Ms. Kimberly M. Tolson

My curriculum is inspired by games, which means that I use Games-Based Learning in my classes to teach English, film, and literature to my college students. Games offer so many wonderful soft and hard skills that students eagerly want to practice, and I've found that introducing games with learning outcomes that align with course curriculum keeps everyone engaged and excited about the learning process.

Currently, I'm exploring in how I can connect Game Theory and Gamification at the college level to reach my students, particularly in this remote/Zoom-filled era.

My favorite book changes all the time, but a good one is John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. I'm also quite a fan of Dan Simmons and The Terror is brilliant. Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary made me laugh, cry, and love. Can't beat a buddy story. And lastly, my all-time favorite character is SecUnit, aka Murderbot, from The Murderbot Diaries written by Martha Wells.

I watch a ton of movies and television shows, but some that rise to the surface are Fargo (movie and t.v. series), Raised by Wolves, Midsommar, The Lighthouse, Hereditary, Burning, Mad Max: Fury Road, Grand Budapest Hotel, Drive, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Baroness von Sketch Show, American Ninja Warrior, The Trip, The Guest, The Great British Baking Show, Midnight Mass, The Green Knight, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Ted Lasso, South Side, and Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, Documentary Now!, Severance, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Beau Is Afraid, Slow Horses, The Uncanny Counter, War.

If you want to bring me snacks, I love salt & vinegar chips, coffee (no cream or sugar), dark chocolate (dairy-free), and hummus with pita bread.