Game-based learning uses games to help learners achieve learning goals. A well-designed learning game can be an effective tool in the classroom for several reasons. Whether the game presents a contest against others or an individual challenge to pass a level or achieve a high score, competition can be very motivating for learners. Games can offer a more fun and engaging environment than more traditional, lecture-based teaching approach. There’s research that shows students learn better when they get immediate feedback, such as in a game environment, rather than having to wait a few days to get an assignment back. Immediate feedback lets learners make immediate adjustments towards their learning goals (Rivera, 2016). As stated by EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative’s “7 Things You Should Know About Games and Learning” paper, “Game mechanics reinforce the fact that failure is neither a setback nor an outcome but rather an indication that more work is needed to master the skill or knowledge at hand” (“7 Things You Should Know About Games and Learning,” 2014).

Game learning can range from a single-class session where points are awarded for answering questions correctly to a game that runs the duration of a course. My 6-year-old son uses learning apps at school every day. He uses a literacy app, where he progresses through levels at his own speed. He comes home excited when he passes a level and gets a certificate and a pencil or other small prize. He uses another app with a similar approach for math. These types of games give teachers a tool for differentiating instruction and lets them gather data about where a student might be struggling or excelling. Game learning doesn’t need to be digital. My son recently played a tic-tac-toe math game in class that he was so engaged by, he created his own version at home. College students in a Social Media Innovation course at Temple University, earned points and badges for learning activities, such as posting blogs and interacting with peers. At the University of Michigan, students created a game-inspired learning management system (“7 Things You Should Know About Games and Learning,” 2014). As I work on this assignment sitting in the bleachers at my son’s swim practice, I’m watching the 3-year-old in front of me play a cute game on her tablet that’s teaching her Chinese. These are just a few examples of the endless possibilities games can bring to a learning environment.

Rivera, Maricel. “Is Digital Game-Based Learning The Future Of Learning?” ELearning Industry, 12 Mar. 2018, elearningindustry.com/digital-game-based-learning-future.

“7 Things You Should Know About Games and Learning.” 7 Things You Should Know About Games and Learning, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI), 11 Mar. 2014, library.educause.edu/resources/2014/3/7-things-you-should-know-about-games-and-learning.