Gamification can improve learners’ engagement

Games are increasingly discussed when it comes to innovating learning and there are many initiatives actively supporting the introduction of games, particularly in online learning. Before you get started on this topic, it is important to recognise the distinction between the use of games which may or may not be specifically developed for a learning context and the concept of “gamification” which Wikipedia defines as being the “application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts”. Examples of gamification in teaching and learning, according to JISC, include:

• Using badges or other rewards to record achievements.
• Encouraging progression through tasks by offering progress markers.
• Including competitive elements and rankings.
• Game-based learning or ‘serious games’; these are educational games designed to achieve a particular curriculum need.

Both games themselves and the process of gamification are important and, when used well, can add a significant value to online learning and indeed any learning by increasing engagement and motivation.

One of the main advantages of using games in learning is the ‘fun’ value they bring. Research has shown that a greater focus on the affective domain of adults’ learning experience, in particular fun and enjoyment, could prove to be as beneficial and important as it is currently considered in children’s learning.

Along with their general ability to increase motivation and engagement, games can have several specific advantages which we summarise here:

• Games can be used to help students to better collaborate when organised with teams.
• Certain role-playing games help students to increase their knowledge of specific content by enabling them to practice roles and experience certain situations.
• Games can enable student enhance their problem-solving skills by putting them into situations in which they have to solve problems within parameters and time constraints.
• Communication skills are often enhanced through game-playing when the game requires players to present certain results or outcomes.
• Student attitudes can often be changed through games and are often used in social sciences when dealing with complex issues.
• Many games support the development of specific technical skills in areas such as coding.