Is Game-based Learning (GBL) the Futuristic Way of Learning?

Jun 21 2021

 

Image Source: freepik.com

 

Do you want your children to study in a dynamic environment that is all fun and games? Do you want to see your kids enjoy the learning process and curious to learn more? Then opt for game-based learning. Gaming is the core concept in the 21st century learning environment. Moreover, the traditional system has always opposed learning in a funny way. However, fun never distracts students from learning. Let’s try to understand whether the GBL matters in futuristic learning or not in the following.  


What is Game-based Learning?


Game-based learning is basically a game that engages the learners by playing it. It acts as a learning tool for students to understand the concerned subject by playing certain games in a virtual environment.  Students find games very fun and interactive thereby they get more clarity on the subject matter. Hence it leads to greater learning outcomes. 


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black and red game controller photo – Free Image on Unsplash



Approach of Game-based Learning in Teaching


There is an effective approach of game-based learning in teaching. Games could be either physical or digital. However, the focus here is on digital because it is considered as an efficient way of learning. Thus, to ensure this aspect, teachers develop the learning context with respect to subject and the standard. It doesn’t mean that we are discarding the traditional method of teaching and learning. Rather, it complements it. If you want to make young generations ready for the future, the present education system must be tuned to accommodate various digital/video games in its curriculum.


The basis of video game in virtual environment revolves around:

 

  • Repetition

  • Failure

  • Attaining the learning goals


Here the students start the game by choosing certain actions and try to reach the goal. Initially, they might not navigate properly thereby foresee failure. Then they learn from the mistakes and again engage in the game and eventually come out as the winner. This is how the concept of game-based learning matters in academic learning. 



Various Gaming Techniques

 

There are various gaming techniques used in the realm of gamifications. However, prominent ones are:

  • Level-based progressiveness

  • Points and scores

  • Leaderboards


In level-based progressiveness, the study material is subjected to categorization into various levels. Here students get rewards on the basis of completing level. 


Points and scores is an off-based gaming technique where students are rewarded on the basis of their participation in classroom activities, completion of certain syllabus, scores gained in the tests, etc. 


Leaderboards is about encouraging a healthy competition. All these in a way make immense impact in learning outcomes. 



Why Game-based Learning in Education System 


There are numerous reasons for introducing game-based learning in the education system such as:

  • Improving attention span

  • Minimizing disruptive behaviour

  • Enhancing social behaviour


It has been observed that the attention span of students has gone abysmal. This is where fun based learning through various games motivates students to pay enough attention. Hence gamification is given high importance where the video game industry plays a significant role. The tools used in the gamification are not necessarily related to the syllabus. Instead, some out of the syllabus tools are used to draw the attention of the learners. It leads to less disruption and more learning. 


Challenges of Implementing Game-based Learning  


The biggest challenge in implementing game-based learning is the attitude of people and parents. Their mind set-up is more towards conventional methods of teaching and learning. Nevertheless, they are supporting digital based learning. So, game-based learning is also a platform that is digitally based that spurs the students to learn by playing games. Thus, parents should understand the need of the hour. In case of any apprehension, they should indulge themselves by playing some games. Then only they will understand the reality of fun-based learning.  

 

Finally, if the parents and teachers need the education to be more accessible, engaging, and effective, then come forward and strengthen the actual concept of gamification in our education system.