Gamification and game-based learning are both buzzwords in theeducation and training industry. Although both are innovative ways to trainyour learners, they aren’t actually interchangeable. While both may relate toeducation and training, how they relate varies greatly.
Gamification
So, what is gamification? Gamification is adding game-likemechanics to non-game experiences to encourage a specific behavior and motivatelearners. This does not mean you are having your learners play games. What itdoes mean is that you are taking motivational elements from games, such asbadges or achievements, and incorporating them into the learning experience toencourage your learners to perform a specific behavior.
An example of this in a web-based training application wouldbe awarding learners badges for completing sections of training, and postingtheir scores to a leaderboard. These actions encourage learners and keep themengaged. A more “real life” example would be the badges that members of scoutingorganizations receive upon completion of a specific task. The game-likemechanic (the badge), encourages and rewards the scout to perform a specificbehavior (say, the ability to tie a certain knot).
Gamification is a great way to do the following:
- Encourage existing behaviors
- Change behaviors
- Provide immediate feedback and gratification
- Track progress and effort
Game-based learning
On the other hand, we have game-based learning (GBL).Game-based learning is using games to teach specific content. This can bethrough a game created for education (serious games), or a non-educational gamefor educational purposes. For example, using the game Angry Birds to reinforceX and Y intercepts or Cooking Dash to introduce what it is like working in arestaurant.
Immersing your learners in a simulated experience using gamemechanics is a great way to reinforce learning. Take the game Civilization, forexample. The player is immersed in the simulation and must understand ideaslike politics, tactics, and democracy to succeed. Game-based learning givesstudents the freedom to fail and focuses on using the game to reinforce thelearning material and provide context. In essence, any variety of gameencourages the player to practice, learn from their mistakes, and gain manyimportant skills.
Using games to teach can do the following:
- Provide context
- Engage and encourage students
- Provide instruction in a new, more interesting way
To recap…
While gamification and game-based learning are buzzwords inthe training realm, and are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different.Gamification is using game-like mechanics, such as badges and leaderboards, inyour training. It is not playing games or using games to teach. Whereas,game-based learning is using games to teach and reinforce educationalobjectives. Incorporating either one of these elements into your training is asure way to catch your audience’s interest and teach them your material.
