Games inherently bring elements that captivate and motivate: goals to strive for, interactive engagement, immediate feedback, problem-solving challenges, competitive spirit, compelling narratives, and above all, enjoyable learning environments. These are elements that, when strategically integrated into education, can significantly boost learner engagement and sustain motivation. This guide will explore the nuances between gamification and game-based learning, delve into the pedagogical values these approaches offer for instruction, and identify game elements that can be effectively applied in both face-to-face and online educational settings, with a focus on the power of Gamified Learning.
Gamified Learning vs. Game-Based Learning: Understanding the Core Difference
While both gamification and game-based learning aim to enhance engagement and motivation in education, it’s crucial to understand their distinct approaches. Both strategies fall under the umbrella of gamified learning, but their implementation differs.
Gamification, at its heart, is the art of weaving game elements – think point systems, leaderboards, badges, and progress bars – into traditional learning activities. The goal? To inject excitement and drive motivation in what might otherwise be perceived as conventional or even mundane tasks. Imagine a history class using a point system where students earn points for participating in discussions, completing assignments on time, or demonstrating exceptional understanding of historical events. These points could unlock digital badges representing different historical eras or achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and friendly competition. In a gamified learning environment, students can often see each other’s progress, creating a sense of community and shared achievement.
Game-based learning, on the other hand, takes a more immersive approach. It’s about designing learning activities that are intrinsically game-like. The learning itself unfolds through gameplay. Consider an environmental science course where students participate in a simulation game to manage a virtual ecosystem, making decisions about resource allocation and conservation efforts. Or, in a language learning class, students might engage in a role-playing game where they navigate real-life scenarios using the target language. These examples of gamified learning through game-based approaches embed learning directly within the game’s mechanics and narrative.
In essence, gamification layers game elements onto existing learning frameworks, while game-based learning constructs the learning experience entirely around game principles. Both are powerful tools within gamified learning, aiming to make education more engaging and effective.
While both gamification and game-based learning are powerful tools for boosting engagement and sustaining motivation – key components of effective gamified learning – it’s important to note that enhanced engagement doesn’t automatically translate to improved learning outcomes. For a deeper dive into the distinctions and synergies between these approaches, and to explore valuable resources, GOBLIN (Games Offer Bold Learning Insights Nowadays) Education (http://goblin.education/gamification/) offers insightful materials.
Core Game Elements and Their Pedagogical Value in Gamified Learning
Most engaging games incorporate a set of core elements: rules that define the boundaries, clear goals to pursue, interactive elements that encourage participation, feedback mechanisms to guide progress, problem-solving challenges to overcome, a sense of competition, a compelling story or narrative, and ultimately, fun (Vandercruysse, Vandewaetere, & Clarebout, 2012). While not every element is necessary for successful gamified learning, thoughtfully selecting elements that align with the course’s learning objectives can significantly enhance the educational experience. Let’s explore the pedagogical value of some key game features often associated with gamification.
Point or Experience (XP) Systems: Rewarding Progress in Gamified Learning
Similar to traditional grading systems, point or experience (XP) systems in gamified learning reward students for completing tasks, assignments, or assessments. However, game-based point systems offer unique advantages over conventional grading:
- Limitless Points & Continuous Progress: Unlike traditional grading which culminates in 100%, XP systems allow for continuous point accumulation, creating a sense of ongoing progress and achievement throughout the course. This is a key motivator in gamified learning.
- Flexible and Varied Goals: Gamified learning environments with point systems offer students multiple pathways to earn points. Instructors can design courses where students can accumulate points as much as they desire or set specific point thresholds to reach desired achievements, offering flexibility and catering to different learning styles.
- Student Agency and Choice: Choice is paramount in effective gamified learning. Point-based systems empower students to choose activities that resonate with them. For example, students might earn points by engaging in reflective writing, completing practice quizzes, participating actively in discussions, or undertaking projects aligned with their interests.
- Progress Tracking and Visibility: Progress in gamified learning can be easily tracked. Learning Management Systems (LMS) often have gradebook features that can be adapted to track points instead of percentages. Tools like Google Drive can also be used to share progress and leaderboards with the class, fostering transparency and motivation.
Points in gamified learning can also be linked to tangible academic rewards. Reaching certain point milestones could unlock benefits like extended deadlines for assignments, bonus questions on exams, access to advanced learning materials, or even early access to the next module, adding a layer of extrinsic motivation to the intrinsic rewards of gamified learning.
Badges: Recognizing Achievements in Gamified Learning
Badges, especially digital badges, are a powerful tool in gamified learning to visually acknowledge and celebrate student accomplishments. In a gamified learning context, students can earn badges for various achievements: mastering specific skills, reaching milestones on assignments, demonstrating exceptional collaboration, contributing meaningfully to online discussions, or even for consistent participation. Earning a badge for submitting a high-quality draft, actively helping peers, or consistently engaging with course materials reinforces positive learning behaviors. Displaying earned badges within the gamified learning environment can encourage healthy competition and showcase the diverse achievements recognized within the course.
Platforms like Credly (https://credly.com/) or OpenBadges (https://www.openbadges.me/) provide user-friendly tools to create custom badges tailored to your gamified learning course objectives.
Leaderboards: Fostering Healthy Competition in Gamified Learning
Competition, when implemented thoughtfully, can be a strong motivator in gamified learning. Leaderboards can leverage this by visually displaying student progress based on accumulated points from various learning activities. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using leaderboards. Publicly ranking all students by total points can be demotivating for those at the lower end of the spectrum (Farzan, DiMicco, Millen, Dugan & Geyer, 2008; Landers & Landers, 2015). A more constructive approach in gamified learning is to implement “relative” leaderboards. Instead of showing the entire ranking, consider systems where students only see their position relative to a few peers above and below them. This fosters a sense of healthy competition without discouraging students who may be struggling.
Resources like “How to Create a Leaderboard for eLearning with Google” (https://blog.elblearning.com/blog/how-to-create-a-leaderboard-elearning-google) offer practical guidance on implementing leaderboards effectively in gamified learning.
Online Gamification Strategies for Enhanced Digital Learning
Gamified learning is particularly well-suited to online environments, offering numerous strategies to boost engagement in digital classrooms.
Gamified Discussion Boards: Sparking Online Interaction
Transforming online discussion boards into gamified learning spaces can significantly increase student participation. Instead of mandatory posts, consider making discussions optional but rewarding participation with XP points for each thoughtful post or reply. These points can then be redeemed for benefits like assignment draft reviews, extensions, or even assignment exemptions upon reaching certain point thresholds. To encourage spontaneous and real-time discussions, tools like Padlet (https://padlet.com/) can be integrated, allowing for anonymous contributions and fostering a more open and engaging exchange of ideas within the gamified learning environment.
Quizzes as Interactive Narratives in Gamified Learning
Reimagine online quizzes as engaging narratives within your gamified learning strategy. Instead of presenting a series of isolated questions, craft quizzes as interactive quests or stories. Each question can build upon previous answers and contribute to a larger narrative, drawing learners deeper into the subject matter. Incorporate hints that learners can choose to use, adding a layer of strategic decision-making to the assessment. It’s important to keep these quizzes low-stakes; overly high-pressure assessments can undermine the game-like atmosphere and detract from the benefits of gamified learning.
For a collaborative gamified learning approach to quizzes, consider the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) (http://testmaker.if-at.com/home/Default.aspx). Students can complete quizzes online individually, and then regroup in class to retake the same quiz as teams, using IF-AT cards to discuss and debate answers, promoting deeper understanding and peer learning.
In-Class Gamification Strategies for Dynamic Learning
Gamified learning isn’t limited to online spaces; it can inject dynamism and engagement into traditional classroom settings as well.
Jeopardy-Style Reviews: Making Learning Fun
Transform chapter reviews or exam preparation sessions into interactive Jeopardy-style games. This familiar game format makes learning enjoyable and encourages active participation. Jeopardy games can be easily created using PowerPoint or free online tools like Instant Jeopardy Review (http://www.superteachertools.us/jeopardyx/). This gamified learning approach turns review sessions into lively and collaborative learning experiences.
Classroom Response Systems: Interactive Engagement for All
Classroom response systems like Kahoot (https://getkahoot.com/) or TopHat (https://app.tophat.com/) are excellent tools for gamified learning in the classroom. They facilitate real-time interaction and gather responses from the entire class, often incorporating game elements like points and competition. These systems encourage participation, provide immediate feedback, and make learning more interactive and engaging for all students.
Out-of-Class Gamification Strategies: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
Gamified learning can extend beyond formal classroom settings, leveraging games and game-like environments for learning outside of class.
Game-Based Learning Environments: Educational Games as Learning Tools
Make students aware of educational games designed specifically for learning. Games like Trivia Crack (http://www.triviacrack.com/) can be used as supplementary learning tools. In these environments, the game itself acts as the primary educator, providing a fun and engaging way for students to learn and reinforce concepts outside of class, contributing to a broader gamified learning ecosystem.
Game-Enhanced Learning Environments: Leveraging Commercial Games for Education
Explore the potential of commercially available entertainment games for gamified learning. Games like World of Warcraft or Second Life can immerse language learners in interactive environments for language practice. Games like SimCity can help students understand economic principles in a practical and engaging way. In this approach, the instructor’s role shifts to facilitating reflection and discussion around gameplay experiences, helping students connect game mechanics and narratives to course content and learning objectives, effectively enhancing learning through play within a gamified learning framework.
Final Thoughts on Implementing Gamified Learning
Integrating games, gamification, or game-based learning into your teaching practice doesn’t necessitate a radical overhaul. Many existing active learning strategies (/centre-for-teaching-excellence/catalogs/tip-sheets/active-learning-activities) you already utilize may contain elements of gamified learning. With minor adjustments, these activities can be transformed into even more effective learning tools. However, successful gamified learning requires thoughtful integration, aligning game elements with specific learning objectives and considering the overall pedagogical goals of the course. Gamified learning, when implemented strategically, can be a powerful approach to enhance student engagement, motivation, and ultimately, learning outcomes.
Gamification and Game-Based Learning Tools: A Starting Point
| Tool Category | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Badge Creation | Credly, OpenBadges | Platforms for designing and issuing digital badges. |
| Leaderboard Creation | Google Sheets, dedicated eLearning platforms | Tools for visualizing and managing student progress and competition. |
| Discussion Forums | LMS discussion boards, Padlet | Platforms for gamifying online discussions with points and badges. |
| Quizzing & Assessment | LMS quizzes, IF-AT cards | Tools for creating interactive and gamified quizzes and assessments. |
| Classroom Response | Kahoot, TopHat | Systems for real-time classroom interaction and gamified quizzes and polls. |
| Jeopardy Game Creation | PowerPoint, Instant Jeopardy Review | Tools for creating Jeopardy-style review games. |
| Educational Games | Trivia Crack, various subject-specific games | Games designed specifically for educational purposes. |
| Game-Enhanced Learning | World of Warcraft, SimCity, Second Life | Commercial games used to enhance learning through gameplay and reflection. |
Support for Gamified Learning Implementation
For personalized guidance on incorporating gamified learning strategies into your teaching, the CTE staff are available to assist you. Please visit the CTE Support page to connect with a relevant staff member.
References
- Farzan, R., DiMicco, J. M., Millen, D. R., Dugan, C., Geyer, W., and Brownholtz, E. A. (2008). Results from deploying a participation incentive mechanism within the enterprise. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, ACM, 563–572.
- Landers, R. N., & Landers, A. K. (2015). An empirical test of the theory of gamified learning the effect of leaderboards on time-on-task and academic performance. Simulation & Gaming, 45(6), 769-785.
- Vandercruysse, S., Vandewaetere, M., & Clarebout, G. (2012). Game-based learning: A review on the effectiveness of educational games. In M. M. Cruz-Cunha (Ed.), Handbook of research on serious games as educational, business, and research tools (pp. 628–647). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
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