Game-based learning is the practice of utilizing games or game elements as an active learning strategy in the classroom. This strategy involves incorporating game features into educational activities to make the learning process more engaging and effective for the students. This can involve learning activities in the form of educational games, or game elements in the learning process, such as the chance to earn points or level up within a game-ified lesson.
Increased Motivation and Engagement- Students enjoy playing video games, so incorporating games as an instructional strategy in the classroom will help transform learning into an Interactive and enjoyable learning experience.
Teamwork and Collaboration- When students team up to solve a problem and play a game, they also learn social Interaction skills. They often support one another when they all have the same goal to achieve the objective of the game.
Distraction - With game-based learning, students can become distracted and focused on the fun of games rather than the learning aspect.
Conflict - This strategy also has the potential to create conflict between students as they compete and get frustrated over perceived slights or losses.
Kahoot! allows teachers to create interactive quizzes, and the students answer the questions in real time using their devices.
Gimkit allows students to compete with others or just themselves, and they earn currency to level up in the games. This Is a flashcard styled game.
Jeopardy! allows students to work in teams to review content. They pick a category and try to answer the question, which gives them points.
DragonBox encourages students to play freely with math games, and follow up with discussions about the gameplay.
The Oregon Trail Simulation Game
This simulation games puts the players into the shoes of the settlers trying to move their group along the Oregon Trail. The students learn about the hardships and risks faced by the pioneers during the westward migration.
This site uses a variety of game styles to teach students problem solving skills and critical thinking within programming lessons.
Blooket has mulitple game modes and easy question import, allowing for easy customization of engaging trivia and review games.
This platform has a variety of lessons, projects, and games to encourage student creativity through art. It has interactive design for peer and teacher feedback, and is perfect for art or creative writing classes.
This version of the familiar Minecraft game teaches students skills and topics in Math, Science, History, and Coding, and has a library of lesson plans to aid teachers. The game is also multiplayer, allowing students to work together.
This game teaches standards-aligned English and Math topics, making them fun and engaging for kids when they don't enjoy the subject.