The Amazing World of Game-based Learning
Games challenge players to see the world in new ways. They give us a chance to play, be creative, and keep us coming back for more. But how can you bring that same excitement into the classroom? Through intentional game-based learning design.
Game-based learning can be defined as a comprehensive learning experience where students engage in iterative cycles of assessment and feedback through the use of game mechanics. With or without the use of technology, GBL requires a new way of thinking about curriculum design and the role of the teacher. Game-based learning is a designed experience, whether an original creative endeavor as in the courses from Lee’s Sheldon’s book The Multiplayer Classroom or a semester situated around a commercial digital environment like Fantasy Geopolitics.
Games are a great way to increase the engagement and motivation of students, but attending to the entire gaming ecology creates the greatest impacts on learning. Consider the following in your own game-based learning endeavors:
Game-based learning can be defined as a comprehensive learning experience where students engage in iterative cycles of assessment and feedback through the use of game mechanics. With or without the use of technology, GBL requires a new way of thinking about curriculum design and the role of the teacher. Game-based learning is a designed experience, whether an original creative endeavor as in the courses from Lee’s Sheldon’s book The Multiplayer Classroom or a semester situated around a commercial digital environment like Fantasy Geopolitics.
Games are a great way to increase the engagement and motivation of students, but attending to the entire gaming ecology creates the greatest impacts on learning. Consider the following in your own game-based learning endeavors:
- How will the game meet learner where they are, and adapt to changing understandings?
- How will the learner get consistent and timely feedback to game play?
- What technologies can support this process and reduce teacher workload?
- What events or communities surrounding game play can support reflection and a deeper understanding on content?
- How will you determine success?
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