The Difference Between Gamification And Game-Based Learning

Gamification is the act of applying game thinking and mechanics to non-game contexts. Game based learning, on the other hand, refers to using games as a pedagogical tool in education (however it can be used in many other fields).

The “difference between gamification and game-based learning pdf” is a paper that discusses the difference between gamification and game-based learning. It also provides information on how to use both of these techniques in education.

The difference between gamification and game-based learning

Gamification and game-based learning are buzzwords (and phrases) in education. Everyone has something different to offer their class, but many confuse one with the other.

Can you tell the difference?

Definition of gamification

The definition of gamification is the application of game mechanisms to non-game objects to encourage certain behaviors.

What it is not

Gamification is not game-based learning and does not require students to play games, handle toys, or use electronic devices. There’s also no need to create complex systems of experience points, unlocks, and badges (though you can).

When is it useful to use it?

Encourage a certain reaction or behaviour
Increased visibility and perceived importance of smaller, less visible actions
Promotion of competition; participation of students
To help students monitor their own progress

Examples

Leaderboards (e.g. best in class), badges, trophies, point systems, XP, unlock certain content by mastering previous content.

As mentioned earlier, gamification is the process of adding game-like mechanisms to non-game objects. Another way to look at gamification is as an incentive mechanism. A system of carrots and sticks to encourage the desired behavior.

Letter grades are a form of gamification. Let’s play a game to collect the most valuable letters. The same goes for GPA, gold stars, student of the month, trophies and certificates. Perform this action in this game according to these rules and get this reward.

In How Gamification Reveals Nuance in Learning, Terry Hake writes that life itself is gamified – in the informal social competition (keeping up with the Joneses), in the excitement extreme couponers feel comparing checks, comparing 401k portfolios, accessing platinum or black credit cards, or earning frequent flyer miles. Even pinning all the destinations you’ve visited to a map is a form of gamification. So are scout badges. You are making a game out of something that is not a game.

Definition of playful learning

The definition of learning through play is simply learning through play.

What it is not

A set video game does not require you or the students to play games (although ideally it should); nor does it require video games – it would be video game-based learning. It simply uses the design inherent in most games (more on that below) to learn.

To learn something? It depends – you can just get better at playing, but in most educational institutions students learn academic and non-academic subjects by playing.

When should gamification be used?

This will probably be another article or a whole course, but some ideas and rules for using gamification in the classroom?

1. To differentiate or personalize learning

2. Motivate students – both those who were not yet involved and those who have already passed.

3. Encourage critical and strategic thinking

4. Providing support for difficult and gifted learners

5. Explain learning progress to other stakeholders – e.g. B. Parents

6. Develop the capacity of existing learning models, such as. B. Project-based or blended learning

Learning simulations are among the ideal applications of game-based learning. Historical simulations, such as. B. Civilization V, are powerful learning tools because they allow students to engage, analyze, interact, and manage complexity.

They force players to follow the rules of the game world (or they are designed so that players can make their own rules). It requires students to understand complex ideas – resource management, political tactics, diplomacy, communication, etc. Unlike a traditional class or lecture, play-based learning requires students to learn the rules, if nothing else, and then respond to a constantly changing world.

All types of games – whether serious games like Civilization V or Assassin’s Creed, or simulation games like Universe Sandbox – encourage exercise, competition, self-direction, scaffolding, cooperation, perseverance, patience, strategic thinking, self-esteem (for some), and many other important skills.

The difference between gamification and game-based learning

So what’s the difference?

Gamification is primarily about the incentive mechanisms and the system that stimulates them, whereas game-based learning is primarily about the game and its cognitive shift (whether it is game content or academic content). One can use the other.

Both can lead to mastery of the content, but neither is specifically designed for use in the classroom – which is why your students will certainly enjoy it, if they do it right.

Benefits of gamification: Retention and motivation of learners, can encourage creative and integrated thinking, resource management, prioritization and other critical thinking skills; transparency of a wider range of skills and competencies compared to traditional learning and assessment models, focus on specific skills or abilities, focus on intrinsic (as opposed to extrinsic) motivation, potential for greater socialization.

The difference between gamification and game-based learning

“Game-based learning” is a term that has been used to describe teaching styles that use game elements. The difference between gamification and game-based learning is that while the latter uses game elements, the former does not. Reference: game-based learning elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whats the difference between games and gamification?

A: Games are traditionally games within a game. Beat Saber, for example is one of the many different gamified experiences that exist today. Gamification on the other hand refers to engaging with any type of experience in order to achieve certain goals or rewards by playing specific activities such as completing quests and collecting resources.

What is a game-based learning?

A: Game-based learning is a type of educational game that uses video games as the medium for education.

Is gamification the same as game theory?

A: The terms are often used interchangeably, but gamification is the process of adding game elements to non-game situations. Gamification typically involves presenting users with goals and challenges that encourage them to play in order to achieve rewards or progress through levels. Game theory primarily refers to a branch of applied mathematics that studies strategic decision making within games.