Is Gamification a Fun Learning Tool?

 

Is Gamification a Fun Learning Tool?

Gamification is a learning procedure that change to another place the mechanics of games to the educational-professional field in order to attain more desirable results, either to better take in some knowledge, to become better some skill, or recompense specific actions, among many other objectives of the teaching .

This is a learning technique which is based on the game model works.

The game model really works because it manages to motivate students, developing a greater commitment from people, and encouraging the spirit of improvement. A series of mechanical and dynamic techniques extend the application from games are used during learning process.

The mechanical technique is the way to reward the user based on the goals achieved. Some of the most used mechanical techniques are the following:

Dynamic techniques refer to the user's own motivation to play and continue to achieve their goals. Some of the most used dynamic techniques are the following:

Depending on the dynamics pursued, some mechanical techniques should be exploited more than others.

The idea of ​​Gamification is not to create a game, but to use the scoring-reward-objective systems that normally compose them.

On the market there are many platforms that simulate environments with different mechanics, which can make it easier for us to put these techniques into practice, or we can use our imagination and create our own rules.

And if you are interested in delving into the subject, we recommend that you consult the following post on How to apply Gamification in e-learning.

This learning technique transfers the mechanics of games to the educational-professional field. We tell you what it consists of.

Gamification is a learning technique that serves to absorb knowledge, to improve some ability to reward specific actions ... It is a term that has acquired enormous popularity in recent years, especially in digital and educational environments.

One of the main keys when applying it is that the students have perfectly assimilated the dynamics of the game that will take place. All of them are intended to involve the student in playing and moving forward in the achievement of their objectives while the activity is carried out.

Depending on the dynamics that is pursued, the teacher will have to exploit one or the other more. For example, if the teacher seeks to awaken interest in the game in the student, he must apply the dynamics of the reward. If, on the other hand, it seeks to attract interest in the activity, the teacher can apply the dynamics of competition which, although it is not seen as a positive quality, is a good instrument in the educational field.

Goals of Gamification:

We try to maximize children's abilities through experimentation and play, since through experience and fun we believe that it is easier to achieve more meaningful and functional learning. But what is the purpose of using this technique?

Any activity carried out in the context of Gamification seeks to achieve three clear objectives: on the one hand, loyalty with the student, by creating a link with the content that is being worked on. On the other hand, it seeks to be a tool against boredom and motivate them. Finally, you want to optimize and reward the student in those tasks in which there is no incentive other than learning itself.

Those who use Gamification say that it provides very attractive ingredients for their students and that, thanks to its use, they obtain better results in some activities. With this methodology we have managed to continue working on cooperative learning immersed in the rest of the areas and necessary to enhance these learning’s. Many teachers report that their playful nature facilitates the internalization of their students' knowledge in a more fun way, generating a positive experience in them. In addition, they consider that it is a great opportunity to work on aspects such as motivation, effort, loyalty or cooperation within the school environment.

Class Gamification tools that will hook your students:

Educational Gamification Tools for the Classroom

In this article on Gamification tools we collect platforms, video games, applications to gamify in the education classroom so that our students learn in a fun way.

What can be done to gamify with the tools?

The following educational Gamification tools that educate by playing:

Kahoot: Kahoot is the most popular Gamification tool among all those who gamify the classroom with quizzes or evaluations. The user plays with ease and the creator of the game does not need great digital skills to create quizzes. You can also use the trivials created by other teachers. It is the most complete tool because Kahoot allow students to play according to their own pace and style, individually or in a group, anytime and anywhere, in the classroom or at home.

Genially: The Genially gamify-ing application allows you to create playful content in the form of the world-leader in interactive visual communication.  You can use the all-in-one online tool to create stunning presentations, interactive images, info graphics, Gamification, quizzes, breakouts, etc. and add interactivity and animation effects and so on.

Quizzes: The Gamification quizzes tool is completely free and is used to create quizzes-based contests that involve individual and group challenges.

Socrative: With this Game-Quiz called Socrative you will be able to use classroom computers to gamify a Space Race (questionnaire with limited time), an Exit Ticket (questionnaire that will show a ranking of results) and a simple Quiz. Students will respond live to the quizzes on their devices.

Poll Everywhere: The application that creates surveys and questionnaires for your students to answer gamifiedly.

Plickers: This Gamification application with augmented reality uses the teacher's mobile phone that scans the cards with Plickers codes that the students show by raising their hands to participate by showing the correct code.

Quizlet: With Quizlet you can create quiz-based games suitable for each level or use the ones already created by the teachers.

Super Teacher Tools: With Super Teacher Tools you can create the fantastic game "Do you want to be a millionaire?" in addition to many other types of questionnaires.

Brainscape: It is one of the best Gamification platforms with learning cards. With Brainscape you can work online from your website or download your app.

Rivinet: With Trivinet you can gamify with an educational online trivia game online or through the App