What Is Game-Based Learning?

Game-based learning is a practice that brings gaming elements and principles into the educational
process. Their use is tied to learning objectives. Teachers may employ a game as an individual learning
activity or apply it during the whole course. Game-based learning creates a dynamic environment
where students feel emotionally engaged in the process of learning. They get an opportunity to
collaborate with peers and practice vital skills.

Game-based learning involves both digital or non-digital games with elements of simulations. This
allows transferring theoretical material into real life, making routine assignments more exciting.
Experimenting in a risk-free setting, students get hands-on experience. They learn how to solve
problems and develop creative thinking. Thus, the use of gaming elements in the learning context
enhances academic outcomes.

The pedagogy is increasingly becoming more effective and an evolved means to incorporate games in
education. It’s all about using a game to teach new or difficult concepts in a fun and engaging way. For
example, SplashLearn has a game for preschoolers in which players help cute characters called
Oolzoos get on or off a train based on the numbers that appear on the train cars. The game is
engaging, interactive and fun for youngsters – and it is designed to be sticky, because kids at this age
are drawn to interactive entertainment.

With game-based learning, students learn on their own in an environment where they are willing to
persevere, solve problems and derive connections that would lead to long-lasting learning outcomes.
The learning experience itself is the reward, rather than students receiving superficial rewards after
finishing a lesson. This knowledge helps de-stigmatize game-based learning among educators who
may have viewed digital games as a learning deterrent in the past.