Building Connections through Digital Equity BINGO: A Game for Learning and Networking
Innovative tools are a great way to foster learning and build strong networks. Recently, we had the opportunity to create a unique Digital Equity BINGO game for the Baltimore City Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE), a division of the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT). The game was designed to help grantees explore the diverse landscape of digital equity while creating meaningful connections with each other.
A colorful BINGO board displaying multiple questions about different aspects of digital equity.
The Digital Equity BINGO Experience
With 26 Digital Equity Fund grantees spread across the city, each funded for distinct and impactful projects, we wanted to create a fun and engaging way for them to get to know one another. The goal was to encourage interaction, foster collaboration, and build a strong, interconnected community. Here’s how the game worked:
Exploring Digital Equity
The BINGO card featured a variety of prompts related to digital equity, ranging from recommending resources and advocating for inclusive tech policies to participating in digital literacy workshops and contributing to open-source projects. Each square represented an aspect of the digital equity landscape, encouraging grantees to share their experiences, knowledge, and insights.
Building Relationships
As grantees moved around the room, they connected with peers to find individuals who matched the prompts on their BINGO cards. This process of seeking out and engaging with others helped to break the ice, facilitating conversations about their work, challenges, and successes. Through these interactions, grantees discovered common goals and opportunities for collaboration, strengthening their collective efforts toward digital equity.
The Role of Gamification
Gamification, the application of game-design elements in non-game contexts, proved to be a powerful tool in this setting. By turning the exploration of digital equity into a game, we made learning interactive and enjoyable. Gamification:
Enhances Engagement: Participants were more motivated to engage deeply with the content and with each other.
Fosters Learning: The playful nature of the game helped grantees absorb information in a relaxed and memorable way.
Encourages Participation: Everyone had a role to play, ensuring active participation and shared understanding.
Network Weaving for Success
Building relationships and weaving networks are critical for the success of any grant-funded project. By connecting with peers, grantees can:
Share Resources: Exchanging ideas and resources can lead to more efficient and effective project implementations.
Collaborate on Solutions: Facing similar challenges, grantees can work together to find innovative solutions.
Strengthen Impact: A united network amplifies the impact of individual projects, contributing to a broader, more sustainable digital equity movement.
Creating a Strong Community
Our Digital Equity BINGO game was more than just an icebreaker; it was a catalyst for community building. By bringing grantees together in a playful yet purposeful way, we helped lay the foundation for a supportive and collaborative network that will drive digital equity initiatives forward.