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GAME-BASED LEARNING VS. GAMIFICATION

What's in a game? That which we call game-based learning by any other name might not smell so sweet. Even though the terms game-based learning and gamification are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.

According to EdTechReview, “Game-Based Learning is designed to balance subject matter with gameplay and the ability of the player to retain and apply said subject matter to the real world." Game-based learning is the practice of learning content through activities like puzzles, competition or role play.

EdTechReview defines Gamification as “the application of game elements and digital game design techniques to non-game problems [or environments], such as in education technology and social impact challenges.” Reward points at merchants or through app participation is a form of gamification.

The elements of gamification--points, badges, levels and leaderboards-- are normally present in a game-based learning activity, but game-based learning is not always present when these elements are applied.

Gamification is about inserting some elements of a game into traditional library or classroom instruction or activities. Whereas in Game-Based Learning, the learning process is facilitated by standards-based instruction delivered as a game.

WHICH IS WHICH?