TABLE2: No More Chocolate Covered Broccoli: Authentic Play in Artificial Age

Let’s face it—in this age of overwhelming artificiality, our students can spot “fake fun” from a mile away. If your idea of gamification is just slapping points on a worksheet or turning a quiz into Jeopardy, it might be time to rethink your approach. This session is a wake-up call for educators who want to ditch those shallow gimmicks and embrace the real power of play. In this session, we'll unpack the difference between game-based learning and true gamification, and show you how to design experiences that are both deeply engaging and academically rigorous. Drawing from classroom-tested strategies and backed by serious brain science, this session reveals how purposeful play can build autonomy, increase motivation, and drive lasting learning outcomes. You’ll walk away with concrete examples, ready-to-use templates, and a clear understanding of how to align game mechanics with your instructional goals. It’s not about candy-coating content—it’s about creating meaningful learning environments where students want to show up and level up every day. This isn’t play for play’s sake. It’s play with purpose—and your classroom will never be the same.