Video games have a certain negative connotation when it comes to children. Considered time wasters, and often violent, many parents and educators discourage the use of them. However, when applied properly, the gamification of educational subjects can take the education system by storm.
Many educators find gamification to be extremely beneficial when it comes to almost any subject. So, if video games are bad for you, why are professionals implementing major elements of them into children’s classrooms?
Below are some reasons why gamification will become a cornerstone in curriculums for years to come.
Improving Knowledge
Take a science class for instance. Gamification can allow for a very in-depth interaction with elements of the periodic table, determining which elements form together to make new elements and which ones do not. In a formal setting, the carefree mixture of elements wouldn’t be possible as some of them are harmful when combined. However, virtual simulations provide a zero-risk environment to do so, while actually learning which elements mix safely together. A student is able to predict what will happen, see that they were wrong or right, and witness real-time the result of their prediction. This learning method will help them retain why they were wrong or why they were right.
Other industries and their prospective employees are starting to recognize this and aligning their collegiate career toward Management Information Systems in areas such as business — for the implementation of what gamification can do to marketing and attracting a customer base. Gamification is still a fairly new concept, but as it develops further, we’ll see that other industries can’t help but take advantage of the benefits.
Gamification borrows major components of video games such as experience points and scoreboards, but is starting to distinguish itself from the video games we are all used to. Coupled with education, video game elements and virtual simulations are proving to be an invaluable tool that educators are starting to embrace. Its dynamic ability to teach, as well as demonstrate, allows for a better retention rate in children. It’s fun, interactive, and helps children remember information.
Recognizing the benefits of gamification, it’s inevitable that it will reach its way into a wide variety of industries in the future. Better preparation of employees, especially those in occupations where lives are at stake and failure during training won’t cost them, is a win-win for any industry. Gamification is transforming the education system, and soon will certainly expand into many other industries.