Professional development
and Highlights
The power of gamification:
From hopelessness to matriculating with 5 Distinctions
Discovering the Power of Gamification
Growing up, I was often told that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was best reserved for the smart kids. Disheartened, I felt I was not good enough to overcome the challenges faced at school.
In effort to console me, my dad the SASSSA 1981 Chess Champion, told me about his academic struggles and repetition of his Matric year. Highlighting that my goal should be having fun while learning. But something else stood out for me, I didn’t understand how someone as smart as him, would struggle at school but excel in chess and his professional career. I was confused.
He explained that he found schoolwork boring, and he could not focus when trying traditional study methods. They only frustrated him.
However, with chess, seeing the pieces on the chess board helped. He was motivated with every move on the chessboard.
He recalled the excitement of having an opponent and hearing a cheering crowd. Feeling part of something great, part of a community. He encouraged me to see my work as a game and if I could not see the game, I should try to create it.
In desperation, I gave it a try. I tested my own version of snakes and ladders integrated with elements of the periodic table.
In the end, humbled by matriculating with 5 Distinctions and a determination to share the power of gamification.
Gamification Training and Capacity Building
Gamification Training Session at the Young Academics Program UNISA
The Young Academics Program, a flagship developmental initiative by the Human Resource Development (HRD) department of UNISA, recently hosted a dynamic training session on gamification. Held at the vibrant Fire and Ice Menlyn in Pretoria, South Africa, this session aimed to empower young academics with innovative gamification tools.The training, presented by Nathma Samie, focused on integrating game-design elements and principles into educational contexts to enhance engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Participants were introduced to various gamification strategies, including point systems, leaderboards, and interactive challenges, which can be applied to their teaching methodologies.
CPD Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) Academic Staff Training
CPD Training Sessions on Gamification for CHS Academic Staff
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training sessions for the College of Human Sciences (CHS) Academic Staff recently featured an engaging series on gamification. These sessions, presented by Nathma Samie, were designed to equip academic staff with cutting-edge gamification tools and techniques to enhance their teaching practices.Key highlights of the training included:
Pedagogies Covered:
The sessions delved into various pedagogical approaches, such as active learning, experiential learning, and collaborative learning, all enhanced through gamification. Participants explored how to incorporate game mechanics like point systems, badges, and leaderboards to foster a more interactive and motivating learning environment.
Progression in Higher Education Institutions (HEI):
The training emphasized the role of gamification in advancing educational practices within HEIs. It highlighted how gamified learning can improve student engagement, retention, and overall academic performance, thereby contributing to the progression and innovation in higher education.
Practical Applications:
Attendees were provided with practical examples and case studies demonstrating successful gamification strategies in various educational settings. They also participated in hands-on activities to design their own gamified learning experiences.
Gamification Keynote Speaker at Open distance E-Learning and Higher Educational Institutions
Keynote Speech and Presentation:
“Level Up! Unleashing Student Potential Through Gamification in ODeL and Higher Education”
Keynote speaker, Ms. Nathma Samie presented “Level Up! Unleashing Student Potential Through Gamification in ODeL and Higher Education”.
The engaging session hosted by myModules Moodle Café UNISA, highlighted her groundbreaking research in the field of gamification, providing valuable insights into creating more engaging and equitable learning environments.Ms. Samie discussed innovative ways to engage students and enhance their learning journey through gamification techniques. She demonstrated how integrating game-design elements into educational contexts can significantly boost student motivation and participation.
The session included interactive discussions on the future of gamification in education. Participants engaged with Ms. Samie and each other to explore how gamification can be further leveraged to create more dynamic and effective learning environments.
Ms. Samie’s session left attendees with a deeper understanding of how these innovative strategies can unlock student potential, particularly in Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) and higher education institutions.
gamification to improve engagement and interactivity presentations and training
Online Workshop: Foundational Skills in Online Presentation and Engaged Participation
The ADOVH (Academic Development and Open Virtual Hub) at UNISA conducted a comprehensive online workshop titled “Foundational Skills in Online Participation: Introducing Gamification to Increase Online Participation”.
This session focused on enhancing online engagement in Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) and advancing technology in education.
Ms. Nathma Samie was one of the trainers, her focus was the pivotal role gamification played in increasing student engagement. Her presentation introduced several key elements and techniques of gamification, including, Game-Design Elements and practical Applications.
Ms. Samie also highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) can support gamification efforts. AI can personalize learning experiences by adapting game elements to individual student needs, providing tailored feedback, and analyzing engagement data to continuously improve the learning process.
By the end of the workshop, academics were equipped insight into how innovative tools and strategies like gamification and AI into their online courses, thereby increasing student engagement and participation.
Showcasing of Serious games created at international conferences
Showcasing of DataMatriX: The Data Mastery Quest at the International Teaching and Learning Conference in South Africa 2024
“DataMatriX:The Data Mastery Quest” is an innovative educational game aimed at enhancing data literacy among undergraduate and postgraduate students. This game is designed to equip students with essential data skills crucial for their academic success in higher education institutions (HEIs).
Alignment with SDGs:
“DataMatriX” is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
By integrating these goals, the game not only promotes educational excellence but also encourages innovation and infrastructure development.
serious games for improved Climate literacy and education in the global south
Educational Games Climate Change and Conservation
"Cebeesa the Honeybee Explores the Cape Floral Kingdom" is a delightful educational game aimed at primary school students, designed to instill a sense of environmental conservation and agency. Players will join Cebeesa, a curious honeybee, on an engaging journey through South Africa’s rich Cape Floral Kingdom, discovering the importance of local and indigenous flora and fauna. Through interactive challenges and storytelling, the game fosters stewardship and encourages young learners to appreciate and protect their natural heritage. By inspiring a love for the environment, "Cebeesa" empowers the next generation to become proactive advocates for conservation in their communities.
Gamification of Climate Communication in the health care sector
Gamification in Climate Communication Education
"Climate Chronicles of Health Care Heroes" is an innovative educational game designed to equip healthcare workers, particularly nursing faculty, with essential skills for communicating effectively with stakeholders about climate change. Through engaging gameplay, players will explore strategies to empower the communities they serve, fostering awareness and action towards sustainability. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this gamified experience emphasizes the critical role healthcare professionals play in addressing environmental challenges. By merging education and interactive elements, the game aims to inspire a new generation of health care heroes committed to promoting climate-conscious practices in their communities.
Digital Resilience Advocacy in marginalized communities
Digital Resilience Advocacy and Research through Community Engagement
Nathma Samie embarked on an impactful tour across the Eastern Cape and Western Cape with the ADOVH to conduct focus group sessions on digital resilience. This initiative aimed to understand the unique needs of marginalized communities in the digital world.
Through these sessions, Ms. Samie engaged directly with community members, gathering valuable insights into their challenges and aspirations regarding digital inclusion. The focus was on identifying barriers to digital access and literacy and exploring ways to enhance digital resilience among these communities.
Her research and advocacy efforts are crucial in shaping strategies that ensure equitable access to digital resources, ultimately empowering marginalized groups to thrive in an increasingly digital society. This tour underscores the importance of community engagement in addressing digital disparities and fostering inclusive growth.
