Imagine turning maths problems into epic quests or mastering a new language while earning rewards. Well, imagine no more! Enter gamification in education.
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20 Sep 2024
5 Min Read
Ishaanaah Ravi (Alumni Writer), Nellie Chan (Editor)
Imagine turning maths problems into epic quests or mastering a new language while earning rewards. Well, imagine no more! Enter gamification in education.
Yesterday, it was battling with country flag erasers; today, it's worldbuilding in Minecraft. Simple pastimes have evolved through technology to deliver more creative and innovative experiences than ever before. But what's constant through this evolution is everyone's love for a good game. With Gen Z being the first fully digitalised generation—over 70% of them play video games—it makes us wonder: what if we merged the worlds of gaming and learning?
Gamification isn't just a buzzword—it's quietly revolutionising how we approach everyday tasks, from tracking our fitness goals on apps to collecting loyalty points at our favourite coffee shops. By employing key gamification mechanics, such as competing for high scores and earning achievement badges, it transforms ordinary chores into extraordinary challenges! This not only enhances engagement but also increases motivation and satisfaction, making the mundane more enjoyable.
So, how does gamification impact education, you ask? For students, gamification transforms their education by making it more interesting and interactive. Imagine turning your algebra homework into an exciting adventure where each problem you solve earns points and unlocks new levels. This method makes learning more immersive and inspires students to tackle complex concepts with enthusiasm.
Photo credits: Duolingo
From Duolingo to Minecraft Education, educational apps are elevating gamified learning to new heights. For example, Duolingo uses a points system and a rewards programme to encourage daily language practice. Meanwhile, Minecraft Education lets students explore historical landmarks, design sustainable communities, and learn coding—all within a game they love. Could you have ever imagined building structures while simultaneously learning about subjects like ecology in Minecraft? I certainly couldn't!
Photo credits: Minecraft Education
Gamified learning can be likened to the new cool kid arriving at school, set to shake up the familiar dynamics of the classroom. However, implementing this concept effectively isn't as simple as it seems. Teachers need a clear understanding of how their chosen game works and which of its elements will help their students achieve the desired learning outcomes. So, what are these elements, you ask? Let me break it down for you.
Teachers are always searching for new methods to motivate their students—strategies to spark engagement and excitement, often with a healthy dose of competition. Gamified learning is one such method, incorporating elements like points, badges, and leaderboards that track progress and drive students to strive towards both personal and academic goals.
Beyond the basics, gamified learning also includes elements like challenges, quests, and missions, where students must complete a series of tasks to advance and ultimately succeed. This method is excellent for introducing complex concepts and offering problem-solving opportunities. The more obstacles students overcome, the stronger their critical thinking and application skills become.
After completing tasks, students learn how to reflect on their performance and improve upon it. This is where progress tracking and feedback mechanisms come into play. Integrated into gamified learning, these elements help students identify areas for improvement and refine their strategies accordingly.
It's important to note that different games present their tasks in different ways—whether it's battling a monster to master maths equations or concocting a potion to understand chemical reactions. The main point is that students are engaged in active learning, applying their knowledge and skills to overcome obstacles and achieve learning outcomes.
Gamified learning creates an engaging environment that turns a passive experience into an active one. With elements like badges, challenges, and leaderboards, students are drawn into the learning process. This higher level of involvement leads to more consistent participation, which improves performance. As they rack up points or earn rewards, students feel a sense of accomplishment that fuels their motivation. The more they practise, the better they get—it's all about reinforcing those learning goals through play.
One significant benefit of gamified learning is its ability to tailor the experience to each student's needs. Many platforms use adaptive algorithms that adjust the difficulty level according to each student's performance. This personalisation ensures that students are challenged just enough to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. By taking on tasks that match their level, students can better retain information and develop their skills, making learning more efficient and effective.
Gamification isn't just about understanding subjects; it's about developing essential life skills. When students take on tasks that require problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking, they apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Team-based quests strengthen collaboration, while time-limited challenges sharpen time management and adaptability. Whether working independently or with classmates, these experiences prepare students not just for exams but for success long after they've left the classroom.
Having explored the mechanics of gamification and its impact on education, let's dive into some innovative apps that are revolutionising learning for young children. These apps are designed to make early education more interactive and dynamic, helping teachers create vibrant environments that support academic success from the very start.
Photo credits: Book Creator
Book Creator: This app empowers young children to become authors and illustrators by creating their own digital books. Teachers can integrate Book Creator into literacy lessons, letting students develop storytelling skills through crafting narratives with text, images, and audio. This hands-on approach nurtures literacy and fosters creativity and self-expression.
Photo credits: Prodigy
Prodigy: Designed to make maths (and English) fun, this app adapts to each child's maths level and engages them with maths challenges. Teachers can use Prodigy to reinforce maths concepts through gameplay, where students solve problems and earn rewards. This approach not only strengthens mathematical skills but also promotes problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Photo credits: ABCmouse
ABCmouse: This comprehensive early learning app offers interactive activities across subjects like maths, science, and art. ABCmouse serves as a versatile tool for teachers to personalise learning experiences, delivering adaptive lessons that align with curriculum objectives. Through this approach, young children develop foundational skills in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Photo credits: PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games: Featuring beloved characters from children's television, PBS KIDS Games presents educational games that support early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Teachers can incorporate these games into lessons to reinforce learning objectives while maintaining students' attention. This approach helps young children advance academic skills while improving social skills through cooperative play.
As we've seen, gamification is truly transforming education with its interactive and dynamic methods. Looking ahead, this trend is set to become even more prominent, driven by continuous technological advancements. There's a promising future where students can immerse themselves in these innovative apps, and teachers can create classrooms that are not only efficient and effective but also brimming with energy and engagement. Therefore, embracing gamified learning isn't just about making education more enjoyable—it's about unlocking new ways to inspire and enrich learners, making every educational journey an adventure.
Ishaanaah Ravi is a Bachelor of Education (Honours) alumna of Taylor's University who enjoys reading and creative writing in her free time. She also finds fulfilment in conducting volunteer work, believing that life is not just about what we receive, but also about what we give.
