Game-Based Learning

     

Game-Based learning has been around for years, taking on the form of both physical gaming and virtual gaming.  Game-Based Learning revolves around the idea of repetition, failure, and the accomplishment of a desired goal (Cahill, “Why Game-based Learning?”).  Gamers are trained to complete levels in order to move on.  This need to successfully complete a level trains them to continue on and develop their skills in order to be successful.  This methodology can also be applied to a classroom setting.  Seeing that many schools around the world have transitioned to online learning, considering this method of teaching can be very beneficial for teachers.  Creating assignments that the class will participate in on a consistent basis can be very difficult; however, if they are presented with an assignment that simulates one of their favorite past times, their willingness to participate will increase.  The development of an assignment that creates a sense of competition among students will make them more inclined to take the time to finish and do everything correctly in order to win.  In doing so they are developing their skills in the class and retaining the information more efficiently.  By applying the Game-Based Learning tactic to a classroom, students will also be working towards a goal that will help them in the long run when they leave to go to the real world. 

                      

            Game-Based Learning has become a very popular way of learning over the years and when comparing it to old ways of learning, it can be seen as more effective.  Considering schooling is now online for many, the more logical way of teaching would be Game-Based Learning in comparison to textbook learning.  Textbook learning is an older way of learning that can limit the information that a student is learning.  Many textbooks that students are reading from don’t have updated information so as a result students will be retaining information that is old and possibly discredited.  With Game-Based Learning, students will have more access to current information given that technology, specifically the internet, is always updated.

            While Game-Based Learning appears to students as a cooler way of learning, teachers are viewing it as an opportunity to make a difference in education.  There are a lot of things that are considered when developing a Game-Based Learning assignment, one of which being the curriculum that is taught.  Teachers must find a way to incorporate their lessons into each game so that the students are getting the most information possible.  The next step would be to develop the game itself.  This step requires teachers to work with writers and other database and gaming experts to come up with an effective and successful game that incorporates all aspect of the lesson that needs to be taught.  

            Overall, Game-Based Learning is an advancement in education that needs to continue to be developed because it is an effective way to reach students in their personal and comfortable environments.

Why Game-Based Learning?