Who doesn’t like games? Young kids, teenagers, and even adults enjoy playing games. And if given the choice between having to learn a new lesson or play a game, I’m pretty confident that games will win. But why not have the best of both worlds and combine learning with games? That’s where gamification comes in.
What is Gamification?
Gamification is when games or game-like elements are used in environments to help promote learning. More specifically we live in an age of video games. Video games are used on computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. People all over play video games regularly.
A study by the Learning Federation found that 8th graders spend on average 5 hours a week playing video games. And that 60% of college students consider themselves regular gamers. That’s crazy! Now think about all those hours spent in front of a screen. If those hours were applied to a game that will teach players a new skill or content, that is time well spent.
So, it’s easy to see the appeal of gamification. It’s being used more by schools and companies alike. Many LMS’s will include gamification as a part of their platform to attract new customers. There’s even a video game league called eSports, where players compete against one on a professional level.
But is gamification effective? Is it worth investing in?
Is Gamification Effective?
With gaming, it tends to take the learning out of learning. Students are benefitting from games and not even knowing it. They help with motivation, engagement, confidence, cognitive development, problem-solving skills, reflexes, and more.
As mentioned earlier, being able to play games over a lecture or a worksheet is no brainer for any student. Video games are associated with fun and play, so they are automatically engaging. The competitiveness to defeat other players or classmates provides motivation for the learner. Winning or leveling up helps to boost confidence.
At the same time, many games require players to make fast-paced decisions, collaborate with others, solve problems, make discoveries, and answer questions; all contributing towards their cognitive development.
What’s Going on in the Brain?
Further studies have been conducted that conclude neurotransmitters are released due to gamification when played properly. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that release signals to the brain. Andrea Kuszewski, a cognitive scientist has insight on four major neurotransmitters that are released while playing games: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
Dopamine is released when someone is pleasantly surprised. It helps form a sense of motivation for the player. It can also help with learning by making connections with actions and responses.
Oxytocin is released when an emotional connection is made. Stories and social interaction used in gamification can trigger this. This can help players store those moments into long-term memory.
Serotonin affects how important a person feels. This can cause the player to be happier or discontent. Many times players can reinvent themselves in video games; become a new person. When they feel more confident and important, then serotonin has a positive reaction to their mood.
Endorphins can be released during gamification when a player wins or achieves something great. Endorphins provide a sense of euphoria and can help with fatigue from stress. It’s like getting a “second wind” that lifts a person off their feet, making the person feel better about themselves.
There are many benefits to gamification. Thousands of companies and schools alike are transitioning to game-based learning to help with engagement and productivity. It’s easy to see that many games will eventually be on mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets so learning can be on the go. In the end, it’s all about finding the right games for your learners.