We're All in this Together
Collaboration & support reduces stress
The hard work of Anne Emberline, Binal Khakharia and myself resulted in a prototype of a digital mindfulness game in July 2020.
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Learning theories recognized
The constructionism techniques included produce an overall immersive experience that embeds mindfulness values in various aspects.
The prototype is the first level
The first level prototype allows the participant to complete their mindfulness practice and to escape from the stress of their day. An additional extension for this activity provides students with an opportunity to create the next level of the game by incorporating mindfulness techniques into Kitty's life. The game design can be applied to other curricular outcomes. The integration of mindfulness in a digital game removes the stigmas of a plug-and-play, outcome-focused educational game.
The game is mobile-first
To better demonstrate the concept, I have included the link to the game prototype adapted for a mobile experience. After reading the game premise, I encourage you to click and play it on your mobile device. Please hold your phone in landscape mode before you click.
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How do we assess engagement and mindful learning through digital gameplay?
The idea is twofold.
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First, to play the game as a recovery from the workday or before a stressful assessment.
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The interlude with the mindfulness cloud is representative of taking some throughout the day to calm the nervous system and breathe deeply.
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The game will provide opportunities for collaboration when students design and construct the next level of the mindfulness game, thereby increasing their digital literacy and participating in their mindfulness cloud.​
Game Premise:
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Kitty is an anxious cat who has big dreams but struggles to keep their emotional state calm enough to achieve the things they want in life. Kitty must learn to recognize anxiety triggers and use mindfulness techniques to calm down before panic sends them running for the door.
To play Calm Down, Kitty click here
Two Instances of Mindfulness Applications
Mindfulness Cloud
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The only way to reduce Kitty’s stress points during a level is to send Kitty to the Mindfulness Cloud, where players are encouraged to take four deep breaths along with Kitty. Players will see Kitty surrounded by a glowing cloud that guides the pace of four deep breaths before going back to regular gameplay. Visiting the Mindfulness Cloud reduces stress points by 30 stress points.
Wellness Technique Library
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Once Kitty completes a level, the mini-game challenges that they won will become available outside of the game in a Wellness Technique Library that players can access anytime. Mini-games are unlocked and added to the library as players progress through the game.
Mindfulness Game Storyboard
