Learning Can Be Fun and Games!

The basic idea behind gamification is that typical elements of game play can easily be applied to other areas of life, resulting in a more fulfilling and rewarding experience. As human beings, we like challenges. We enjoy competition, keeping score, and knowing the rules we’re expected to play by.

Games encourage us to think creatively, push ourselves, and take calculated risks. Game-based learning allows us to think more creatively and actively, gaining more knowledge from the experience through play.

As an adult learner, we are more mature and experienced. Game-based learning can be a great tool for you to use. As opposed to the traditional classroom setting (which may undervalue participants) game-based learning rewards you for your input. By earning points or attaining designated levels of involvement that open up new access to higher levels, you are more in control of your learning and you are able to be more self-directed. This provides incentive to become involved – and stay involved – making the learning process more engaging.

By experiencing game-based learning in online classrooms and training programs you can engage with lessons more thoroughly, resulting in a heightened learning experience. This sort of engagement enables you to become more connected to the learning initiatives, which produces greater results and more meaningful learning outcomes that you can later bring to your work environment.

Typical games that you play for fun, such as cards or role playing, share many characteristics with current game based learning practices:

• Provide easily understandable cues for the next step in the process

• Clearly outline the goals to achieve and the obstacles to overcome

• Give immediate feedback so you know where things stand

• Have a clear structure for ranking performance

• Provide easy-to-follow paths in order to keep moving forward

When the learning process or game is clearly laid out it is easier for you to progress and succeed. Through game-based learning you work your way up through to reach the end goal. As you do this, you are also developing valuable skills that can be implemented in the workplace. For example, you’re problem solving, you’re engaging with technology, and you’re interpreting instructions and making active decisions accordingly. Game-based learning is a rewarding educational tool that prepares you for future success at work and results in a better understanding of a goals and reward systems.