See what’s hot in game-based learning
Learning doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, education today is becoming more and more fascinating as we realize that textbooks and boring lectures no longer inspire us. This is why game-based learning is popular, whether in schools, corporate training or skill development programs, to make learning fun, interactive and effective.
You’ve probably heard of gamification, but that’s not the same. Game-based learning includes real games designed for educational purposes, such as simulation games where students learn specific skills by playing scenarios. Gamification, on the other hand, takes game-like elements such as points, leaderboards, rewards, and applies them to non-game environments, such as the course itself, making learning more engaging.
But just because we’re talking about games doesn’t mean that kids alone will benefit from this approach. Additionally, companies use game-based learning to know that it is not attractive and not very effective for employees to go through traditional corporate training sessions, leading to leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. Training employees. The game remains here and is used in education, but has been proven to provide valuable knowledge and support retention. So let’s take a look at some of the most popular game-based learning. This way, whether you’re a learner or an instructor, you can integrate it into your approach.
Six Common Trends in Game-Based Learning
1. Serious Game
Serious games are, in fact, some of the most engaging tools in education and corporate training today. Unlike traditional video games designed for entertainment, serious games are built to teach real-world skills in an interactive way. There are games that aim to teach everything from mathematics and coding to teamwork and environmental science. For example, the game about urban planning in which learners form cities and oversee the economy can help them understand the economy, sustainability, and decision-making. These games are powerful because they encourage learning. Instead of passively reading about concepts, players actively apply them within the game. Furthermore, serious games are perfect for problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking, which are very necessary skills in both education and workplace.
2. AI-equipped game-based learning
AI-driven games adapt to your skills in real time. In other words, it’s just as challenging as what you need. Unlike traditional courses, this approach becomes more adaptive with the help of AI. This analyses how the player is progressing and adjusts the difficulty, hints and content accordingly. For example, you can find a mathematics learning platform that will adjust the exercises based on how students solve problems and provide personalized tips if necessary. Similarly, several other apps offer adaptive tutoring, analyzing the pros and cons of students and leading them towards the course. These AI-powered tools make learning feel like a challenge, induce learners’ interest and motivate them even if they feel like giving up.
3. VR and AR
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) take education to the next level by making lessons more immersive, interactive and enjoyable. how? VR allows learners to wear headsets and access simulated environments such as ancient civilizations, oceans, other planets, and prehistoric times. Meanwhile, AR overlays digital elements on the real world, such as planets, human organs, and historical artifacts, and correctly positions them in learners’ hands using only smartphones and tablets. A new addition to this is Mixed Reality (MR), which blends both VR and AR for a more interactive experience. These technologies have become an important part of game-based learning as they are not possible with simple textbooks or plain courses.
4. eSports
Esports is a new way to teach learners about teamwork, leadership and strategic thinking. Schools and universities around the world are taking advantage of this because they understand that competitive gaming can offer the same benefits as traditional sports. Therefore, esports helps students to improve communication and adaptability. In games like League of Legends and Rocket League, players need to make quick decisions, adapt their strategies, and communicate with their teammates under pressure. These skills have been valued in business and real-world problem solving. Using eSports as an educational tool is a controversial topic, but universities such as the University of California, Irvine and Miami have eSports programs and offer scholarships and gaming facilities.
5. Soft Skill Development
Games are not only used in school subjects such as mathematics, science, and history. It is also used to build soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and decision-making. After all, interactive experiences are a great way to practice real-world skills in a low-risk environment. For example, there are games where players need to collaborate to resolve issues. This allows you to stay calm under clear communication, teamwork and pressure. Meanwhile, other games help players develop empathy by reading facial expressions and making ethical decisions that affect the game’s world. And with soft skills in demand, your company or school might start looking at game-based learning to get more effective results.
6. Mobile Game-Based Learning
With everyone on your phone, mobile game-based learning turns into a productive learning moment this time. There are many apps like Duolingo, which turned learning into a game, making it easy to do lessons, whether waiting for coffee or commuting. Whether you’re learning a new language, honing your math skills, or improving memory, these short lessons are designed to be fun, interactive, and most importantly, always accessible It’s been done. They are also leveraged by companies that use game-based apps to train their employees, leadership, communication and even compliance, making their company’s training more engaging and challenging.
What to pay attention to when implementing game-based learning?
Fee
One of the biggest problems in adopting game-based learning is cost. High quality educational games, especially those using VR or AI, are not cheap. Therefore, schools with limited budgets often cannot afford them, prioritizing textbooks, teacher salaries and basic classroom supplies instead. Similarly, companies may not be able to afford these games, especially if they need to be custom-made for a particular skill and role. However, the solution is an open source educational game, low-cost apps, and a game building platform that is a more budget-friendly alternative.
Accessibility
Even if schools and businesses can afford game-based learning, not everyone has access to technology. Some students may not have a stable connection or strong device, but at work, employees from remote locations or with older computers may be involved in these materials. It may be difficult. And don’t forget to have someone with a disability. Not all educational games are designed with comprehensive features such as screen readers, subtitles and more. The good news is that game developers know about these issues, and many educational games include accessibility features. Additionally, schools and businesses can also offer mobile-friendly solutions to reduce the need for powerful equipment.
Reluctant
Even dealing with cost and accessibility issues, people resist change. Even educators, corporate trainers and students may avoid game-based learning as they are used to more traditional methods. Teachers may worry that the game is a distraction and parents may question whether their child is really learning. Employees may prefer a simple training session. To overcome this, let people know and start proving that game-based learning works. Therefore, run the pilot program, collect data and give presentations. When educators and managers see the benefits, they are more likely to be convinced.
Conclusion
Game-based learning is popular because education is more engaging, interactive and effective. Whether used in classrooms or corporate training, it helps students and employees acquire real-world skills that stick to their students. As mentioned above, all new technologies can contribute to game-based learning, making them more personalized and meaningful. If done correctly, game-based learning can completely change the way people approach learning and come back for more. So there’s nothing to lose. Please give it a try.
