When it comes to learning, there are numerous strategies, but it is no surprise that learning with fun is more effective than learning without an element of fun. Plenty of research shows the benefits of the gamification of learning. Here are some of the most important ways that gamification improves learning.
Delivers fun, interactive learning
The most obvious way in which the gamification of learning is beneficial is its ability to make learning fun for everyone involved. Learning with fun makes it more likely that students will look forward to their lessons, as well as putting their new knowledge to use.
The competitive elements of gamification learning encourage participation while also adding immersion. That competition also provides increased motivation. Some types of gamification involve role-playing, which will use that immersive feeling to boost learning. The interactivity of gamification can also extend to cooperation, teaching students valuable life skills as well as the core lessons.
To show the extent to which gamification motivates students, consider that 67 per cent of students reported they were more motivated in a gamified course than a traditional one.
Offers real-world applications
The role-playing element of gamification not only lets students enjoy learning with fun but also provides real-world applications of the lesson in question. With gamification, students are introduced to applications of concepts. An example would be gamification of maths skills via a store role-play, where students can see the value of maths in shopping and keeping a budget in the future.
As a bonus, gamification lets students see how their choices related to the real-world applications affect the results. Going back to the shop role-play, if a child spends all their “money” on clothes, then they will see they cannot spend any on food.
Can make learning addictive
Most people are well aware that it is possible to get addicted to games. Based on that fact, it stands to reason that the gamification of learning makes it possible to get hooked on learning, as well. Students want to keep learning because they want to advance in the game.
In fact, gamification gives us a natural high via dopamine. This means that when we win a learning game or reach the next level in it, we feel good about ourselves. Students then want to recreate this feeling.
Provides feedback in real-time
One of the great things about the gamification of learning is its ability to provide real-time feedback. This is useful whether that feedback is positive or negative. In the case of positive feedback, it lets learners immediately know that they are on track, providing them with more confidence. In the case of negative feedback, it lets them know what errors to correct, well before those errors accidentally turn into habits.
Improves learning efficiency
Learning with fun is always more efficient than learning in a boring manner. Students of all ages absorb information better and require fewer lessons to understand the same concept. Some of the improved efficiency of the gamification of learning also comes from the other benefits mentioned, such as encouraging an “addiction” to learning and being more motivated. To put productivity and efficiency into perspective, consider that 80 per cent of learners in one survey indicated they would have higher productivity if their university, school, or workplace had more gamification.
KooBits offers an example of the gamification of learning
For an example of learning gamification, you do not need to look any further than KooBits. KooBits uses a reward system for learning where your child earns virtual credits, badges, and points. This encourages your child to keep “playing” by practising more of the books and completing more lessons. This creates a momentum of positive behaviour and encourages an “addiction” to learning.
The program was also designed to incorporate the immediate feedback that is so beneficial to the gamification of learning. More importantly, the focus is on positive feedback to create a positive learning environment and give your child more confidence. ProblemSums from KooBits is so popular that more than 180,000 students already use it with success.
When it comes to making learning more fun, KooBits has numerous gamified learning modules; so do encourage your child to log in to KooBits and have fun while learning via gamification today!
Tags: gamification
