The Story of Oakdale Middle School

From Disengaged to Invested: Reimagining Tech Class at Oakdale

Oakdale Middle School is a school in Edmond, Oklahoma that provides an “atmosphere of high expectations where learning is celebrated and their students are encouraged to be the best they can be.” Their technology class was becoming a challenge. Many students hadn’t chosen the class and struggled to find purpose in it. 

Principal Jill Willhoite and teacher Andy Boatman partnered to introduce Gameplan, aiming to provide structure, boost engagement, and address classroom behavior. Results were clear: stronger student investment, zero schedule-change requests, and early momentum towards a future esports class.

The Challenge: Lack of Structure and Low Student Interest in Tech Class

Oakdale Middle School serves about 700 students, with 225 in grades 6–8. Students who weren’t sure about their electives were placed in technology class, and these students struggled to find meaning in the class and often requested schedule changes.

“They didn’t seem to be finding something in the class they could connect with… I was looking for something that would appeal to a middle school adolescent child.” - Jill Willhoite

The school also lacked a clear tech curriculum. This made it difficult to communicate learning goals to parents and students.

The Solution: A Flexible, Student-Centered Platform That Meets Students Where They Are

Oakdale’s tech class includes students from 6-8th grades. Andy needed a way to make the class work for all levels. Jill was also looking for a way to reduce student resistance and parent uncertainty around the course. 

“We didn’t really have much of a formal curriculum for technology. Gameplan gave us that. And having a curriculum to show parents what we are teaching is very important”  - Jill Willhoite

Jill and Andy needed a curriculum that could capture student interest while providing structure, grading tools, and alignment to technology standards. Gameplan’s flexible and standards-aligned curriculum helped both.

“I would describe Gameplan as a curricular program that allows students to learn our technology standards through gameplay.” - Jill Willhoite

How Oakdale Implemented Gameplan Across Grades 6–8

Phase 1: Implementation:

Andy introduced Gameplan in a 25-student pilot. Students worked through modules like Rocket League and digital ethics, using self-paced lessons to build digital skills.

“Students should know that we are looking for things that engage them. Their interests matter to us. I have never played video games, but I appreciate that they do, and I understand that.” - Jill Willhoite

Phase 2: Program Growth

The tech class began running more smoothly. Students started responding to the class and engaging more deeply with the content. Andy is now exploring a more structured approach, such as alternating Gameplan with reward days to maintain motivation. And Jill is considering developing a dedicated esports program.

“We have enjoyed our first experience with Gameplan. It has filled a need in student investment in our technology curriculum.” - Jill Willhoite

The Results: A Meaningful and Engaging Tech Class

Gameplan helped Oakdale make tech class more meaningful and manageable for both students and educators. 

“We didn’t have behavior referrals from the Gameplan class. That was a change…the results we are getting from Gameplan are moving us closer to having an esports class in the future.” Jill Willhoite

Some of the results include: 

• 0 schedule change requests after Gameplan started

• No behavior referrals from the Gameplan class

  • Behavior improved when students felt invested

• Foundation laid for future esports class

• Technology standards and teachings delivered through an engaging way

• Even reluctant students responded to game-based learning

“The support from Gameplan has been excellent, we appreciate the connection” - Jill Willhoite

Key Takeaways

• Game-Based Learning and Curriculum Build Connection: Even students who didn’t choose tech connected with Gameplan.

• Self-Paced Learning Requires Structure: Gameplan worked best when paired with planned routines and rewards.

• Positive Behavior Changes Are Real: Engagement reduced behavior issues and improved classroom culture.

Creating Your Success Story

Looking to transform your technology class? 

Gameplan helps schools like Oakdale build engagement, structure, and real-world digital skills, even for students who didn’t think they’d care about tech.

Schedule a demo or contact us to get started.