Game-Based Learning Is Not Gamification: A Conversation With Jacquie Gardy & Dan Ryder
Episode description
Game-based learning and gamification are not the same thing, and in this episode, Lindy is setting the record straight with not one but TWO guests. Dan Ryder and Jacquie Gardy join the show to break down what game-based learning actually is, why it works at every grade level and in every subject, and how teachers can start small without overhauling everything they do.
From redesigning Candy Land to building card games that tackle real-world issues like domestic violence awareness to vibe coding interactive game experiences, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and real classroom examples that will make you want to hit the ground running.
Learning should be fun. Games make it happen. Let's go.
Resources:
Tabletop Thinking and Learning: A Game-Based ISTE Playground, Wednesday, July 1: https://conference.iste.org/2026/program/search/detail_session.php?id=118451011#session_118451011
ISTE26 Board Game Meetup, Sunday evening: https://sites.google.com/view/iste26bgm/home
Connect with Jacquie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiegardy/
Connect with Dan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danryder207/,