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What is Gamification?

Over the last decade, gaming culture has become a huge part of mainstream culture.  Some online gaming experts project the global gamification market will grow from $9.1 billion(2020) to $30.7 billion by 2025.  How would you define gamification from an educational standpoint?  Educational Technology Journal describes it as, “a developing approach for increasing learners’ motivation and engagement by incorporating game design elements in educational environments.”  With goals of motivating students, encouraging changes in behavior and inspiring healthy competition or collaboration, it’s easy to see why a lesson-turned-video-game would appeal to students.  

Just a few of the long-term benefits from gamifying your curriculum:

• Cognitive – Learning through play is legitimate avenue for cognition development.  Studies link problem-solving and critical thinking-based games to improved memories, better retention skills and an ability to process information more quickly.    Furthermore, video games used in the classroom, have a positive impact on spatial awareness and object visualization.  They also serve as precursors to success in STEAM subjects. 
• Social – Today’s gaming culture now encompasses an entire online community, one in which students can make friends all over the world.  That collaborative experience allows students to learn from and work with peers from many different cultures.   In this multi-cultural environment, students gain a diverse perspective which per Cornell University’s Center for Teaching Innovation, “serves as preparation for future social and employment situations.  Gamified school lessons can also inspire confidence in kids experiencing learning differences or shyness.  Kids Academy shares that gamers are asked to “see a conflict from another’s point of view and make quick decisions.  Because an individual can detach from themselves while absorbed in the world of a game, shy players often become leaders.”
• Emotional –  The game may not be “real”, but the frustration of failing to advance to the next level is very real.  A valuable lesson in this experience is in giving students the grace to simply try again until they get it right.  Gamification inherently lessens the fear of failure and motivates students to keep problem-solving as they work to reach their goal.  All schools want to help students achieve.  By embracing gaming culture, classrooms can harness its benefits and open new doors for their learners.