In this episode of The Gamified Classroom, I speak with game designer Joe Barron about the untapped potential of games in education. We discuss how his games, while not explicitly designed for the classroom, can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Welcome to The Gamified Classroom, where we dive into the innovative world of gamification in education. In this episode, join our host, Lisa Chervich, as she engages with Federico Chialvo, the visionary behind Joyful Mathematics. Discover how Federico's journey of personal challenges and inspirations led to the creation of games designed to make learning math an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Federico shares his background as an immigrant from Argentina struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, and how games like 'Number Munchers' sparked his enduring passion for mathematics. Learn about his creative process in developing educational games that aim to change the way people perceive and learn mathematics, focusing on creating joyful and memorable learning experiences.

Explore the story behind his flagship product 'Multi', a game that turns the anxiety of learning multiplication into a fun challenge, and how he successfully launched it with a Kickstarter campaign. Federico also discusses the balancing act of running Joyful Mathematics alongside a bustling family life, and his strategies to grow the business amidst various hurdles.

This episode offers insights into the transformative power of play in education and emphasizes the importance of creating engaging educational tools to foster a positive learning environment. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation might shift your perspective on mathematics education.