Games introduce you to the world of competition and the never-ending spirit of playing. Game-learning techniques can instill various qualities in your personality for example confidence, concentration, narrative, a fun learning environment, etc. Children love playing games and they become smarter and sharper due to these games. Though game-based learning and gamification seem similar learning techniques they are quite different from each other. In this article, we will be discussing what makes them different from each other and what are their benefits in improving the learning journey of children.
The distinction between game-based learning and gamification:
You may want to add interactivity, engagement, and immersion to your online classes. You may either gamify your courses or include gaming aspects into them. While these names may seem similar, they are really very distinct; the term you use will depend on your aims and objectives. To answer the issue of which is superior, game-based learning or gamification, it is necessary to comprehend the distinction between game-based learning and gamification concepts.
Game-based Learning
Gaming-based learning, often known as GBL, is the addition of game elements to online learning in order to accomplish certain learning goals. For instance, you have games that help your workers develop problem-solving, practical, and critical-thinking abilities. Contrary to gamification, not all training information is gamified. It is believed that game-based learning is an effective method for bringing about behavioral changes since learners acquire new skills via hands-on experience.
Initially, game-based learning was used in recruitment to provide potential workers with an overview of the firm. So, employees could obtain a feel of the firm and see whether they were a good match or had a natural knack for the position prior to submitting their applications. Since then, game-based learning has advanced significantly and is now a vital part of education and training.
There are two implementation methods for game-based learning. Existing games may be used to complement your material. Moreover, you may buy an abundance of readily accessible games; for instance, you can utilize online Monopoly to explain a subject in finance. The second alternative is to use custom-made games to assist your instructional objectives. Due to the time, money, and effort required to construct a game from scratch, it is crucial that you locate a vendor with established credentials.
It is essential to realize that games apply to more than simply computer and video games. They may also include card games, board games, word games, and games that don’t need any materials, such as charades. All game-based learnings, however, have a goal and a set of rules that must be followed in order to attain a milestone.
Game-based learning enables users to acquire new knowledge and practice skills in a risk-free setting. Their advancement in a game is exactly proportional to their comprehension of the topic. Game-based learning promotes retention and recalls because it keeps users interested in the subject matter and makes learning enjoyable. A rise in engagement always increases retention and memory. Game-based learning is better appropriate for teaching complicated topics, enabling workers to practice and utilize their new abilities without real-world ramifications. They get feedback along the way, which enables them to make course corrections and develop the appropriate skill set or effect the necessary behavioral change.
Gamification
Unlike game-based learning and gamification is not limited to adding a few games to training. Rather, your whole training regimen is being gamified. Gamification incorporates game concepts into non-game contexts to incentivize learners to finish current training modules utilizing features such as prizes and recognition, badges, leaderboards, and other incentives.
This is firmly anchored in human psychology and exploits the human need for competition and success. Consequently, the courses are meant to drive students to compete not only with their classmates but also with themselves in an effort to beat their own scores as they go through the curriculum.
As previously said, This is the addition of game concepts to a non-game setting, which eliminates the need to develop new content. Therefore, incorporating gamification into your current online training platforms is quick and economical.
Gamification has progressed significantly since its start. In fact, it has become a standard component in several software applications and learning management systems. In addition to leaderboards, it contains progress trackers, time trackers, and achievements, which give a comprehensive overview of your learners.
Game-based Learning Versus Gamification
Now that you understand the distinction between game-based learning and gamification, you should base your selection on your organization’s requirements. The difference between game-based learning and gamification is that gamification entails gamifying the whole curriculum, while game-based learning involves utilizing a game for learning.
conclusion
game-based learning may support content with all forms of widely accessible games. Alternatively, businesses might pay third-party providers to design games that facilitate both individual and group learning.
When properly implemented, game-based learning and gamification provide several benefits. The fact that all learning management systems now allow game-based and gamified learning is indicative of their growing significance in online training.
Recently, HurixDigital created a game-based training module for one of its customers to assist them convey fundamental ideas to freshly hired employees. The team ensured that the themes were presented in a basic but engaging eLearning style by using minimum text on the screen and a highly visual approach. The games were a fun and interesting approach for workers to learn about the used software. Click here to discover more about how HurixDigital created web-based and game-based interactive training modules.
To decide between game-based learning and gamification, you must consider your organization’s objectives. Before employing any technique, careful analysis is required; else, you risk demotivated personnel and increased staff turnover. Do it correctly, and you will benefit from greater employee engagement and skill development.
Also Read: Making Friends: 10 Team-Building Games for Students
