Game Learning has the Potential to be a Powerful Vehicle for Learning

By, Dhilip Kumar, Chief Creative Director, BYJU’S
In the last decade, we have witnessed the conversation shift from whether or not technology solutions should be employed in educational processes to how effectively they can be used to enhance learning. Game mechanics is part of this technological foray into learning processes that transform traditional classroom activities into projects that require creativity, collaboration, and play.

While there is a certain hesitancy in embracing game mechanics as a part of mainstream education among parents, these concerns are unfounded. In fact, studies reveal that game mechanics and the various reward-based approaches reinforce better learning and promote success. The main objective of game mechanics is to motivate and reinforce student learning through feedback, rewards, and the opportunity to practice until they master a subject.

Sustaining student motivation
Maintaining students’ motivation has long been a priority for educators. Game mechanics, when employed in learning, provide students with a psychologically driven willingness to approach and meet their targets.

Game learning combines theory-heavy subjects with engaging reward-based outcomes. The incentivization of learning promotes analytical thinking and logical reasoning.

Enabling personalized learning
Educators have countless possibilities for selecting and implementing game mechanics in ways that connect with students’ passions and enable them to achieve their learning objectives.

For example, a maths teacher can pique students’ interest in a simple lesson on geometry by engaging them in relevant shape-based games that introduce and reinforce the concept.

When academic assignments are made more enjoyable, personalized, and accessible for students, it helps them connect with their interests. In fact, we at BYJU’S, for lower classes make concepts fun by creating games and interactive quizzes. For higher classes, we deep-dive into micro-concept levels and focus on conceptual clarity with the use of game design principles. Game-based e-learning allows students to design their own learning path, from building their own monitoring system to choosing the pace at which they wish to learn. It instills a sense of confidence and ownership in them while also strengthening their self-esteem.

Allowing creativity to flourish
Children are born with a creative spirit. Educational games encourage children to use a variety of techniques to solve problems, stimulating their creativity as well as their problem-solving skills. Word-based games encourage youngsters to learn in a fun and participatory way, increasing both learning and collaborative thinking abilities.

Building interpersonal skills
While game mechanics can be highly personalized to suit an individual learner’s needs, they can also be leveraged to engage in group activities and teamwork among students. Game-based learning in groups has the ability to bring students together for a common objective. Collaboration, communication, and empathy are all enhanced as a result of this.

Negating the fear of failure
Failure is an inevitable and necessary component of the learning and growing process, although it is often viewed with a negative lens. Game-based learning teaches children that failing and reattempting tasks is perfectly acceptable. Removing the taboo around failure creates an environment of persistence and perseverance for children, which in turn fosters self-confidence, resilience, and better decision-making acumen by reducing the stigma around failure.

While the wheels of innovation in online learning are still churning, there is little doubt that game mechanics is the future of e-learning. Game mechanics not only help children set clear goals but also creates a safe and engaging learning environment for a better learning experience. If an immersive and experiential learning journey is to be released for every child, game-based learning holds the key.