{"id":1000,"date":"2021-08-28T22:13:46","date_gmt":"2021-08-29T04:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.typing.com\/?p=1000"},"modified":"2022-08-29T11:23:25","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T17:23:25","slug":"game-based-learning-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.typing.com\/game-based-learning-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of Game-based Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a time disturbed by COVID-19, the exploration of digital learning tools has become an essential strategy for keeping students engaged while socially distanced. Although game-based learning (GBL) is not a new concept, the benefits of digital game-based learning are more apparent than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Game-based learning and gamification have been shown to increase student engagement, foster social-emotional learning, and motivate students to take risks. So what exactly is game-based learning and gamification? How do games help students become active participants in their learning process? We will cover those questions and more in this article on digital game-based learning.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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What is Game-Based Learning?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game-based learning uses games as a vessel for learning, but it\u2019s about more than just having fun and scoring points: it\u2019s a research-based practice used to enhance instruction, cultivate collaboration, and meet specific learning goals. GBL can be implemented in person or online, but due to the need for social distancing, we are seeing more digital game-based learning platforms used in curricula.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two of the most popular digital games among today\u2019s students are Roblox and Minecraft. Surely these video games can\u2019t be good for kids, right? Wrong! A<\/span> 2013 study<\/span><\/a> found that users who played video games for 30 minutes a day over a two-month period showed an increase in grey matter compared to those who did not partake in the games. The increase in grey matter was found in the areas of the brain involved in spatial navigation, memory formation, fine motor skills of the hands, and strategic planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Games like Minecraft and Roblox allow students to use coding skills in order to create and modify gaming experiences. <\/span>Nitrotype.com<\/span><\/a> is a worldwide, gamified typing competition that allows students to race cars while practicing typing speed and accuracy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we get into the details about the benefits of digital game-based learning and how you can implement GBL and gamification in your classroom, let\u2019s define gamification and see what sets it apart from game-based learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is Gamification?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Game-based learning is the term used to describe the implementation of games to reach specific learning outcomes. This could look like board games in the classroom, role-play games, or digital gaming platforms. Gamification, on the other hand, is the use of gaming elements such as point systems, leaderboards, and rewards to create a more engaging learning experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the classroom, gamification can be identified in student badges for mastery of a topic, timed activities, or the separation of students into teams. Gamification is used to make traditional teaching strategies more engaging for students, whereas GBL uses games that have defined rules, settings, and characters to help students learn new concepts and practice soft skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Benefits of Digital Game-Based Learning\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> from Routledge explores the many ways in which GBL benefits students. The benefits are bountiful; here are some honorable mentions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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