The Experiential Learning: Gamification, Play & More Spotlight Community brings together educators interested in creating active, joyful, and meaningful learning experiences. Explore gamification, game-based learning, esports, competitions, projects, simulations, and other approaches that invite students to collaborate, solve problems, take meaningful risks, and learn by doing.

A member of the IDEA community since 2018, Alex T. Valencic brings extensive experience as an educator and school leader. Throughout his career, he has served as a fourth-grade teacher, instructional technology specialist, curriculum coordinator, professional learning coordinator, and school administrator.

Beyond education, Alex is a former small business owner, Boy Scout, volunteer drug-prevention specialist, unrepentant bibliophile, tabletop gaming enthusiast, and self-described geek of all things. He and his wife live in Freeport, Illinois, with their double-rescue beagle, Shiloh.