Helsinki instructions
Seppo is an intuitive easy-to-use tool for gamifying and moving your teaching outside the classroom. You will learn to use Seppo very fast, but there is also plenty of support.
Signing in
Sign into Seppo as an instructor:
1) In Kasko 365 Microsoft-environment, by clicking on the Seppo icon, which you will find on your O365 startpage's waffle selection under "All applications".
2) With your edu.hel.fi credentials at: play.seppo.io - click on the Google icon
Your first game
1) Search an interesting game from Seppo game library and download it for your inspiration. You can either play it with your class directly, or first modify it to your needs.
2) Make a game with the guided game creation option
3) Start creating a game bravely from scratch
Tip: Get together with your colleagues to brainstorm ideas for games!
TIPS FOR GAMES
1. Game name
Choose an innovative and interesting name that describes the nature of your game.
2. Story and rules
What is your game about? Come up with an interesting background story that allows players to dive right in and take different roles. We have two default stories that you can use, but best results are achieved with your own story.
Rules are the ideal place to explain the purpose and flow of the game. Also, remember that anything that isn’t specifically forbidden, is allowed. For example, if there is a form of transportation the players aren’t supposed to use, mention it in the rules.
Watch a video, on how to set story and rules.
3. Game board
In seppo exercises are placed on either a live map or up to three static images. The live map enables GPS tracking - the players can see their location and the game instructor can follow the players movement on the map. The static map images can be e.g. floor plans, photos or maps drawn by the players.
The game can include up to three levels that may have different game boards. Using levels adds excitement and make advancing in the game even more fun.
Watch a video or read more about setting a game board.
4. Exercises
In a live map game it is important that the exercises are somehow connected to the location. For example, the task can be to identify a nearby tree or to measure the area of a market square. An authentic environment is great for applying learned information and using all senses in answers. You can provide background material by attaching links, images and videos to your exercise. Be sure to write your exercises in a clear manner, so that the players understand what they are expected to do.
There are five types of exercises:
- Creative (with multimedia answers enabled)
- Multiple choice
- Checkbox
- Missing word
- Match pairs
All of these can also be used as a flash exercise, a surprise task that the instructor can activate to add excitement to the game. You can also enliven the exercises with additional settings, such as time pressure.
Watch a video on how to create an exercise. And read more about exercise types.
START PLAYING!
You will find player login information (PIN code) in the ‘add participants’ section. The players will sing into the game at: play.seppo.io --> sign in as player. Give the PIN code to the players. You can also assign player teams by giving each team a name and password. You can also add more instructors to your game. (Note that they must have a valid seppo licence. Invite your colleagues with the edu.hel.fi email.)
Start the game by pressing the ‘play’ button on the top right.
Watch a video about starting the game and adding players.
Sharing your game to the game library
When you share your game, please add ‘Helsinki’ as a keyword (you can do this in the game settings). That way your colleagues can easily find it.
Grading exercises
You can give points and write feedback to the players. If you are not satisfied with the answer, you can ask for a revised answer. You can also close exercises.
Watch a video about grading answers
Communication during the game
Instructors can send private messages to the teams or use Shoutbox to notify everybody at once.
Ending the game
The game can end in various ways. It’s up to the game creator. E.g. mark the ending with a last exercise, tell everyone on Shoutbox or use a Flash exercise to summon all teams. You can close the game from the same start/stop button.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Your dedicated Helsinki city tutor teacher is there to guide you in using seppo. You turn to him/her in matters related to making Seppo games and game pedagogy.
For more in-depth support in game making and how to use seppo check Seppo Manual articles. See Device Instructions (pdf) to read about necessary device settings.
If you want to learn more about game pedagogy in digital environments, see our useful guide -
Mastering game based learning with Seppo (pdf) (useful especially for beginners).
If you encounter any problems, please first see the Frequently Asked Questions on the Manual. If you don’t find an answer there, you may contact our support chat (you must be logged in Seppo. Chat is in the upper right corner.)
FURTHER INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK
Product owner: Juha Ollila, juha.ollila /a hel.fi, 040 6628 430
Project manager: Karri Mehtälä, karri.mehtala /a hel.fi, 040 1841 515