Gamification and Game Based "learning"

 “Game-based learning (GBL) is a type of game play that has defined learning outcomes. Generally, game-based learning is designed to balance subject matter with gameplay and the ability of the player to retain, and apply said subject matter to the real world.”

Of late, I have been reading articles on Game based. As per my understanding, Game based learning (GBL) is developing a game out of a learning content. Below mentioned can be a few assumed benefits.

1.   Engaging learning content

2.   Users will be attracted and motivated towards learning

3.   Willful participation in a training

4.   Effective learning???

Let us agree on the first 3 points mentioned above. How about the fourth one? How many of you agree that Game based is effective learning? How many of you have a case study on this?

When we say, Game based, it must be less of a content and more of a strategy. Am I right? You can teach functionality, strategy and practicality in a game based learning. However, to understand the content and absorb well to recall; GBL may not be effective. Let us have a discussion on this.

Hence, instead of entire content being GBL, we may gamify. This will be more effective and easy to deliver. Game based learning sounds cool and fancy, and of course it is. I would love to have a game based content. However, there are still a few limitations that may not work in the practical world.

Current, Instructional Designers have evolved from being an ID to Strategical training delivery manager. It means, IDs can now deliver training on the topic such as, “How to create and deliver trainings” to the managers and trainers. It is not because they know all, but they are involved in ADDIE. (I hope you can relate?)

?ɡāmif??kāSH?n/ - Gamification

the application of typical elements of game playing (e.g., point scoring, competition with others, rules of play) to other areas of activity, typically as an online marketing technique to encourage engagement with a product or service."gamification is exciting because it promises to make the hard stuff in life fun"

I hope learning is not considered to be a hard stuff!

Gamification meant so much to me. Personally, I would prefer a user to go through a content before getting into a game based on the content. This is effective than GBL because;

1.   It makes content less complicated

2.   Can be designed and developed in lesser time or simultaneously

3.   Can be developed with already available tools (rapid learning)

4.   Can cover great audience (I know users who do not like to play games)

5.   Gamification can involve multiple games in a single course

6.   It is at par Game based where you may have icons, shields, achievements and others

7.   Can be more effective learning

I am not at all against Game Based but I am trying to look at the broader prospect. As per my research and analysis, Game based works when our audience are kids, whereas gamification is much effective and logical for adults.