Game-based learning has become the best solution for soft skills learning. While classroom training and traditional e-learning formats are less didactic, hard to implement and costly, game-based courses are the best way to train soft skills in a fun, consistent and inexpensive way.
The combination of gamification and game-based learning is commonly used in the development of serious games, however it is important to know exactly what each of these terms refer to.
WHAT IS GAME-BASED LEARNING? Definitions of game-based learning mostly emphasize that it is a type of game play with defined learning outcomes (Shaffer, Halverson, Squire, & Gee, 2005). Usually it is assumed that the game is a digital game, but this is not always the case. A corollary to this definition is that the design process of games. Game-based learning is only beneficial if it relates to desired course outcomes. Bodnar always considers the learning objectives when incorporating games into the curriculum. The professors from Clemson used a Design Canvas to identify learning objectives for each lecture. Game-based learning uses games, whether virtual or physical, and game-like simulations/role playing to create learning experiences that can engage students and effectively teach classroom content. Game-based learning can take multiple forms depending on the needs of the classroom.
While gamification is the use of different motivating elements such as score cards that foster competition between users, game-based learning is linked to the cognitive area of the product, its appearance and its visual attractiveness.
In short, students are won over by the techniques used in game-based learning and captivated by the contents.
The main characteristics of game-based learning are:
Game-based learning can be defined as lessons which are competitive, interactive, and allow the learner to have fun while gaining knowledge. The best game-based learning has three main elements.
- The learning process takes place through different and attractive scenarios
- The learning process is based on overcoming different challenges
- The learning experience is positive and interesting
Its also important to highlight the fact that to create efficient game based learning it is essential to integrate a simulator that creates real situations which enable students to practice the skills. When we refer to soft skills training the use of video games is specially interesting. Soft skills need to be practiced in order to ensure learning.
Gamification, game-based learning and serious games pursue the same goal: improve student commitment and engagement.to make the learning experience more positive and enhance memory and retention.
Studies show that gamified formats of training in enterprises improve knowledge retention by students, increase the completion rate of courses and make what is learned to be more applicable to daily life thanks to the inclusion ofgame elements that allow students to practice what they learn while studying theoretical content.
E-learning has been defined over the past decade as a way to make available to the students a large catalog of courses, flexible schedules and individualized training, but it has proved to be a system with abandonment ratios very high low and where effective learning is much lower than with other training methods.
In contrast, game-based learning offers all the advantages of individualization and flexibility of e-learning training, but the application of gamification techniques improve their weaknesses. These results make it go gradually imposed gradually in the world of online education and increasingly will gain more land to traditional e-learning.
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The catalog of game-based learning courses is currently quite small, but be sure to end up with a large part of the online training sector in the future.