Discover the power of game-based learning through dynamic expert sessions and innovative case studies—unleashing the potential of gamification to transform student engagement and spark critical thinking skills in today's digital classroom.
Forget boring worksheets — this session dives into how gamification transforms passive learning into high-powered engagement. From classroom quests to behavior-based reward systems, discover how game elements like leaderboards, missions, and avatars motivate students to take ownership of their progress. Whether you’re a curious beginner or ready to boss-level your lesson plans, we’ll explore frameworks that fuel mastery, creativity, and joy in learning. It’s time to play your way to deeper student outcomes. Join this session to:
Understand core mechanics of gamification (points, badges, levels, challenges)
Identify ways to apply game design principles to different subjects
Explore how gamification supports intrinsic motivation and collaboration
Speakers:
Abeda Natha
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Senior Director of Digital Learning - Gems Education
Categories:
Gaming and Gamification in Education
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How to Bring Engagement, Equity, and Energy Into Every Lesson
Session Summary:
This presentation explores how gamification can transform classrooms into spaces of engagement, equity, and energy. By blending storytelling, choice, challenges, and rewards, educators can make learning both rigorous and joyful. It highlights successful gamified curriculum models across subjects, from math quests to history simulations, aligned seamlessly with academic standards. Both digital platforms like Classcraft and Kahoot and low-tech strategies such as point charts and role cards are showcased. Through an interactive activity, participants experience gamification firsthand. The session concludes with a clear vision: gamification is not about chaos—it is about empowering every learner to thrive with purpose and passion.
Speakers:
Dr S Reshma
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Director - Principal - Regent's Gulf Indian High School Dubai
Categories:
Gaming and Gamification in Education
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Points, Power-Ups & Progress Bars: What Makes Students Keep Playing (and Learning)
Session Summary:
Why do students go all in for classroom quests but zone out during tests? This session reveals the magic behind game mechanics that light up motivation — from progress bars to power-ups, leaderboards to unlocking new levels. We'll break down how these core features drive effort, focus, and emotional connection to learning. Expect to leave with a toolkit of mechanics you can apply to any subject and any age group. Warning: may cause unexpected bursts of joy in your lesson plans. Join this session to:
Identify foundational game mechanics that enhance motivation
Understand the psychology behind reward systems and player progression
Explore classroom applications for mechanics like leveling up, badges, and time limits
Compare extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation in gamified learning environments
Speakers:
Dr Neveen Abdelaziz
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Associate Professor and Programme Director - University of Birmingham Dubai
Gamified learning isn’t just fun — it’s neuroscience in action. This session pulls back the curtain on why students lean into quests and scoreboards but tune out of textbooks. This session unpacks how game mechanics stimulate motivation, flow, and emotional investment by tapping into core psychological drivers like autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Join this session to:
Understand psychological theories behind engagement in game-based environments
Identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivators within gamified learning systems
Evaluate the balance between challenge, autonomy, and reward to sustain engagement
Speakers:
Dr Ghadah Al Murshidi
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Associate Professor - Curriculum and Instruction Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University
This session will explore how game-based learning can elevate student motivation, foster collaboration, and cultivate a growth mindset. Join this session to:
Discover how gamified tools can transform passive learning into active, inquiry-driven experiences.
Learn to design hands-on challenges and case-based investigations that boost student motivation, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Explore smart reward systems and classroom management strategies that reinforce a growth mindset and sustain learner engagement.
Speakers:
Qurat ul Ain Naeem
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Mathematics Teacher - Al Reef Charter School Al Ain Abu Dhabi
Categories:
Gaming and Gamification in Education
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Step Into the Future: How AR, VR & AI Are Rewiring Learning
Session Summary:
Move over textbooks — immersive tech is changing the game. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI are creating dynamic, multisensory experiences that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. From virtual labs to historical simulations and AI-powered tutors, the evolution is turning classrooms into connected universes. Join this session to:
Define immersive technologies and their educational potential
Understand how immersive tech enhances cognitive retention and empathy
Evaluate implementation models for various budgets and infrastructures
Speakers:
Dr. Georges Kachaamy
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Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) and Professor of Architecture - American University in Dubai (AUD)
Categories:
AI and EdTech
Gaming and Gamification in Education
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Evolving Education: Learners, Facilitators and Resources
Session Summary:
Education is continuously transforming as technology, AI, and innovative teaching methods reshape the connection between learners, facilitators, and learning resources. This session explores how each of these elements evolves to create more engaging, adaptive, and effective learning environments. This session will focus on:
The evolving roles of learners, facilitators, and resources in modern education
How technology and innovation enhance engagement and creativity across disciplines
Practical recommendation for facilitators and institutes about challenges in building dynamic, learner-centered system
The New Literacy: Video Games Beyond Entertainment
Session Summary:
In a world shaped by screens, streams, and simulations, video games have emerged as more than a pastime, they are a powerful language of the 21st century. From interactive storytelling to immersive simulations, games are shaping how we learn, collaborate, and imagine futures. This session redefines what it means to be “literate” today, exploring how fluency in video game environments empowers students with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that go far beyond play. Join this session to:
Understand how video games function as cultural texts and learning ecosystems
Explore the applications of game-based learning in fostering creativity, collaboration, and resilience
Recognize the value of game design principles as a literacy that bridges entertainment, education, and innovation
Learn strategies to apply gaming elements in designing educational environments
Speakers:
Iyad Alsabouni
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Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development - American University in Dubai
Categories:
Gaming and Gamification in Education
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Grades & Games: Turning Assessment into Achievement Adventures
Session Summary:
Who says assessment has to feel like a final boss fight? This session explores how gamified tracking — like badges, progress bars, and unlockable challenges — transforms traditional evaluation into meaningful motivation. Learn how educators are designing systems that celebrate growth, not just grades. Whether you're building quests for mastery or avatars for effort, it’s time to assess learning with joy and creativity. Join this session to:
Identify gamified assessment techniques and its advantages over traditional formats
Explore strategies for designing achievement systems tied to learning goals
Learn how gamified feedback boosts self-efficacy and student agency
Speakers:
Ruth E Manlandro
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Innovation and Technology Coach - GEMS International School Al Khail
