Its playful appearance makes it easier for students to get involved and thus internalize the information more effectively, and why not say it? Also, more fun. As a general rule, we can say that this game-based model motivates students more, who become more engaged with the subject matter. In addition, there is usually a strong sense of achievement.
However, make no mistake. Gamification does not have to involve the creation of a game based on a particular subject. Instead, what we do is to adapt the dynamics of the game to the training process. We use aspects such as rewards for objectives implementing scoring systems. We can find different mechanics both in virtual platforms and independently. The possibilities are pretty extensive, from classifications or specific challenges to the definition of different levels by score.Uses of gamification to motivate learners to improve
According to essaycompany, the uses of gamification are focused on improving the involvement of students by motivating them to improve, and why not, by certain competitiveness, however, without ever losing sight of the importance of teamwork and collaborating to achieve a common goal. In some cases, methods can be implemented to improve the ranking or score through collaborative work.
Some of the uses of gamification, highlighting the role of the learner, are as follows:
- Encourage social interaction: The game can be achieved by improving social interaction among students. Either by the need to collaborate or by the competition itself. A fun, in the end, involves its players by giving them something more in common. Therefore, in addition to Transmitting leadership values: gamification also makes it possible to detect the leaders of a group. And beyond that, it can also be used to train them. Being a leader implies not only development, autonomy, and initiative. It entails responsibility and a total group vision. Some game dynamics are designed for this purpose. In addition to identification, they can be used to teach anyone how to be a leader.
- Improve and solve learning problems: there have already been many cases in which gamification has been used to address learning problems such as attention deficit. A repetitive mechanism that includes different novelties, such as certain games, can help students not distract their attention and to foresee and wait for what is going to happen. In addition, games especially attract people's attention with a tendency to become absent-minded or lose concentration.
The uses of gamification can go beyond a conventional learning process within learning. We are referring, of course, to learning in the work environment. One of the best ways to motivate employees is to encourage constant learning and skills improvement. Acquiring new skills helps workers improve themselves, feel useful, and feel that they are part of the company as they continue to grow with the corporation. Therefore, in an area where continuous training is essential, implementing gamification can bring significant benefits to both parties.Gamification in the company
- Use of simulations to improve job performance: creating simulations for certain professions as a game with rewards and leaderboards among the different players can be very positive. It can awaken the desire of employees to participate and compete with each other while improving their skills. This practice can be carried out in any professional family, having the advantage of being easily adaptable to different disciplines.
- Use game elements within a presentation of any topic: sometimes presenting a new case can be monotonous or boring. However, involving the employees in the production can make them feel part of the group, get them involved, and make them the protagonists of the presentation. But it is not just a matter of using aspects of the game; each person must have a specific role to play to get them involved. Otherwise, in the end, they are just a spectator.
- Use the game to create a space where mistakes can be made without consequences: sometimes, when implementing new systems in companies, workers may inadvertently generate a great deal of stress. It happens especially when faced with the possibility of making a severe mistake in the workplace. For this, gamification can be of great help. A virtual environment can be created where new knowledge is linked to a game. In this way, employees will be more open and relaxed when acquiring new knowledge as they feel safe.
Use gamification to bring the learner closer to the reality of the world.
Improve understanding with gamification
Claiming that some uses of gamification can bring learners closer to reality may sound contradictory at first. We are always talking about a virtual environment, and by definition, not a physical one.
However, we have to remember that the knowledge and skills that learners develop are to be applied in their daily lives, i.e., outside the boundaries of the online universe. Therefore, it makes sense to say that gamification can help bring this reality closer. Some of the uses we can find in this regard are:
- Mimic real-life challenges with different difficulty levels: many games mimic real-life situations. Just think of strategy games where you have to manage resources and reinvest to obtain improvements or products. Here we are talking about something similar. In addition, the consequences can also be imitated depending on whether or not the objective is achieved. Developing a game for a specific area can be very costly, but the good news is that a wide range of games can be adapted to this type of need. In addition, the learner can be tasked with keeping a record or memory of what is happening and what is being learned. This practice can be precious learning as it can involve building critical thinking and analysis of the situation.
- Giving the learner the chance to feel like a hero: gamification allows learners to set their own goals, learn from failure, and find the path to overcoming obstacles. These practices can have a broad influence on students' personalities.