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influences gamification can have on teaching and learning
influences gamification can have on teaching and learning
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The ideal of interactive, highly-engaging training and education is ancient. A Chinese proverb says: "Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I'll understand." However, the gap continues to grow between antiquated, passive training methods and a workforce that lives an ever more interactive, multimedia, user-controlled lifestyle. With game-based learning tools to bridge that gap comes the promise of vastly more productive and engaged students and workers—ones who embrace learning.
There are two approaches to games and learning, namely, Game-Based Learning (GBL) and gamification. GBL, also referred to as 'Serious Games', which are computer or video games designed for a primary purpose (education or solving a problem) other than entertainment. This involves the use of simulations to support teaching and learning. Gaming simulation is an interactive-learning environment that makes it possible to cope with authentic situations that closely mimic reality. According to Kip Kelly (2013) “serious games can allow players to apply what they have learned in an L&D [Learning and Development] experience and apply it in a safe, simulated environment. For example, health care professionals can practice a new medical procedure using a serious simulation game before introducing it in the workplace”.
There have been several studies conducted on learning and serious games, for example, a recent study by the Office of Naval Research found that video game players performed ten to twenty percent better in perceptual and cognitive ability than non-game players, and that video games helped adults process information faster(Steinberg,2012). Another study by the Federation of American Scientists found that students re...
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...the motivation and attentiveness of the students and specifically, games can become a facilitator for self-directed study and research; when students enjoy a specific area in a game, they become more inclined to search it online, read a book about it, or watch a documentary on it (Rapini, Sarina 2012).
Research has shown that gaming, in the right context, can be just as, if not more, effective than traditional e-learning. It improves problem-solving, creativity, risk assessment, and risk taking. Gaming also supports B.F. Skinner’s Behavioral Theory: that behavior is a function of its consequences. As in real life, when most people have a negative consequence to something they do, they don’t do it again. In gaming it’s the same concept: You go through that particular door and fall down an elevator shaft and lose the game…are you going to do that again? Probably not.
Video games have become a huge part of the culture of young people and adults alike, and many educators are finding ways to incorporate a love of games into their teaching practice, through options like “edutainment” and “gamification”. Edutainment is media that has both a high degree of educational and entertainment value. Gamification is the use of game mechanics and thinking in an educational setting, like earning points to level up or earning achievement badges for tasks completed. Both of these methods work well to engage students in learning. However, outside of edutainment and gamification, some educators are using non-educational video games, like Minecraft, to teach a wide variety of subjects and ...
"Educational Video Games Can Boost Motivation to Learn, NYU, CUNY Study Shows." Educational Video Games Can Boost Motivation to Learn, NYU, CUNY Study Shows. New York University, 6 Nov. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.
McClellan’s (2005) article reports that according to Johnson’s study, computer games are essentially brain exercises that improve the psychological fitness holistically because they require continuous focus, strategic decision-making, and creative thinking. Video games, another form of screen technology, have also been found to improve these aspects which are important as children often find gaming fun and this must be utilised productively to aid the development of cognition / mental acumen. An example of this would be Assassin’s Creed, alternate versions of history role playing game, which develops spatial skills, strategic thinking, and executive
One way to excite students about learning is by using games. Game play can require students use higher-order thinking skills, where they are analyzing, creating and understanding the concepts at deeper level. Making games from content, or Gamification can be done by creating teams, scores, competitions, and rewards. Real life simulations incorporated into a game environment can create a powerful learning environment.
Trybus, Jessica. (November 20, 2014). Game-Based Learning: What It Is, Why It Works, and Where It’s Going. New Media Institute. Retrieved from: - http://www.newmedia.org/game-based-learning–what-it-is-why-it-works-and-where-its-going.html
Video games today can even improve critical thinking. Rhea R. Borja states that educational games have a large potential to improve critical thinking, help teach academic curricula, and examine what students learn. Though, it’s unlikely that schools will start investing in videogame as a form of teaching some educators are using video games as a learning tool (Video Game Play May). This quote by Don Blake perfectly sums up most opinions on education video game research: “All the research done and millions ...
There are several negative stereotypes associated with video games and those who play them; some of these may often hold true. However, there are plenty of learning opportunities in video games. While the direct purpose of some games is to educate or train, other games that do not directly have this purpose can still become a learning experience for the player. As Ntiedo Etuk, president of the educational video game company Tabula Digital said, “The traditional view of video games has been that they are distractions from the task of learning” (Electronic Education Report 1). Video games are an effective tool for learning and retaining skills both inside and outside the classroom environment. The basic cycle of game play--the introduction to the game, game play, collaboration, improvement of these between each round, and evaluation at the end of the game (Klievink and Janssen 159)--are nearly parallel to the traditional classroom learning cycle of reading a textbook or listening to a lecture, taking a quiz, studying, focusing on items missed on the quiz, and taking a test or exam. Within this cycle, there are many opportunities to develop and perfect both educational, life, and occupational skills.
Annetta, L. A. (2008). Video Games in Education: Why They Should Be Used and How They Are Being Used. Theory Into Practice, 47(3), 229-239. doi:10.1080/00405840802153940
Teaching Games For Understanding Model is the topic that I researched. This teaching model was created by Rod Thorpe and David Bunker from Loughborough University. The abbreviation for Teaching Games For Understanding Model is TGFU. This model was made for students to help educate them about the games they play in Physical Education. This learning model does not reflect on the performance from the student. It focuses on teaching student’s skills and key concepts in the classroom. There are six stages in TGFU that specifically target an important skill or concept that the student needs. The following six stages are Game Form, Game Appreciation, Tactical Awareness, Decision Making, Skill Execution, and Performance. All of these stages combine to make one goal of educating students with the skills and concepts they need in Physical Education, sports, and life.
Griffiths, Mark. "The Educational Benefits Of Videogames." Education & Health 20.3 (2002): 47-51. Professional Development Collection. Web. 4 Feb. 2014.
Peng, Wei. "Is Playing Games All Bad?Positive Effects of Computer and Video Games in Learning" Paper
...the ideas that are taught in schools. Games also need to intermix instruction with demonstration. This is a big difference from the basic way of learning in school, which is memorize and regurgitate. Demonstrating shows the student what it looks like and they retain the content longer.
The concept of “edutainment”- the hybrid of education and entertainment has existed almost as long as video games have. Evidence of this is The Oregon Trail, a game about the colo...
Presently, video games aren’t merely toys that negatively influence the youth. They have become an alternative means for people to learn and train for work. Games teach values and essential information, and motivate its players to achieve goals. Soldiers and doctors benefit from video games as well. The collaboration of game developers and educators helps improve the quality of educational games. At present, as technology progresses, one can truly see that video games have become an important factor in learning.
First of all video games can benefit the person playing the game. Video games strengthen reading and visual skills. In the article “what video games can teach us” by Emily Sohn, Sohn says “because kids are interested in the game, they often end up reading at a level well above their grade.” This statement is true about anything, a person will do things as long as they think it benefits them. In a kids case they believe that reading during the game will help them beat the game. Therefore they will read even though they may not realize that they are improving their literacy skills at the same time as playing the game.A game may improve your visual skills as well. A study made by researchers from the University of Rochester came to the conclusion that video game players gain better visual skills than people that don’t play them. Video game players can keep track of more objects at a time. As well as pick out objects quicker out of a cluttered environment.