you find and those you create with others who are interested. Be sure to include the rules and any accessories needed.
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Supplements Available
SUPP_Bingo_Blank.pdf
Blank BINGO-type game cards, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 — each in two sizes.
SUPP_Boards_Blank.pdf
Blank page-size game boards for customization — 22 to choose from.
SUPP_Boards_SS1.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — standard set of 10 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS2.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — active set of 14 spaces.
SUPP_Boards_SS3.pdf
Page-size spaces for a person-sized game — chaos set of 18 spaces.
SUPP_Dice_Six.pdf
Template and two samples of six-sided dice.
SUPP_Maze_Templates.pdf
Two maze templates to draw your own maze with.
SUPP_Money_Templates.pdf
Eight denominations of play money from $1 to $500 to use as-is or to personalize for your game.
SUPP_Spinner_Templates.pdf
Ten spinner templates . . . from fully blank to ten divided sections.
SUPP_Word_Blank.pdf
Three word game templates — a scramble and two word finds, 10×10 and 15×15.
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Sites to Explore
boardgamegeek.com
boardgames.lovetoknow.com/Create_Your_Own_Printable_Board_Game
jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm
www.boardgameswithscott.com/?p=5
familycrafts.about.com/od/printablegames/Printable_Games.htm
www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/?CFID=736793&CFTOKEN=71752708
freebies.about.com/od/teacherfreebies/tp/word-search-makers.htm
www.toolsforeducators.com/bingo
www.wikihow.com/Hand-Draw-a-Maze
www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Trading-Card-Game
www.ehow.com/print/how_5000381_create-own-printable-board-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4500679_make-folded-paper-game.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_4868894_make-magnetic-games.html
www.ehow.com/print/how_5196792_make-fake-printable-money.html
Badge: Explore Hobbies (revised)
Hobbies can take you away from your normal life. Reducing stress is just one of the many benefits. You can also add to your education in a fun, exciting way! Explore what’s out there and find something you enjoy.
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Steps
1. Look at hobbies — include arts, crafts and sports.
A starting list is on the last page of this badge program. Choose one you’d like to try from the list or discover your own from your individual interests. Find something *you* like . . . or maybe more than one if you’re more ambitious.
2. Traditional research for your chosen hobby.
Go to the library and check out a book or two. Start in the kids’ section as the material presented here is easier to grasp when you’re starting fresh.
3. Online research for your chosen hobby.
Go to your favorite search engine and do a search for your hobby. You can also check out the following types of sites:
- Teacher lesson plans
- Kid / parent activity sites
- Homeschooling sites
- Vendor / supplier sites
4. Take a class in the hobby you’ve chosen.
Check out local hobby and craft stores, interest groups or even online classes. Perhaps your local YMCA or park system has enrichment programs for adults. Take a class. This will give you some basic information, a teacher to ask questions of and a group of like-minded individuals to play with, if you choose.
5. Practice your new hobby alone or with a group.
The nature of your chosen hobby may lead you to do it alone or in a group. Some will allow you do both. Do not discount online groups as well as those that meet locally. Some may cost money such as a scrapbooking consultant who will teach you scrapbooking at no cost, but you have to pay for the representative’s products to participate.
6. Share your new hobby with family and friends.
Show what you have learned and be able to answer the following questions.
- Why did you choose it?
- Would you do it again?
- What did you like / didn’t like about it?
- How can you share your experiences?
7. Share your new hobby with other enthusiasts and find out more information.
Share your new hobby with other enthusiasts and find out even more information.
- Web (Yahoo! Groups, blogs, etc.)
- Local individuals
- Formal or informal groups
- Vendors / suppliers
8. Teach others what you’ve learned.
Turn your hobby into a training session for other adults, teach it to kids or even family members who show an interest.
9. Start or help with a club for your hobby.
Sharing your hobby not only expands your knowledge, you also can have fun with others sharing similar interests. Find a local or online club or group that also does your chosen hobby. Join and participate in the club. If you cannot find a club, start your own!
10. From hobby to career.
Some people enjoy their hobby so much they make it a successful career. Writing about your hobby, providing supplies / resources or even teaching can provide either supplemental or full income. Explore the possibilities of how you can make money from your hobby.
11. Create a hobby.
Perhaps you find you like more than one hobby. You can create a new one from combining things you already like to do. Wind surfing is a great example of taking two different sports and combining them in a new way.
You can also create one from scratch if there is no hobby covering what you like. You may be amazed when others start asking you to do your hobby.
12. Write up a badge program for your hobby.
Another way to share your hobby is to create a badge program for the AEP. After creating your own steps, ask another enthusiast look at it to see if it is complete. Make adjustments as needed and submit it to AEP.
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Sites to Explore
www.notsoboringlife.com
www.findmeahobby.com
www.discoverahobby.com
www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Hobby
www.buzzle.com/articles/list-types-of-hobbies
lifestyle.iloveindia.com/magazine/hobby-ideas-7.html
www.ehow.com/hobbies
www.hobbies-and-pastimes.com
hobbies.suite101.com/article.cfm/finding_hobbies_for_your_kids
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Hobby Possibilities List
This list can be found on the PDF badge program.
Badge: Explore How to Sites (revised)
“How to” sites are very popular on the Web. This badge will help you explore and find “how to” sites that you like to give you resources for your badge fun.
NOTE: The Adult Enrichment Project will utilize many of the “how to” sites to keep the cost of earning badges low (and hopefully always free).
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Steps
1. Go surfing on the Web.
Visit some or all of the sites listed at the end of this badge program.
2. Your favorites / bookmarks.
Create a special folder in your favorites / bookmarks to hold the “how to” sites you like for future reference. Feel free to make smaller folders within the main one to help break your areas from general sites to those specific to crafting, cooking, etc.
3. Your choices for “how to” information.
You’ll find podcasts, html pages, video sites, etc. in the sites as you visit them. Explore the sites and find out which ways you feel most comfortable using to learn.
4. Beyond your personal computer.
“How to” resources can be accessed through other means. From a local library’s network to your smart phone, explore other ways you can learn online.
5. What interests you?
Start a document, spreadsheet or database. Note what subjects interest you on the sites you bookmark. As new badges are released, it will help you in locating “where you saw that.”
6. Find more sites that support “how to.”
Try searching for “how to”, “free classes” or anything else you can think of to expand your list of sites. Make sure you make bookmarks / favorites of those sites that you feel will be helpful later.
7. Narrow your search.
Now that you have found general sites, try narrowing you search into fields that interest you. Add these notes to your list started in Step 5.
8. Share your sites.
With your research complete, share any sites you found. Add a comment about what’s on there and why you like it.
9. Keeping what you find.
Sometimes you’ll find something that you want to keep. Printing it all out is costly and storage of printed documents can quickly become overwhelming.
By keeping a digital library of those special articles, podcasts, etc. you can sort them and have them available when you’re putting together a meeting or event. Use Adobe Acrobat (full version) or a free PDF maker like doPDF and “print” your PDFs for reference.
10. Update your list.
Sites frequently change and the information you want may or may not remain. As you visit your “how to” sites, be sure to update your links and tracking document (Step 5).
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Sites to Explore
www.ehow.com
www.wannalearn.com
www.findtutorials.com
www.makeuseof.com
mashable.com
www.youtube.com
www.instructables.com
www.expertvillage.com
www.5min.com
www.wonderhowto.com
www.doityourself.com
www.wikihow.com
www.howstuffworks.com
www.makezine.com
lifehacker.com
howto.wired.com/wiki/Main_Page
about.com
www.creativity-portal.com
www.howtodothings.com
www.howcast.com
www.videojug.com
www.monkeysee.com
www.wonderhowto.com
h30187.www3.hp.com
www.sutree.com
sclipo.com
teachertube.com
oedb.org
www.free-ed.net/free-ed
www.gcflearnfree.org
www.worldwidelearn.com
www.learnfree.com
www.apple.com/education/itunes-u
www.learnoutloud.com
www.tricklife.com
www.viewdo.com
www.dadcando.com
www.scribd.com
www.smashingmagazine.com
Badge: My Education and Experience (revised)
As you move through life, you are always learning. By documenting your education and experience, you can use this information to show that you are willing to improve yourself. You accept change. You embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. When continuing your education, this documentation can help eliminate taking similar classes and provides a basis for further study.
Applying the documentation to work and service environments allows others to evaluate your efforts, which in turn leads to further development and the benefits from doing so.
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Steps
Documentation
1. Thinking about your education and experience.
Before starting documentation, start listing things you’ve already done. It may be difficult at first, but as you start looking through your formal education, continuing education, craft classes, work-related seminars and workshops, you will be amazed at what you have accomplished.
It may be easier to review by organization or chronologically — depending on how you think.
2. No one way to track — physical proof.
For physical proof, there is no one way to track what you have done. At every step, “proof” will help you remember what you did, when you did it and, hopefully, some of the specifics. The following items can be collected for proof or to help you jog your memory in the future.
- Certificate of completion
- Letter of completion or appreciation
- Receipt
- Notes from class
- Handouts
- Photos
- Other proof of participation
3. Another way to track — digital proof.
For digital proof, here’s a few ways you can keep track of your education.
- PDFs / JPGs of any of the items in Step 2
- PDF of any or all of the course materials
- Copies of videos / YouTube
- Copies of podcasts / lectures
4. Keeping a list.
Keeping a list in a document, database or spreadsheet will help you quickly find the education, experience, service or skills you have acquired. In this list, some of the items you may want to track include:
- Class / workshop / skill title
- Date(s) you participated
- Length of time you participated
- Where taken (online URL if no physical location)
- Description
5. Journaling.
Journaling is an excellent way to track your experience. It can provide what you did as well as the circumstances in your life when you did it. This provides more of a reason why you chose to take the classes, workshops or training that you did. Even highlighting only one activity for a class can be enough to trigger the memory.
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Various avenues of education and experience
6. Professional.
Professional experience, education and organizations may be specifically work-related or may be something you are interested in adding to your life. Professional proof can be used to show skills you have, be added to your resume, as documentation on file for your current job to support a promotion or to show your willingness to learn and expand your abilities. To your list, add any training you’ve taken, organizations you’ve joined, etc.
7. Volunteer.
Did you know your volunteering experience can be put on a resume? Many people volunteer to use their skills for a non-profit, gaining experience that they can use to get a job. Your proof can be used as back-up documentation for your organization, for your resume and toward your current job, showing your willingness to learn and, sometimes, to move beyond your comfort zone. To your list, add any required training, experience running events, instructing others, leading, etc.
8. Recreational.
Have a hobby or craft you’re very interested in? Any extra classes you’ve taken or techniques you’ve learned can be added to your list. Also add organizations you’ve chosen to join. You can take enrichment classes from craft stores online or locally. The classes you’ve taken may have been free or paid, it doesn’t matter.
9. Online education.
The world of education is in massive upheaval. Many universities offer lectures from classes for free — MIT, Duke and Stanford are just a few. Add in podcasts from numerous schools and organizations as well. Ed2Go offers classes for under $100 for 2.4 continuing education credits . . . for everything from software to business to improving your life . . . currently over 300 classes. Any that you have taken can be added to your list.
10. Highlighting skills.
If you can’t list specific classes, volunteer roles and recreational activities directly into your list, try highlighting skills you learned while doing these activities. Instead of broadly stating you ran a scout troop for three years, highlight your organizational skills. If you worked sending information to the newspaper, highlight your communication skills. It’s not so much how you learned it, but the skills you gained that you can utilize in other areas of your life.
11. Honors and scholarships.
Any time you have shown personal or professional achievement, you may receive an offer to join an organization, your name may appear in the newspaper, etc. Have you placed your name in the Who’s Who directory? Did you make honor roll in school? What other honors have you received?
12. Organizations and clubs.
Not only can you include the organizations and clubs you have been in, any leadership roles you assumed while you were part can be included. Also, if you were part of special committees or any additional skills you used or cultivated while a member can be included in your list.
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Uses for your education and experience list
13. Resume.
Whether you’re looking for a job or a volunteer position, the information you’ve collected can be used on your resume. Make sure you tailor your resume for the position you are trying to get. If you’re looking for management, leave out craft classes. If you want to be an event coordinator, leave in the experience from the scout troop you ran for three years. Find out how to incorporate your activities into your resume.
14. Work and volunteerism.
If your business supports volunteerism or rewards those who work to improve their performance outside of the job, providing proof of classes, experiences or organizational involvement may help you get your raise or promotion. What other reasons might a business want to know about your self-improvement?
15. Volunteering.
When you’re taking required training for a volunteer organization, do they keep accurate records? Do they provide detailed job descriptions? If your organization awards supplemental learning, your list can be turned in for this purpose. Look into your volunteer organization. What do they offer their volunteers beyond the opportunity to help their organization?
16. Adult enrichment project.
You can use the list to help you earn badges which, in turn, provides more proof of your activities. The adult enrichment project not only provides graphics for creating your own badges, it also provides certificates and web buttons. Make sure you add the work you put into the badges to your list.
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Supplement
SUPP_VolunteerSkills.pdf
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Sites to Explore
www.essortment.com/career/buildingresume_slhh.htm
www.energizeinc.com/art/resumes.html
www.ehow.com/how_2129499_list-volunteer-experience-resume.html
www.suite101.com/content/using-nonprofit-volunteer-experience-in-job-hunt-a140138
merrillassociates.com/topic/2001/03/creating-resume-showcase-volunteer-and-service-experience
www.faqs.org/docs/consumer/resumes.html
www.ed2go.com
www.openculture.com/2006/10/university_podc.html
freevideolectures.com
forum-network.org
www.usnews.com/education/features/carry-your-skills-with-you-for-career-success
www.youreducationguides.com/online/online-education-journal
charityguide.org/volunteer/motivation/resume.htm
Badge: From a Child’s View (revised)
When researching something new, adults are often told to “check out the kid’s section” in the library. By starting with kids’ books, you can learn the terminology and basics in simple language and basic concepts. So, what other places can you find materials to help you start learning “from a child’s view?”
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Steps
1. Check out your house.
Do you have books or kits kids would use to learn something new? Do you have anything you are interested in that you’d like to start exploring? Create a “resources” area in your home, on your computer, etc. Donate items you do not plan to use yourself to youth groups, after school programs, schools, etc.
2. Used good sales.
Check out garage, yard and rummage sales. Do you have a used book store? Does your library recycle books? If you see something you can repurpose for your interests, put it into your physical “resources.”
3. Online kid activity sites.
Online activity sites and teacher lesson sites are a great place to get simple instructions to do things. Try a few of these or find your own.
- www.surfnetkids.com/directory
- www.indianchild.com/interesting_hobbies.htm
- www.familyeducation.com/home
- www.allstaractivities.com
- www.educationworld.com
4. Youth group badges and patches.
Youth groups provide programs from just requirements to full booklets full of material. You can find many items online to start with. You can find listings for some of these groups on AEP’s Yahoo! Group or on Scribd. Check out some of the following:
- www.girlscouts.org
- www.scouting.org
- www.frontiergirls.com/index.html
- www.4-h.org
- www.campfireusa.org
- www.spiralscouts.org
- www.keyclub.org/home.aspx
- www.scouts.ca/dnn
5. Volunteer with an organized group.
By volunteering, you may be able to get free or low-cost training. You’ll also expose yourself to “experts” from those who provide opportunities both within the group and outside from those that support the group.
6. Ask kids.
Go directly to the source. Find out what the kids know about your subject(s). If you’re looking for what’s new, ask the kids what they are learning. Find out where they go for fun! It might shock you to find out that they’re using computers in kindergarten or that at age 7, they are more tech-savvy than you are.
7. Local libraries.
Check out the kid section in your local library. Compare a subject from the kids section and the adult section to see the differences.
8. Keep a contact list.
As you meet experts who deal with children and teach them, keep a list of names and interests. When you begin to work on a subject, this person will be able to help you. If it’s something they are especially interested in, they’ll be happy to share more than just a few quick comments with you.
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Supplements
SUPP_American Heritage Girls_2010.pdf
SUPP_Boy Scouts_Cubs_2010.pdf
SUPP_Boy Scouts_Merit_2010.pdf
SUPP_Frontier Girls_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_11-17_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_Brownies_2010.pdf
SUPP_Girl Scouts_Juniors_2010.pdf
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