If you are wondering what gamification has to do with learning and how it can help you in teaching, this post is for you. How can you get the most out of technology in the classroom? We provide you with different solutions through e-learning platforms that facilitate the teaching work. First of all, let’s clarify the concept of gamification in education, for those people who may not be fully familiar with the term.

 

What is gamification in learning?

Gamification is a technique used in teaching so that students learn through play. Generally, it refers to online or digital activities that require student interactivity.

Users learn as they progress through the game making use of resources and tools that involve their participation. Gamification often includes rewards that are part of the gameplay.

As you might guess, there are plenty of gamification models tailored to the needs of educational programs and the age of the students.

Numerous studies emphasize the opportunities offered by gamification in education. One of the most recent investigations has been published by a group of researchers from  Carnegie Mellon and Columbia University, under the title  Gamification in Education: What, How, Why Bother?”.

 

Are you aware of the benefits of gamification in learning?

 

8 advantages of using gamification in education

As will be seen, gamification is an increasingly used technique in education due to the multiple benefits it brings both for students and teachers. Thanks to the use of interactive educational platforms, teachers can benefit from the functionality that gamification offers.

 

Motivation boost

Its playful nature manages to hook students with what they are studying and encourages the desire to continue learning and to constantly improve.

It is possible to engage students and keep them motivated through the use of rewards achievements and competition dynamics in a group or with oneself.

 

Attractive content

The way knowledge is presented has an impact on the experience students have in a subject. Thanks to gamification, the dynamics achieved make topics light and, most importantly, enjoyable.

 

Autonomous knowledge discovery

Driven by self-interest, students experiment for themselves. This fosters active learning guided by the user which is the result of the interaction among the platforms that include gamification.

 

Safe learning environment

It is almost certain that in your classes, you have seen some students who have a hard time trying new things or have a fear of not doing well. This is even more common in group classes.

Gamification helps to dare with new challenges, gain self-confidence, and overcome the fear of making mistakes.

 

Teamwork and cooperation

Some game skills may include tasks that require teamwork to achieve a common goal. While doing so, students must make decisions as a team, distribute roles, discuss ideas and reach an agreement.

 

For all ages

When we think of play, only children and young people often come to mind. However, when it is adapted to adult learning, the same benefits and optimal results are obtained.

 

Progress monitoring

When gamification dynamics take place on an educational platform, teachers can see the progress of each student in different activities, as well as their results. In addition, feedback and interaction between the teacher and the student can occur.

Moreover, students have the chance to observe their progress and be aware of it which feeds back their motivation as well.

 

A plus in language learning

Gamification in language teaching is an ally of the building of linguistic skills. Thanks to the game, the student not only internalizes the concepts more easily, but also overcomes the fear of making mistakes.

The fear of ridicule or failure is an ongoing concern that language teachers are familiar with. The Dexway language teaching software is an essential support in language training and it incorporates gamification functionalities as a way to break this barrier that sometimes blocks students.

As we have seen, teachers can make the most of gamification inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to LMS platforms, continuous learning opportunities are multiplied.

 

If you want to know much more about the e-learning solutions that we offer and how gamification can support you in your language courses, contact us so that we can help you.

 

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