One of my favorite aspects in my role as a student services director is seeing things click for students, and at ASU Online at Arizona State University, we’ve often seen “aha moments” result from game-based learning.
One of the primary benefits of game-based learning is that it offers custom learning experiences for students, which is important as every student learns differently. Throughout games, students can make mistakes, course correct and revisit concepts, allowing them to better understand course material and specific concepts they may struggle with. Another important benefit is that game-based learning is fun, and students enjoy learning.
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As opposed to some traditional education tactics that could feel passive or dull, game-based learning engages and motivates students, allowing them to actively learn, acquire skills and build thought processes.
Games draw students into virtual environments and make the connection between coursework and real-life work for students, preparing them for the real world once they graduate. Students learn the facts, but also the underlying course concepts, giving them a deeper understanding of the material and allowing them to see the realistic and unrealistic aspects of various topics.
Game-based learning in online courses enables instructors to introduce new concepts to students in an easily understood manner that gives them a “hands-on” type of experience. By exploring course concepts firsthand through games, students are forced to think critically and make decisions based on what they’ve learned.
For example, one of the games used in introductory courses at ASU Online is Spent. In this game, students have $1,000 and must find a job, create budgets, pay bills and make real-time decisions in order to survive. What better way to learn these life skills than by a game that allows students to simulate real-life experiences?
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Additionally, games help students set and work toward goals, provide feedback and maintain records for measurement purposes. Games also help students develop computer skills, which are not only important for success in online classes but also in today’s society which is so dependent on technology.
The benefits of game-based learning are numerous, and the capabilities and offerings should increase even further over the coming years, as the industry is expected to reach $5.5 billion by 2018.
The takeaway: From increasing student engagement to fostering enthusiasm for subject matters to providing real time feedback, games allow students to put what they’ve learned into practice, deepening their understanding of course topics in a fun, interactive way.
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Why to Consider Game-Based Online Learning originally appeared on usnews.com
