Serious games are being deemed by analysts as the next big wave of technology meditated learning. The innovative concept of game based learning is built around the ideas of game mechanics; taking the principles that make playing games so enticing, and incorporating them in a learning context to allow better practice of skills and practical applications, as well as enhance retention and recollection of knowledge.
Games are mostly mobile, promote sharing, and are less concerned about privacy. When game based learning is used in an effective manner, it offers a potential for customizing the learning experience and affords a myriad of learning choices for the learners to choose from. Additionally, game based learning allows companies to integrate a plethora of diverse learning tools in one platform, in order to nurture a more coherent view of learning when speculated from a learner’s perspective. While not every game confirms to all learning styles, these games serve a much greater purpose than simply facilitating learning, such as:
Students are prone to mistakes! The best aspect of gamified instruction is that it encourages students to learn from their mistakes and work towards achieving their goals, instead of giving up trying. This has vast implications for the education industry. Game based learning comes with an intrinsic value, which makes students aspire for cognitive thinking skills, such as discussions, problem solving, and analysis to reach their goals. This not only facilitates concept mastery, but also aids in better comprehension and retention of information.
Plenty of digital games come with audio directions and voice-overs which make game based content and courses more topic oriented and engaging. For instance, in the game Pandemic, it entails the user to collaborate with other players to strategize with the team and learn the instructions. While this game can’t be construed as a standard “serious game” which would gain a teacher’s nod of assent, it teaches a very imperative 21st century skill: collaboration!
Games which focus on visual in-game navigation, immersive visual learning environments, and digital graphical user interfaces, helps to solve real world problems. The commendable graphical environment encourages users to apply logics and environment analysis to complete objectives or solve puzzles. Games are diligently designed to lure the users in and keep them engaged. Regardless of the visual aid provided, these games help in boosting visual learning abilities.
Such games keep increasing the difficulty levels with every harder objective, designed to keep a learner engaged. A learner is restricted to a point in the game until they succeed. This logic is designed to keep users trying a concept again and again until they master it perfectly and develop perseverance, which is vital for success. For more information on how we can develop your serious game to boost your organizations learning retention contact us today!
