Play and Learn: Building Emotional Capacity by Integrating Gamification

Play and Learn: Building Emotional Capacity by Integrating Gamification

Federico Gomez-Uroz Horst

Instructional Consultant, Teaching and Learning Center at the

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Join Federico Gomez-Uroz Horst for an interactive webinar exploring the Universal Design for Learning Guideline, Emotional Capacity (9). This session explores how gamification can enhance emotional capacity by aligning with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guideline 9: Design Options for Emotional Capacity. Participants will learn how gamified activities can: (1) recognize and address learner expectations, beliefs, and motivations (9.1); (2) foster self-awareness and empathy by developing awareness of self and others (9.2); and (3) promote individual and collective reflection to deepen understanding and build connections (9.3). Through examples and discussions, attendees will discover how thoughtfully integrating game elements like role-play, narrative challenges, and collaborative scenarios can strengthen emotional engagement while meeting learning objectives. This session will provide actionable strategies and examples for integrating gamification into higher education classrooms. Attendees will leave with insights into fostering emotional growth through playful, inclusive learning environments that support student success and well-being. They will also gain access to customizable templates for gamified activities and a toolkit for mapping gamification elements to course objectives, including a one-page design document to help them drive their integration of gamification strategies and elements.

Presenter Bio:

Federico Gomez-Uroz Horst is an instructional designer specializing in higher education. His background is in Psychology, Language Learning, and Instructional Design. With expertise in course design and development, experiential learning, and gamification, Federico focuses on creating inclusive, accessible learning experiences.

Visit the 9 in 9 Padlet for a full listing of webinars.

This webinar is recommended for faculty, instructional designers, librarians, tutors, academic advisors, and other personnel.

The 9-in-9 Overtime: 3.0 UDL Insights Webinar Series is sponsored by the Goodwin University Institute for Learning Innovation and the Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence.