What is Game based Learning?
Video Games have great potential in adding the element of entertainment. They address a specific problem and promote fun learning at the same time.
With an expansive growth in the Ed-tech industry in recent years, it is quite evident that online learning is the next big thing. Technological integration with learning has shown some remarkable shifts. Learning has moved from blackboards in classrooms to desktops and mobile devices at homes.
For years, games were tools for learning and continue to do so. The rise in the use of digital devices and learning opportunities online has paved the way for Game-Based Learning. Games have become part of traditional classrooms and online teaching mediums.
Game-Based Learning in simple terms is the use of gaming with educational goals that support a child’s development and growth. Game-based learning promotes analytical thinking and logical reasoning. It also enhances problem-solving and collaborative thinking among kids. Games like Sudoku, Lego Tower and Scrabble make kids learn in an engaging and interactive manner. These games promote learning and also ensure the analytical and practical application of the mind.
With Gen X known to be tech-savvy and going online to look for learning opportunities, the rise of E-Learning opportunities is set to rise in coming years. Game-based education is also known to enhance soft skills much more than traditional teaching methods.
Game Based Learning Vs Gamification: The Misconception
At first, you might want to rethink if there is actually any difference between Game Based Learning and Gamification?
Gamification is the use of game design elements, game mechanics and game thinking in non-gaming elements. The main aim of Gamification is to motivate and promote involvement in non-gaming elements. Gamification aims at rewarding users for certain behaviours. Gamification in online learning could encourage students to learn more and compete with their peers.
One great example to quote would be using gamification systems like Classcraft in classrooms. A classroom is re-imagined using technology, games and storytelling in a way that adds fun and interaction in the usual curriculum. Students create a character, play as part of a team and get rewarded with points and experience. They are then judged on factors like teamwork, uniqueness and many other life skills.
Game Based Learning is the use of games to achieve educational goals. For example, the game Sudoku that forces kids to apply their minds to solve complex problems. It is also proven to sharpen the memory of kids and improve their abstract learning. At the same time, it teaches kids many life skills like patience, focus and decision-making skills. All of these factors lead to improved and quality learning.
Both Gamification and Game Based Learning are related terms if we look at the education point of view. They vary on the purpose they serve in classrooms and now even in online classrooms!
Benefits of Game Based Learning: Backed by Science!
The clubbing of games with education not only promotes learning in a fun way but also promotes “Learning by Doing”. This means that tasks in a game based app or software foster a sense of competitiveness and self-learning among kids. This is accomplished through in-game tasks which in turn benefit the kids in becoming quick learners.
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BOOSTS SELF CONFIDENCE
Studies suggest that Game Based Learning boosts the self-confidence of children by 20%. Kids feel a sense of accomplishment while advancing to different levels in an educational based game.
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BETTER CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE
Conceptual Understanding and knowledge increase by 11% in kids through Game Based Learning. This is because children learn topics better when they learn through interactive gaming. The impact this has on kids is that it increases their engagement levels. This promotes quality learning in an effective manner.
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SHARPENS MEMORY
Game Based Learning is known to sharpen the memory of kids by a staggering 90%! Learning concepts through visuals leads to better retention power and sharpens the minds of kids. Visual Learning leads to a decrease in learning time, improves the retrieval of information that leads to faster concept grabbing for students.
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ENHANCES REAL WORLD SKILLS
You child gets a 20% better understanding of real-world applications through Game Based Learning. They also promote “learning by doing”
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GENERATES MORE COMPLETED TASKS
Children who undergo Game Based Learning complete 3 times more tasks. This is way more than the children who learned through traditional learning methods.
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BETTER ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Game Based Learning has 4 times higher likelihood of improving working and analytical skills. This is possible through games that promote the use of logical reasoning and critical thinking. Games like Sudoku and Scrabble are great examples!
What does the Future of Game Based Learning hold in the Ed Tech Industry?
With the advent of online learning and the use of game based learning or gamification, learning is surely going to reach new heights. The integration of gaming to achieve educational goals is supportive of that fact.
The shift from traditional learning to online has been on the rise. Innovative and interactive means to make learning fun and knowledgeable are increasing each year. Ed tech learning is known for its personalized and effective teaching methods. With the boom in online tutoring, game based learning is something that teachers all over prefer to use even in the classrooms.
In a global survey conducted, it was found that 81% of students were more productive if their learning was more game-like and followed the gaming approach. If we go by the trends in game based learning, then 1 in every 5 teachers use games every day as part of their educational curriculum.
$341 billion dollars is the estimated global expenditure on Game Based Learning in education by 2025. Also, with an expected growth rate of 27.1% of adoption of game based learning from 2020 – 2025, it is correct to say that Game Based Learning is very soon going to become a part of each and every classroom and household!
