Game-Based Learning
Technology has become an important part of children’s education. It is an essential aspect of our everyday lives when it comes to work, communication, finding sources of new information, and even entertainment. Children are learning how to utilize technologies at younger ages than ever before; therefore, it is important that we incorporate it in their education. Technology opens countless doors of opportunity for students to gain beneficial information, connect with others, as well as express themselves in unique ways. While technology can have a positive impact on students’ learning, it is also crucial that students are educated on how to use it safely and responsibly.
Game-Based & Active And Passive Learning. (n.d.). Patrick's Thoughts. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://patrickg0114.opened.ca/2021/06/24/post5-game-based-active-and-passive-learning/.
What is Game-Based Learning?
Game-based learning is a teaching approach that focuses on the use of games to increase student engagement, motivation, and excitement towards learning. In this approach, teachers incorporate educational games into their lessons where students can work independently or collaboratively to gain a deeper understanding of lesson content. Some examples of game-based learning in the classroom are board games, word games, puzzle games, and video games. In a digital age, game-based learning has shifted to include more technological tools, which not only makes learning relevant, but also teaches students 21st century competencies. While there are many benefits of game-based learning, there are also potential drawbacks of the approach and much still to learn about it.
“GBL’s purpose was never to replace teachers and traditional learning, but to help positively augment it." -Jordan Nisbet (2021)
Benefits of GBL
Despite ongoing research, many teachers have discovered strong benefits of game-based learning on students experience in the classroom. The first major benefit of game-based learning is that it encourages critical thinking or problem-solving skills. Many believe that GBL can increase these levels of thinking because students are "fostering skills like understanding causation, logic and decision making they can use in life outside of school"(Nisbet, 2021). Not only can students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills for future learning in the classroom, but they can utilize these skills in their everyday life. In our digital age, it is important that students leave the classroom having learned technological skills and competencies that can benefit their future opportunities or carers. The second top benefit of GBL is that it increases student engagement and motivation in the classroom. When there is a variety of learning formats for students, they can engage with lesson content in a way that is interesting to them. Students can work with their peers to collaborate ideas and retain a deeper understanding of the materials. The final benefit of this method is that GBL is inclusive to chidlren in speical education. Game-based learning can create both a positive and stimualting environment for students with special needs, while also increasing motivation. Game-based learning can provide structure and help guide instruction for those in special education as well. While there are many proopsoed benefits of how game-based learning can enhance students' learning experiences, more research needs to be done to determine whether it is appropriate and beneficial for all classrooms.
Potential Drawbacks
After discussing some of the benefits of game-based learning, it is important to adress the potential drawbacks of this teaching method. The first drawback of GBL is that is proposes too much sceen time for students and can serve as a distraction. After spending a lot of times on our screens during the pandmeic, many argue that game-based learning can take away from the traditional learning experience or distract students from engaging in lesson content. The second potential drawback of GBL is that it can time to learn and is not always aligned with learning goals. While is it important that students gain technological skils, it can be difficult for teachers to learn more about how to incorporate technology into the classroom without support towards professional learning. If not implemented properly, game-based learning can serve as a distraction rather than enhance student's experiences or understanding of materials. In addition, game-based learning might not align with the learning goals for students and might not be an effective method of teaching for specific subjects. Game-based learning also requires technology tools and resources that not every classroom has access to.
Nisbet, J. (n.d.). Understanding Game-Based Learning: Benefits, Potential Drawbacks and Where to Begin. Prodigy. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/game-based-learning/.
Technology Safety
One challenge of utilizing technology in the classroom during a digital era, is ensuring safety for all students online. The internet or technology can be home to many dangers for students if they are not educated about how to use these tools properly. Teaching information about the internet and setting standards for students can help them gain the full benefits of using technology in the classroom. There are many topics to be taught about internet safety such as protecting one's privacy, online scams, and cyberbullying which can all benefit students' experiences online. Below I have listed some educational and technology safety games that can enhance students' learning using technology in the classroom.
Interactive Educational Games
Technology Safety Games
References
Game, P. (n.d.). Understanding game-based learning: Benefits, potential drawbacks and where to begin.
Prodigy Education. Retrieved March 8, 2022, from https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/game-based-learning/
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