Gamification + Education

Since this whole corona, iso situation gamification has really stepped up its game and become quite a hero in terms of eLearning and education. Gamification encourages its users to embrace the learning opportunity with an open mind and to simply have fun with the process, whatever that may require. Most importantly, as we have all learnt, any form of games increase motivation through engagement. Which is a major aspect of education and learning.

How’s this…

80% of learners claimed learning would be more productive if it were more game-oriented.

67% of students reported that a gamified course was more motivating than a traditional course. (eLearning Industry, Asha Pandey)

Gamification is not only involved in but assists education in a variety of ways. Who remembers the primary school days of programs such as Mathletics or the real oldie, Super Clubs Plus? I am definitely the opposite to a Maths lover, but boy oh boy did I love the old Mathletics. I use to get on that game at every opportunity to verse my friends in maths. Maths! Thinking back to it now, it was such a fun way to get young kids involved in something that most wouldn’t call ‘fun’ and encourage them to get active and challenge one another. Little did you know you were learning while playing.

A ‘gamified classroom’ incorporates a range of gaming elements to motivate users, helping them learn. These include:

o Social interaction

o Challenges

o Reward systems for achieving academic objectives

o Immediate feedback

o Identified progression

I personally believe gamification is a very intelligent and genuine form of education. Learning should be interactive, rewarding, challenging and most importantly fun.

Do you have any personal examples how gamification got you through your schooling life?

Pandley, A 2015, ‘6 Killer Examples of Gamification in eLearning’, eLearning Industry, weblog post, retrieved 28 April 2020, <https://elearningindustry.com/6-killer-examples-gamification-in-elearning>

TechThought Staff 2019, ’12 Examples of Gamification in the Classroom’, Tech Thought, weblog post, retrieved 28 April 2020 <https://tophat.com/blog/gamification-education-class/>

Learning Theories n.d, Gamification in Education, Learning Theories, date retrieved 28 April 2020 <https://www.learning-theories.com/gamification-in-education.html>