Classcraft Overview
Classcraft is a dynamic and immersive educational platform designed to revolutionize classroom engagement and instruction, particularly for K-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and math education. Developed in collaboration with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), Classcraft integrates gamification, collaborative learning, and robust classroom management tools to enhance student participation and teacher efficiency.
What Classcraft Does
Classcraft transforms the traditional classroom experience by blending effective ELA and math content with research-backed lesson plans. It aims to reduce teacher preparation time while significantly boosting student engagement and collaboration. The platform operates as a layer on top of existing classroom lessons and activities, making it easy to integrate into current educational frameworks.
Key Features and Functionality
Gamified Learning
Classcraft uses a gamified approach where students create avatars (Warrior, Mage, or Healer) and participate in quests, adventures, and boss battles. This gamification encourages students to complete assignments, work collaboratively, and engage in various learning activities to earn experience points (XP), health points (HP), and ability points (AP).
Behavior Tracking and Rewards
The platform employs a rewards and punishment system, allowing teachers to award virtual rewards for positive behavior, such as turning in work on time or participating in class discussions. Conversely, points can be deducted for inappropriate behavior, helping to guide students in a positive direction.
Customizable Avatars and Teams
Students can customize their avatars, purchase armor, and even acquire pets as they level up. Teams can be formed to foster collaboration, leveraging each student’s unique powers and strengths to complete tasks more efficiently.
Integrated Curriculum Planning
Classcraft offers ready-made, standards-aligned ELA and math lessons drawn from HMH’s best-in-class solutions, such as Into Math and HMH Into Reading. Teachers can adjust these lessons to meet their specific needs, ensuring alignment with instructional goals.
Classroom Orchestration
The platform provides a powerful three-screen experience, allowing teachers to control what the entire class and individual students see on their devices. This feature helps in managing the flow of lessons, assignments, discussions, and assessments effectively.
Interactive Instruction and Engagement Tools
Classcraft includes robust tools, some powered by GenAI, to make learning interactive and immersive. Features such as Turn and Talk, Polls, and Words to Learn enable teachers to implement efficacious instructional strategies. The platform also supports embedding other edtech tools like Flipgrid, Quizziz, Kahoot, and Quizlet flashcards into quests.
Real-Time Insights Dashboard
The platform aggregates and displays real-time insights on student performance and readiness, enabling teachers to quickly adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual students or entire classrooms.
Parent and Teacher Tools
Classcraft includes a parent portal and a teacher dashboard, allowing both parents and teachers to monitor student progress. The platform also features tools like attendance tracking, homework management, and communication tools to streamline classroom management.
Integration with Other Platforms
Classcraft integrates seamlessly with existing educational systems such as Clever, ClassLink, Canvas, and Google Classroom, making it easy for students and staff to navigate.
In summary, Classcraft is a comprehensive educational tool that combines engaging gamification, collaborative learning, and advanced classroom management features to enhance student engagement and teacher efficiency, ultimately transforming the K-8 ELA and math classroom experience.