The Role of Gamification in Making Game-Based Learning Engaging for Kids

In today's world, learning has nothing to do with books, classrooms, and chalkboards. Technology introduced us to a fun way of learning new things. Among these cool ways, is game-based learning. Just imagine playing games while learning! That is just what this kind of learning means. It keeps you entertained, so you will not get bored while learning something important.

In this blog, we are going to explore what game-based learning is, how online gamification in learning works, and why this method works magic in making learning fun for kids like you. We shall also be discussing examples of game-based learning and its benefits. So let us plunge into this great world where learning and playing come together!

What is Game-Based Learning?

Game-based learning is a form of learning process where games are used as a medium to teach different topics. Special games are designed in such a way that you can learn while playing. Instead of reading from books or just listening to your teacher, you will solve puzzles, finish different challenges, and unlock levels. That makes learning exciting.

For instance, if it is mathematics that one is studying, then there can be modules game-like whereby you solve the math problems to get points or move your character further ahead in that game. If it is science you are learning, one can even travel through different planets or carry out fun experiments virtually. In this way, gamification learning would keep you engaged and know more of those concepts.

What is Gamification in Learning?

Before going to the examples, let me try to explain what gamification of learning is. Gamification is, in other words, the process of adding game-like elements to something that is not a game, such as points, badges, levels, and leaderboards which make the learning experience game-like.

Rewards are part of playing a game as a way to complete a task. In the same way, gamification does this in learning. For instance, points or even virtual badges are earned after having finished a quiz or having answered questions correctly. This will surely spur you to continue with your learning and do your best.

The thing with gamification in learning is that it makes subjects that would otherwise seem quite irrelevant somewhat interesting. Attaching a sense of achievement to something perks up the need to keep at it. And that is how online gamification in learning goes down, especially when you are on educational apps or sites.

How Does Online Gamification in Learning Work?

The myriad ways of online gamification in learning to teach various subjects through educational websites and apps abound in today's digital life. Game-based learning tools allow you to access online games and activities on your tablet, smartphone, or computer.

Some online learning platforms award points, badges, and even certificates when you have reached yet another level of expertise or have finished a skill that was in focus. A very good example is in the language learning application whereby you earn points for every new word that you learn from it. Similarly, the math application allows you to unlock new games as you get better at solving.

The beauty of online gamification in learning is that one learns at their own pace. You get feedback right there and then; you fix the mistake right away and try all over again. Even challenging your friends by trying to outscore them for the top score gives you another level of fun.

Game-Based Learning Examples

Now that you have an idea of what gamification in learning is, let me look closer at some examples of game-based learning that may interest you. Kahoot!: Probably one of the most popular game-based learning platforms around, Kahoot! allows teachers and students to prepare quizzes. You can play together with your classmates and see who scores higher while learning new facts.

Minecraft Education Edition: You have probably heard of Minecraft, but perhaps not the education edition. Students will be learning history, science, and even coding here and solve puzzles by building up structures. 

Duolingo: If ever one wanted to learn a new language, then Duolingo is just one very obvious example among the long list of game-based learning. The app informs its feedback through levels, badges, and streaks in motivating learners to engage in learning languages.

Prodigy: This online game involves working out math problems to fight monsters and complete quests. A great example of how game-based learning makes math more enjoyable. 

Classcraft: The classroom becomes a role-playing game on Classcraft. You build your character, gain points through lesson completions, and try to gain new achievements with your classmates.

These few examples of game-based learning show that games make learning interactive and far more engaging. From mathematics and science to history and languages, there's some sort of game to keep you learning entertainingly.

Benefits of Gamification in Learning

Gamification of learning or game-based learning has several reasons as to why it is beneficial. A few important benefits are:

Makes learning fun: Gamification in learning makes learning a source of entertainment. You don't feel that you are working when you learn through games.

Improves Concentration and Attention Span: Since games have been designed in such an entertaining way for you, you tend to be more focused on the task at hand. This allows giving your attention for a longer period rather than what you would give by reading or listening.

Encourages Teamwork: Most of the learning platforms using games enable you to collaborate with your friends or classmates in solving any challenge. It is an encouragement to you to learn how to be a better collaborator and communicator.

Nurtures Confidence: Earning points, badges, or rewards is a great achievement. These have given you confidence and encouragement for further learning.

Helps You Learn Quicker: Game-based learning offers immediate feedback. That means that at one point, if you commit some mistakes, immediately you will learn and try to improve.

These are some of the benefits of gamification in learning. In other words, this is why teachers and schools nowadays introduce their teaching methodologies with games. This is one of the brilliant ways to keep kids like you thrilled to learn.

Gamification in Learning and Development

Besides making learning fun, gamification in learning and development helps an individual grow in many other ways. Development refers to the growth of skills and knowledge over time. In using game-based learning tools, individuals not only learn but develop important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

For instance, in math games, such as Prodigy, one is not only learning one's math facts; one is learning to problem-solve efficiently and think logically. A science game may make you a better researcher, and perhaps even more curious.

With these learning games, one also gets to develop better study habits while continuing the gameplay. You might start enjoying the process of learning new things and challenging yourself. Another critical reason gamification in learning and development is so critical is that it makes one a better learner, thus enabling the growth of skills for the future.

How Do Teachers and Parents Make Use of Game-Based Learning?

Teachers and parents are very instrumental in supporting game-based learning. With the right games, they will make learning more active, guided by teachers and parents on the selection of appropriate games. Games could be used by teachers to explicate points during difficult topics or to have students apply learned skills. A teacher can, for example, take the class further into an online quiz game following the facts that were touched upon during the geography lesson to nail those facts into memory.

Parents can also promote game-based learning at home. They can search for some learning games for you regarding subjects in which you are weak and make it more entertaining and enjoyable for you, and through this, you will have fun yet still practice.

Plus, most learning game apps will create opportunities for progress tracking by teachers and parents. In that way, they are going to be able to see how you are getting on and help you with what needs changing if necessary. In that respect, they will be in a position to team up in the creation of an efficient yet fun learning environment.

Conclusion

The learning patterns of kids are gradually changing due to game-based learning and online gamification in learning. In essence, this makes lessons games, hence something to enjoy learning from. With Kahoot!, Minecraft, and Duolingo some fun examples of game-based learning, kids get to explore different subjects interactively.

With gamification in learning, there are quite several things to write back home, from making learning fun to helping learners be more focused, actually. Besides this, the form of education contributes to personal growth, whereby during gameplay, you develop your critical skills.

In the future, gamification of learning and development is going to keep evolving and offer new ways in which children like you learn. So, next time you are studying, why not try it in a game-like approach, and see how much fun learning can be?

FAQs

What is the main purpose of gamification?

Gamification is adding game mechanics into nongame environments, like a website, online community, learning management system, or business intranet to increase participation. The goal of gamification is to engage with consumers, employees, and partners to inspire, collaborate, share, and interact.

How successful is gamification in education?

83% of those who receive gamified training feel motivated, while 61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive, as reported by Pathways Training and eLearning. Growth Engineering's research reveals that 80% of learners are more effective with gamified practices.

How does gamification-based learning help teaching?

Games can introduce goals, interaction, feedback, problem-solving, competition, narrative, and fun learning environments, elements that can increase learner engagement and sustain motivation.

We hope you liked the above article. Please do not forget to share this blog with your friends and community members to spread awareness of "Game-Based Learning”!

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