A trivia question is, in itself, a game. Trivia questions engage our brains to find existing knowledge (search for what we already know), and the play of trivia games encourages us to explore what we don’t know (learn something new). So, what could be more fun than learning something new through a trivia game at OLC?
Not So Trivial Pursuit of Knowledge will involve groups of participants in the exploration of “not so trivial” information related to teaching and learning effectiveness in online and blended learning contexts. Questions will be designed to stimulate conversation around key concepts and topics, and model a scaffolded learning experience that participants can take back and implement in their own environments.
Not So Trivial Pursuit of Knowledge!
A trivia question is, in itself, a game. Trivia questions engage our brains to find existing knowledge (search for what we already know), and the play of trivia games encourages us to explore what we don’t know (learn something new).
Ralph Koster, author of A Theory of Fun posits that “Fun from games arises out of mastery. It arises out of comprehension. It is the act of solving puzzles that makes games fun.”
So, what could be more fun than learning something new through a massive trivia game at OLC?
Not So Trivial Pursuit of Knowledge will involve groups of participants in the exploration of “not so trivial” information related to teaching and learning effectiveness in online and blended learning contexts. Questions will be designed to stimulate conversation around key concepts and topics, and model a scaffolded learning experience that participants can take back and implement in their own environments.
Game Play
- Number of Rounds: 2 rounds
- Duration of Each Round: 12 minutes
- Number of Questions per Round: 8 questions
A topic will be introduced at the beginning of the round, and include a two-minute lightning shout-out of related effective practices offered by a panel of invited speakers selected through a call for participation via OLC social media channels.
During each round of play, each question will be read twice. In support of accessibility, participants will also be provided with a sheet of written questions.
After the second reading of the question, participants will have 45 seconds to print their answers. Team members will have the opportunity to fill in answers as the game progresses.
At the end of each round, teams will have one minute to finish the answer sheet before the sheets are collected by facilitators and turned into the scoring table. One point will be awarded for each correct answer and results will be posted within 5 minutes of the end of the session.
When both rounds are completed, and before the answers are revealed, participants will be asked to share their biggest challenges with the Not So Trivial Pursuit of Knowledge questions.
Game Setup
The game will be played in teams of 10 players, so the room needs to be set to accommodate this – such as with hi-top tables or small rounds with chairs. The panel of invited speakers can stand or sit up front along with the game facilitators.
- Establish at team of 10 players.
- Determine a team name.
- Write team name, table number, and round number on the answer sheet provided.
- Assign a team member to record answers on the answer sheet.
- Assign a team member to turn the answer sheet in at the end of each round.
Rules of the Game
The rules will be posted on each table, as well as posted in the room. Key to fair game play is limited use of devices. Exceptions can be made for accessibility purposes as needed.
- Players may not change teams mid-play.
- The answer to each question needs to be written down on the answer sheet provided.
- Correct spelling on the answer sheets is not required; however, answers must be recognizable.
- Each question has only one correct answer. Submitting more than one answer or general descriptions will be scored as incorrect.
- Answer sheets must be turned in during the time allowed at the end of each round.
- Answer changes are not allowed once answer sheets have been turned in.
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited for use during game play.
- Correct answers will be announced at the end of each round.
- Disputed answers will be addressed after all game play.
- The game facilitator will have the final say on any disputed answers.
- In the event of a tie, a tie-breaker question between all tied teams will be used to determine the winner.
The Questions
Trivia questions will be created in two ways:
- We will review the preliminary program for session topics and explore related themes, then write trivia questions that tie into those themes.
- Additional trivia questions will be crowdsourced from the OLC Conference volunteer team.
Winning Team
The facilitation team will provide the three top scoring teams with prizes. An additional prize will be provided to the lowest scoring team. All participants will be able to claim a digital badge for playing the game.
Options
This session can be tailored for any or all tracks, and be run for longer than 45 minutes. It can also be offered more than once throughout the conference.