This post builds on the gamification framework I outlined earlier, which you can read here: The Quest Log: Gaming for Learning & Fun: Why Circuit Breaker Is the Best Candidate for Gamification: An Opinion Piece

The following lesson plan gamifies the procedural troubleshooting skills taught in Circuit Breaker. Instead of playing a full digital game, learners complete a structured, game-inspired lesson designed to improve engagement, confidence, and retention.

Lesson Title & Context

Circuit Breaker: Safe Troubleshooting for Media Lab Equipment
Instructional setting: Intro-level Digital Media or Technology Literacy course.
Format: 45–60 minute class session with optional homework extension.

Target Audience

High school seniors, undergraduate freshmen, or new student workers in a media lab
Mixed gaming backgrounds
Reading level: 10th grade
Common needs: increased confidence, step-by-step clarity, risk-free practice

Learning Objective (Mager Format)

Given a set of malfunctioning equipment scenarios (C),
students will identify and apply the correct electrical troubleshooting steps (B)
to restore power safely (A)
with 90% procedural accuracy on the final checklist (D).

This is a procedural, higher-order objective (apply, analyze).

Problem Definition

Many learners entering media labs lack confidence in diagnosing basic equipment issues. They often skip safety steps, over-generalize solutions, or avoid troubleshooting altogether. This lesson teaches safe and correct procedures while maintaining motivation and reducing fear of “breaking something.”

Gamified Elements Selected

Points / XP: Earned for completing steps correctly
Badges: “Safety Scout,” “Power Pro,” “Master Troubleshooter”
Progress Bar: Represents successful completion of each diagnostic step
Quests: Each malfunction scenario is framed as a mini-mission
Unlockables: Access to advanced scenarios after completing basics
Narrative framing: “The lab is offline. Restore power before the big presentation.”

These elements increase autonomy, competence, and purposeful engagement—core drivers in self-determination theory (Ede, 2021).

Instructional Flow

1. Intro (Engage)

Instructor presents a short narrative prompt:
“The media lab has lost power in several stations. Your mission: safely restore functionality before students arrive.”
Students pick an avatar badge for role-play (Technician, Assistant, Analyst).

2. Main Activity (Quest Structure)

Students rotate through three equipment failure stations, each treated like a quest:

Quest Example: “The Flickering Monitor”

Step 1: Inspect power strip
Step 2: Check cable integrity
Step 3: Verify breaker / outlet
Step 4: Reset or replace safely

Gamification Components

XP for each correct step
Visual progress bar moves forward
Small “loot drops” = tool cards (e.g., multimeter, zip ties)
Badge awarded after completing all 3 stations

3. Closure

Instructor leads a reflection circle:

What step was most surprising?
What mistake helped you learn?
How confident do you feel now?

Materials & Resources

Printed quest cards
Tool cards
Badge templates
Equipment or mock stations
XP tracking sheet or Google Form system

Assessment / Evidence of Learning

Final troubleshooting checklist (90% accuracy requirement)
Observed procedural correctness during each quest
Ability to explain “why” each step matters
Optional mini-quiz or debrief reflection

Motivation & Engagement Strategy

Gamification elements serve specific needs:

Learner Need	Gamification Element	Purpose
Clarity	Progress bar	Reduces uncertainty
Confidence	XP + badges	Reinforces competence
Autonomy	Tool unlocks	Allows choice in approach
Engagement	Narrative quests	Gives purpose and stakes

Accessibility & Inclusivity Notes

No time pressure mechanics
Badges available for effort as well as accuracy
Narratives are descriptive, not sensory-overwhelming
Text alternatives for visuals
Pair work allowed for students with mobility needs

Reflection / Debrief Plan

Students complete a short learning log:

What steps did you master today?
What will you apply in a real lab setting?
Which quest felt most rewarding and why?

The instructor then closes with a discussion connecting the gamified lesson to future responsibilities in media production environments.

Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning Reflection

This design process felt very different from creating my game prototype. Circuit Breaker the game focuses on immersive problem-solving in a simulated environment. The gamified lesson, by contrast, does not attempt to replicate gameplay—it adds structure, motivation, and progress markers to an existing instructional task. Instead of designing mechanics, I designed reinforcement systems, which was a surprisingly meaningful shift. Gamification turned a procedural lesson into something more narrative, motivational, and measurable without becoming a full game.

Gamifying “Circuit Breaker”: A Lesson Plan That Turns Safety Into a Challenge