Game-Based Learning (GBL) describes an approach to teaching, where students explore relevant aspect of games in a learning context designed by teachers. Teachers and students collaborate in order to add depth and perspective to the experience of playing the game. Good game-based learning applications can draw us into virtual environments that look and feel familiar and relevant.

Below is a video which explains more about game-based learning.

Within an effective game-based learning environment, we work toward a goal, choosing actions and experiencing the consequences of those actions along the way. We make mistakes in a risk-free setting, and through experimentation, we actively learn and practice the right way to do things. This keeps us highly engaged in practicing behaviors and thought processes that we can easily transfer from the simulated environment to real life. While similar, is a different breed of learning experience. Gamification takes game elements (such as points, badges, leaderboards, competition, achievements) and applies them to a non-game setting. It has the potential to turn routine, mundane tasks into refreshing, motivating experiences.

Ditigal Game-Based Learning (DGBL) started out as an instructional strategy that can be embodied through computer-based applications. Through the advancement of learning technologies over the years, DGBL now can be considered a stand-alone learning environment that can address to various levels of learning needs.

Digital game-based learning refers to using actual digital video games as learning tools. The basic idea behind digital game-based learning in the classroom is that, as opposed to isolated tasks such as memorization, quizzing and drilling, digital games help students learn subject matter in context, as part of an interactive system.

Game-based learning should not be confused with gamification. Gamification takes an element of education and replaces it with a game-based element. For instance, a teacher may replace grades with levels or experience points.

Throughout the lesson you will find icons such as the one below. Be sure to click on each one of them and remember you have only 2 attempts. These are self-check questions that aim to give you an opportunity to reflect on your learning. Go ahead and click on the icon below.

  

 

What is game-based learning? (2014). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj_8C2L9bXI&feature=emb_title