Benefits of Game-Based Learning

Have you considered game-based learning for your teaching portfolio?

Game-based learning is a new teaching technique made possible by the constant technological progress. As it climbs in popularity, it's worth looking at how it impacts students. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Game-based learning is exactly what it sounds like–students acquiring knowledge through playing games. Thanks to the influx of technology in the classroom, many people and companies have designed games with education in mind. While a game's traditional goal, to entertain, is still there, they also make sure the game teaches the player about something. Some are basic like having to type quickly and accurately in order to move a race car through a course in time. Others are more elaborate, like solving a crime using forensics and other sciences through a virtual lab.

In addition to just being plain fun (or at least more fun than most traditional means), game-based learning also benefits students, especially students that don't thrive on traditional learning techniques. EdSurge recently posted a graphic outlining some of the ways game based learning benefits students. The graphic states that game-based learning helps students connect what they're learning to real life situations, allows for more collaboration and competition than other teaching techniques, helps motivate students, and improves growth mindset. You can read more about that here.

Not all teachers love game-based learning. Where do  you stand? Have you ever used games in the classroom? Why and how? Do you foresee more or fewer games in the classroom in the future?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.