From Idea to Educational Game: Lessons from the Linear Algebra Card Game

Short Description: How do you turn an educational idea into a game that actually works in the classroom? In this hands-on workshop, we share lessons learned from developing, playtesting, and implementing our Linear Algebra Card Game. Participants explore how we translated learning challenges into game mechanics, what worked, what did not, and how the game evolved through repeated iterations. Building on these experiences, participants work in small groups to develop a first rough game concept for their own teaching. The emphasis is practical and exploratory: participants leave with concrete lessons, design questions, and a tangible first prototype.

Practical Information:

• Duration: 2-4 hours; flexible and adaptable to the host institution
• Target audience: University and higher-education teachers interesting in exploring educational games in their teaching
• Format: Interactive workshop combining examples from the LACG, lessons learned, guided design exercises, prototyping, and peer discussion.
• Disciplines: Applicable across disciplines, with particular relevance for STEM and concept-dense courses.
• Prior experience: No game-design experience required.
• Outcome: Participants develop a first rough concept or prototype for an educational game in their own course.

Contact Person: Martijn Boussé (email: m.bousse@maastrichtuniversity.nl)