What Is Game-Based Learning And How Is Your School Implemented Gaming Into The Classroom?

Game-based learning has been the buzzword of the past few years in education. It started out with video game-based learning, but has grown to incorporate other types of games into the classroom.

All across the world, educational institutions are beginning to make use of gamification in classrooms in order to boost student engagement and digital fluency. Here is what you need to know about game-based learning and how it can impact your child’s education. Learn more about game-based learning and how your school might be implementing it!

This blog is all about the benefits of game-based learning in school, how it works and what your school can do today to implement more gaming into the classroom. Read on for an overview of this innovative teaching strategy!

What is Game-Based Learning?

Game-based learning is an instructional strategy that uses digital games to engage students, improve content understanding and teach new skills. By providing students with the opportunity to explore topics with interactive challenges, game-based learning breaks down complex topics into multiple levels of understanding.

Game-based learning (GBL) is a form of experiential and participatory learning that uses video games as the platform to teach and engage students around a topic. GBL can be used in both formal and informal settings, and in some cases is designed to be used alongside the formal curriculum.

How does a student learn if a game is involved?

Students acquire skills and knowledge by interacting with the game. They also improve their communication skills by talking to others about the game objectives. In addition, they’ll learn social skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving by working together. That will ultimately lead to the enhancement and improvement of global citizens.

Benefits of Game-Based Learning

The benefits of game-based learning are well documented; research has shown that students who learn with video games show improved problem-solving skills, working memory, and cognitive control. Game-based learning is an instructional strategy that uses digital games to engage students, improve content understanding, and teach new skills. By providing students with the opportunity to explore topics with interactive challenges, game-based learning breaks down complex topics into multiple levels of understanding.

When using game-based learning, teachers create a problem or challenge those students must complete. The student can then explore various methods and approaches to solve the problem–exploring how the concepts work through experimentation instead of rote memorization. By breaking down complex topics into multiple levels of understanding, game-based learning provides opportunities for students of all levels to be successful.

One of the benefits of game-based learning is that it requires the learner to make choices. This teaches them how to think critically, which is important for many careers. It also greatly improves their thinking skills by making them solve problems through trial and error, instead of just memorizing information like they would in regular school settings.

The benefits of a game-based approach to learning are numerous:

How game-based learning works in school

When students are playing video games, they are learning. Game-based learning is an instructional strategy where digital games are used to engage students in the classroom, improve content understanding, and teach new skills.

It’s important to note that game-based learning encompasses a wide range of activities that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional video games. For example, it includes interactive simulations, augmented reality games, social media games, and online courses.

What makes game-based learning so successful is that it breaks down complex topics into levels of understanding. So instead of teaching one abstract concept at a time (i.e., fractions), game-based learning teaches different concepts on different levels (i.e., fraction identification, multiplication by fractions). Once players have completed each level of understanding for a particular lesson, they can “graduate” to the next level until they’ve mastered all the skill sets needed to progress in the game or course.

How your school can implement more gaming into the classroom

The power of game-based learning is undeniable and it’s no surprise that many schools are already implementing gaming into the classroom.

However, how will your school get off the ground? To get you started, here are a few ideas:

1. Experiment with different games

2. Read about the different types of games

3. Explore game-based learning in other schools

4. Create an account with an online game creator (like Stencyl)

5. Select a game engine (such as Unity)

There are many ways that GBL can be incorporated into a classroom setting. One important first step in deciding on a specific topic that students will study through a game-based learning experience. The next step would be to create an engaging connection.

There are many benefits associated with implementing game-based learning in your classroom. For one, it’s a highly engaging way to learn. It also encourages students to use critical thinking skills while having fun. The following list of game-based learning examples include:

1) World of Goo

2) Plants vs. Zombies

3) Journey

4) Minecraft

Conclusion

Gaming in the classroom has many benefits. It’s a great way to get students involved and interested in learning, and it can be used to teach a range of subjects. Plus, the technology is accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of learning needs.

Your school can implement gaming into the classroom by creating a curriculum that matches the abilities and interests of your students, then finding a game that aligns with this curriculum. In addition to this, you can use tools like SmartLab’s Game-Based Learning Platform to create custom games to teach subjects like Math or Science. Gaming in the classroom is a fun way to get students engaged and interested in learning.

Your school can integrate more gaming into the classroom by first creating a curriculum that matches the abilities and interests of your students, then finding a game that aligns with this curriculum. In addition to this, you can use tools like SmartLab’s Game-Based Learning Platform to create custom games to teach subjects like Math or Science.