Game – based learning broadly refers to elements derived from video games design, developed in a variety of contexts to support teaching and learning. Games engage students in topics and ideas through interactions and simulation (graphics, animation and audio) that provides an engaging learning experiences for students of all ages and motivation within the classroom. Games draw students into a virtual environment that looks and feels familiar and safe, environments where it is possible to choose actions, make mistakes and experience the consequences in a risk-free setting.
The core concept behind game-based learning is teaching through repetition, failure and the accomplishment of goals. The player starts off slow and gains in skill until they’re able to skillfully navigate the most difficult levels. Scores can be used to motivate personal improvement or competition between students. To be successful in games students need to think quickly and use their logic to solve problems and complete the levels.
As a student learns through game-based learning, they gain much more ownership of the material, which improves retention. Games can be used for all ages and can combine multiple subjects into a single game, creating a versatile learning tool.
However, there are some disadvantages to using games in lessons. Games can become a distraction to the students, if games are not designed or used correctly, they can be a disadvantage to the student’s learning and especially if they do not necessarily align with learning goals. Games can also cause an addiction that cause physical/psychological problems and unwanted competition between students.
Some Games that can be used within lesson
- Duolingo – A language learning game, students complete drill-and-kill grammar and vocabulary exercises while receiving experience points to gain levels and access more difficult exercises
- Minecraft – a vernacular game, adapted for learning environments by giving students a sandbox to build and construct their own virtual worlds
- Kahoot – a classroom response system, it is free and easy to create a game and enter in questions. Students then use their phones or laptops to play the game and answer questions
I had the opportunity to experience Scratch during my tutorial. Scratch is a block-based visual programming language and website targeted primarily at children. The program is very easy to create online projects (stories, animations, games) using a block-like interface.
References
Advantages and disadvantages of using games for learning. (2013). Slideshare.net. Retrieved 12th May 2020, from http://www.slideshare.net/walshps/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using-games-for-learning
Evolution of Game Based Learning. Tiki-toki.com. Retrieved 10th May 2020, from http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/504671/Evolution-of-Game-Based-Learning/
Hi Christina, Great post!
I think one of the great aspects of games that you have mentioned in your blog is the ability to be in a risk free environment where students can make mistakes in a risk free setting. I also think it’s is important how you have mentioned the disadvantage of distractions within games and that they need to be used correctly to overcome this. I think one way to use games correctly and effectively is for teachers to design tasks/activities for the game that are fun and interesting. This will reduce distraction and result in higher motivation and interest. The flexibility in task design will depend on outcomes needing to be reached as well as the game chosen. In a game like Minecraft a teacher has many options to create fun and interesting tasks whereas in Duolingo there are fewer options to making it more fun and interesting than it already is as it is quite a linear game.
On another note from having experience with Duolingo I think it is a great educational tool, however, after some time using it the fun experience began to wear off and my motivation to use it began to decrease. I think teachers should also consider this when implementing games as the fun and novelty can also wear off and students can lose interest and motivation.
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Hi Christina,
I enjoyed reading your post on Game Based Learning.
It is so important as a teacher to have a strong understanding of content knowledge and therefore have the ability to incorporate this knowledge into a game or digital activity. This ensures students are engaged and helps bring the curriculum alive.
I like how you mentioned Kahoot, Minecraft and Duolingo as game based learning platforms. With some experience of Minecraft, I feel that this game based platform needs to be incorporated into more classroom lessons, as it not only attracts young people but provides many tools and concepts and this can be implemented into a variety of different topics.
Awesome blog!
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