Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning: What's the Difference?

Summary

Travis Wlehhar from Foundry 10 explores the distinction between gamification and game-based learning. Gamification involves applying game elements to non-game contexts, like point systems in chores or fitness apps, to boost motivation. In contrast, game-based learning uses games as models of real-world scenarios, enhancing understanding and mental models. Wlehhar discusses the effectiveness of these approaches and points to ongoing research supporting their benefits, particularly in educational settings.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Gamification is the use of game-like elements in non-game settings, such as points, badges, or timing, applied to practical activities.
• 📚 Game-based learning uses games as models of real-world conditions and concepts, providing an immersive and interactive learning experience.
• 👨‍🔬 Foundry 10 is an education research organization that explores learning through game play and the value it brings to education.
• 🧠 Game-based learning can lead to an increased understanding and improved mental model of the content, as opposed to gamification which primarily impacts motivation.
• 🏆 Examples of gamification include chore apps that award points for tasks, fitness apps with step count badges, and classroom quizzes with point values.
• 🚀 Game-based learning examples include 'Kerbal Space Program' for physics, 'Civilization' for modeling civilization growth, and 'The Oregon Trail' for historical resource management.
• 📈 Research indicates that gamification can boost learner motivation but has limited learning benefits beyond that.
• 📚 There is a growing body of research supporting the educational value of game-based learning over gamification.
• 👨‍🏫 The script differentiates between gamification and game-based learning, emphasizing the latter's potential for deeper learning outcomes.
• 🔍 The speaker, Travis, encourages viewers to look into research papers for further insights into the effectiveness of gamification and game-based learning.

Q & A

What is the main difference between gamification and game-based learning?

Gamification involves using game-like elements in non-game settings, such as points, badges, or timing, to enhance engagement in a task. Game-based learning, on the other hand, uses the game environment to model real-world conditions and concepts, allowing learners to interact with and understand these concepts through gameplay.

Who is Travis Wlehhar and what is his role at Foundry 10?

Travis Wlehhar is a senior researcher at Foundry 10, an education research organization. His role involves expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value through research.

What does Foundry 10's STEM design-based research lab focus on?

Foundry 10's STEM design-based research lab focuses on collecting and conducting research about how youth learn while playing different types of games.

What are some examples of gamification in non-educational settings?

Examples of gamification in non-educational settings include chore apps that award points for completing tasks and fitness apps that offer badges for reaching step count goals.

How is gamification applied in classroom settings?

In classroom settings, gamification might involve assigning point values to correct answers in quizzes or having students race against a clock to complete tasks, like cleaning up the classroom.

What does game-based learning model in its environment?

Game-based learning models real-world conditions and concepts such as accurate physics, chemistry, biology, and history patterns within its environment.

Can you provide an example of a game that models real-world concepts effectively?

Kerbal Space Program is an example of a game that accurately models rocketry in physics, demonstrating the effectiveness of game-based learning in teaching real-world concepts.

What are the potential benefits of gamification for learner motivation?

Research shows that gamification can have positive impacts on learner motivation when engaging in a task by making the activity more engaging through the use of game elements.

How does game-based learning differ from gamification in terms of learning benefits?

While gamification can enhance motivation, the learning benefits are often limited. Game-based learning, however, provides a more immersive experience that can lead to an increased understanding and improved mental model of the content represented in the game.

What does the research say about the effectiveness of game-based learning?

The research indicates that when learners play games that model real-world concepts, they come away with a deeper understanding and a more accurate mental model of the content, suggesting that game-based learning can be an effective educational tool.

What are some resources for further reading on gamification and game-based learning?

The description below the video provides links to research papers that support the claims made in the script, offering further reading on the topics of gamification and game-based learning.