Are You Using Gaming for Learning?

The ease of development also has contributed to a heightened interest in using gaming for learning. From implementing complex platforms such as BreakAway games to simple game providers such as Bunchball, there are a plethora of learning game partners available. Game shells are free or low-priced templates that allow anyone to quickly create a game. Traditional learning can be enhanced through use of a game element or game mechanic, such as awarding points for team performance or creating a sense of discovery or adventure as learners progress through a program.

Improved technology for network infrastructure and devices also has promoted gaming in the learning industry. The processing capability for devices and bandwidth to support data all have improved while the cost to access the technology has come down through opportunities such as using the cloud to deliver video.

The infrastructure and analytics also enable multiplayer experiences. Aside from game consoles and laptops, some of the most widely used mobile apps are games. Mobile learning providers such as OnPoint include game elements to accompany their mobile learning apps and LMS. Each time a learner accesses and completes a course on his or her mobile device, a completion badge is awarded and displayed on the learner profile in the mobile application.

Game Mechanics and Dynamics
Social gaming website Gamify.com lists 24 different game mechanics or constructs of rules and feedback that create good gameplay. According to the site, these building blocks can be applied and combined to gamify any non-game content. A simple game such as “Jeopardy” uses several game mechanics such as leveling with increasing difficulty of questions, points accumulated for appropriately answering questions and countdown for task accomplishment within a timeframe. A robust learning simulation will use game mechanics such as combos for practicing multiple skills simultaneously, quests where a learner completes a series of challenges, and discovery where a design element enables learners to discover information as they progress through the simulation.