There are many ways to approach game-based learning, and they are not all safe. One of the most radical aspects of this approach is that it encourages students to use video games for purposes other than pure entertainment.
And two, there seems to be a discrepancy between the pure academic criteria most instructors are concerned with fostering mastery of and what children acquire when playing games (e.g., problem-solving, visual-spatial thinking, cooperation, resource management).
The following list of high-quality “learning games” was compiled by Sam Gliksman, and it may be valuable to you because, in the midst, there is a basic reality that few things are as entertaining, for adults and students alike, as a well-designed video game.
Here are 21 Smart Games For Game-Based Learning;
1. EdApp
EdApp is a game-based learning platform that incorporates several engagement features to help you boost course completion rates and provide an efficient learning environment for your students. In addition, this service provides access to a team of instructional designers that can help you develop your gamified lessons.
One of EdApp’s primary tactics is microlearning, which condenses massive amounts of training content into manageable chunks. Since it eliminates everything but the most essential details, your students will be able to finish courses in a matter of minutes. Combining this tactic with gamification, which turns boring training courses into mobile games, may help make learning seem more like playing than work.
2. Kahoot
To increase participation and retention, Kahoot!, an online quiz generator and game-based learning platform, employs aesthetically pleasing gamification components. These quizzes and games, aptly named “Kahoots,” may be accessed by your students using a desktop computer’s web browser or a mobile device’s app.
The nicest aspect is that any video conferencing platform can be used to display them on a shared screen and allow several “players” to respond at once. Kahoots may also be set up as an asynchronous task that team members work on their own time. Trainers may use the platform’s reporting and analytics tools to identify and fill in knowledge gaps and improve instruction.
3. Gametize
Gametize is an LMS solution and game-based learning platform built for large enterprises, allowing businesses to provide more engaging and effective training for new hires and current staff members alike. By browsing the tool’s extensive library of game templates, which are organized into project categories like employee engagement, learning and development, talent acquisition, and many more, you can quickly and simply create your own gamified material.
Using flashcards, quizzes, and interactive challenges in training has also been shown to increase participant interest and course completion rates. As with other gamification programs, Gametize makes use of leaderboards, badges, and awards to incentivize users and promote friendly rivalry among groups. Some other benefits of this software include score monitoring and analytics, user management, and group effort.
4. Centrical
Creating gamified microlearning material is a breeze with Centrical, a cutting-edge piece of gamification training software. You won’t need any specialized knowledge of game design to make professional-looking educational materials that include games. To help your staff members adopt the right behaviors, practice skills in a risk-free virtual environment, and improve their overall knowledge and skills necessary for success, you can create custom game-based learning challenges, set prize-winning competitions, or design quest-based game narratives on the platform.
5. Archy Learning
Those that need to teach dispersed teams in different parts of the world will benefit greatly from Archy Learning, an all-in-one gamification training software, and an eLearning platform that can host global classrooms. Its user-friendly interface makes it simple to insert links to YouTube videos or upload PDFs of lecture notes to provide students access to all the materials they need to succeed in a course.
Course quizzes, mixed-media examinations, assignments, interactive video modules, and individualized games are all possible additions to the game-based learning pathways you create. Students might be further incentivized to finish their courses by earning a certificate upon successful completion. The tool’s administrative functions are meant to let you monitor your student’s academic performance from afar.
6. Hoopla
Hoopla is an engagement solution and sales gamification software that uses competitions, leaderboards, and real-time rewards to boost sales teams’ productivity. This e-learning mobile software allows you to set sales targets and host competitions in the form of tournaments or races to boost morale and output across the board.
The program also includes a system of leaderboards where team members may see how they stack up against one another. When an employee meets their goal, Hoopla notifies their coworkers in real-time so that they may share in the joy of the accomplishment. The key to having fun while yet meeting or exceeding goals is creating a healthy dose of healthy competition and positive reinforcement for your teams.
7. Raptivity
Raptivity is a graphic and interactive game-based learning solution. Included in the tool’s collection of pre-made responsive interactions are parallax displays, panning slides, and 360-degree interactions. The intuitive UI of the application makes it possible for anyone without design experience to create their own unique versions of interactive quizzes, games, simulations, flashcards, and brain teasers.
You may use the tool’s various features to keep your students interested and motivated throughout the learning process, whether you’re a classroom instructor or an instructional designer. However, there are certain features that are missing and you may need to install extensions in order to create a fully-fledged eLearning course.
8. ProProfs
Blended game-based learning is made simple with ProProfs LMS, which is employee training software that allows for the easy combination of online and offline training. Trainers may use this LMS to either develop brand-new training materials or adapt and repurpose pre-existing training modules. Mind games, game-based learning pathways, and interactive quizzes are just some of the gamification aspects.
In addition to piquing students’ interest, it gives them more say over what, when, and how they study. It saves time for those in charge of training by cutting down on the need for classroom instruction. Instead, staff members may make use of virtual classes to study independently while still promoting collaborative efforts.
9. GoSkills
GoSkills is yet another on-demand, web-based training platform loaded with functions intended for simple course development. It offers several short courses in in-demand areas including business writing, data analysis, and web development. GoSkills courses are accessible from any device with an internet connection since they are hosted in the cloud.
Game-based learning concepts like a daily streak and time-tracking targets are also shown. Accredited certificates may be earned by students and shown proudly on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Professional Development Units (PDUs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may also be earned (PDUs).
10. Hurix Digital
To meet the needs of today’s learners, Hurix Digital offers a comprehensive suite of digital content solutions that include a number of tools for content development and distribution. Among these tools is an in-house LMS that may be used to provide employees with interactive lessons. Exciting video content, games, simulations, and scenario-based learning are all part of this multi-device-friendly package.
You may modify your LMS to better fit the training processes at your company with the help of this instrument. Puzzles, problem-solving games, strategy games, and games with progressively difficult challenges are only some of the types of games that make up its game-based learning approach.
11. Quizlet
Quizlet is a popular flashcard-style online quiz builder. The educational and corporate uses of the show’s game-show format are many. You can quickly and easily create quiz games because of the access you have to a large collection of pre-made flashcard stacks. The alternative is to make your own from scratch.
You may also add images and sound to your flashcards if you want. While you may use this resource without paying anything, advanced features like analytics and customized presentation need their premium subscription. Priced at US$35.99 yearly, you may try QuizletPlus for free for 7 days.
12. Gimkit
Gimkit is a web-based, mobile-friendly platform for interactive game-based learning. Repeated exposure to questions in a Kit is intended to promote the retention of information. Points may be redeemed for in-game cash, which can then be used to buy new items and level up your character. There are so many options that kids may find something to fit their needs no matter what they’re good at. There are now ten different game-based learning modes available, with more on the way to further enhance the fun and learning potential of classroom activities and homework.
13. GoNoodle
Games with a high level of physical activity, are great for getting students up and moving about throughout class. These have been shown to increase both student motivation and satisfaction, so they’re a win-win.
GoNoodle is a very versatile app that is best suited for elementary school students due to its wide variety of play types. If you want your students to pay closer attention in class, don’t let them miss out on playing those fun, interesting activities.
14. Jeopardy
Like the television show, this version of Jeopardy uses a question-and-answer style to teach pupils material; it’s also team-based, fun for kids of all ages, and playable in any classroom. Divide your students into groups of two through six, and then use this document as a guide. After that, you may use the touchscreen interface to play the game.
15. Family Feud
This is another example of a popular social game or television game show that may be easily adapted for use in the contemporary classroom. A wonderful method to provide amusing quizzes that may be used to review material with the youngsters. The sole need is two teams, and it may be used at any grade or level. Download the guide and get ready for a great time.
16. Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Everyone! This game is a staple in every culture throughout the world, and its popularity shows no signs of abating. Most educators and students will already be acquainted with the rules and ideas through television, but the value of quizzes and knowledge retrieval exercises should not be discounted. Participation is voluntary and calls for collaboration. Complete instructions and sample documents may be obtained online.
17. Wordwall
You needn’t make any room for our next game to begin. To find memory games, just look up the website Wordwall. There will be a plethora of options available in various classifications. This activity is somewhat similar to a card game, except that the back of each card has a hidden vocabulary phrase or image.
Students start by tapping a card, which temporarily reveals the image or vocabulary word before hiding it again. The next step is for the pupils to attempt to recall which card goes with the pair. Extra points will be awarded to the group that discovers the most matches. This is a ton of fun since it makes use of the smart board’s audio capabilities, tests your wits, and lets you play through the board’s touchscreen interface.
18. Interactive Video (choose your own adventure)
Actually, I really like this game-based learning method. The instructor will show a suitable English video on the interactive whiteboard. Because it is entertaining, lexically rich, and simple to access, I often refer to Man vs. Wild.
The video will stop at key moments while the characters go about their acts, giving students time to read and decide which of two possible outcomes the character should choose. The protagonist, “Jim,” must decide whether to go straight ahead to the waterfall or to the left to reach a bridge. Then, a student may make a choice by touching the smart board screen and seeing the results immediately. Everyone will have to pay close attention and read the text, which is part of the fun.
19. Active Arcade and Just Dance
Most importantly in game-based learning, you’ll need a clean and open area in front of the classroom for Active Arcade and Just Dance. You’ll need to do some digging on the smart board to find either one; as an example, take the popular dance game Just Dance. Check your sound system before starting the game, since there will be music playing.
Next, have the kids choose their personas. There will be a total of four students, so they may work together to complete the challenges. The game’s easy rules and enjoyable gameplay, along with the game’s upbeat soundtrack, will keep kids interested and engaged. The pupils must now dance like their favorite gaming characters. Points may be awarded to the squad with the finest dancing moves.
20. Board Race
Math, language, and writing are all thrown into the mix in this versatile game-based learning. A go-to for students at the elementary and middle school levels. Creating a list of phrases or math equations to give to the children is necessary for this game. After that, they’ll employ the words in made-up phrases while doing arithmetic problems on the touchscreen.
Use the split screen capability of EZWrite on a BenQ smart board interactive display to more easily divide your class into teams and inject some healthy competition into your classroom.
With an NFC stylus, children can rapidly transfer the pen to their buddy in line and continue writing on the smart board, making for a far more exciting and engaging game.
It’s a race to the finish as students take turns completing phrases and equations in hopes of becoming the first team to have every member finish successfully and claim victory.
21. Pictionary
One more timeless tale that, as we all know, will never get old, even for grownups. This is why educators and students of all ages may benefit from playing Pictionary together. Incorporating both linguistic and visual arts practice, the exhibit is a fantastic game-based learning tool.
The children are given a word to illustrate on the interactive whiteboard without the use of letters or words. A student’s turn comes when they make the proper guess. That’s how straightforward it is. In addition to the benefits already discussed, this is also a great opportunity to get some experience sketching on a smart board, which may help students memorize new words.
Bottom Line
Game-based learning platforms provide amazing ideas for fun learning experiences for learners. It is not just about learning something new but also about building bonds with teammates and educators. We hope you enjoyed reading our blog and got important insights about game-based learning. You can implement these smart games at your home, office, college, school, etc.
Also Read: What is m-Learning?
