In May 2023, a group of ten employees from educational organisations united in the Association of Educational and Advisory Centres of Slovenia participated in the mobility of employees under the Erasmus+ programme. The destination of our visit was the Metropolitan Centre of Istanbul, where we acquired new expertise in Erasmus+ Mobility KA1. (More on mobility itself is available here.)

The theme we encountered was a method of gamification in education. This approach involves the use of elements of the game in teaching and has the potential to change the way knowledge is passed on to learners. In this article, I explore how gamification can bring innovation and motivation to learning.

CONCEPTION OF GAMIFICATION

Gamification in education refers to the integration of elements of the game into the learning process. These elements include a reward system, competition, targeting, and motivation to achieve learning outcomes. The idea of gamification stems from the finding that the use of gaming mechanisms in teaching can increase motivation and engagement among learners and improve learning outcomes.

TYPES OF GAMIFICATION

There are two basic types in the context of gameplay: gamification and game-based learning. Gamification focuses on integrating elements of the game into existing learning processes. This means using the reward system, competition, and other gaming mechanisms that promote the motivation of the learners. Game-based learning, however, refers to the creation of special games that are designed to teach specific theories or concepts. These games are designed to attract the attention of learners and enable interactive learning through the game.

ADVANTAGES OF GAMIFICATION IN EDUCATION

Gamification in education has many advantages.

First, it increases the motivation of the learners, as elements of the game encourage interest and engagement. The reward system and achievements in the game can act as powerful motivators for achieving learning goals.

Secondly, gamification in education promotes active learning. Through game-specific actions, the learners are involved in interactive tasks, solve problems, and are actively engaged in learning material. This allows for better understanding and memorization of information as they learn through experience and active participation.

Thirdly, gamification promotes collaboration and teamwork. Many games include elements that encourage learners to participate and communicate with each other. Participants can join groups, solve problems together, and learn how to work together. This contributes to the development of social skills and teamwork, which are important for success in modern society.

Fourthly, gamification allows for the individualization of the learning process. With the help of gamification, teachers can adapt gaming elements according to the individual needs and abilities of the learners. The reward system, level of difficulty, and goals can be adapted to individuals, enabling personalised learning and encouraging the progression of each individual at their own pace.

BENEFITS OF GAMIFICATION IN EDUCATION:

• Increased motivation of the learners
• Active learning through interactive tasks
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork.
• Individualization of the learning process
• Developing critical thinking and problem solving
• Development of social skills and communication skills
• Greater commitment of learners to learning and achieving goals.

CHALLENGES IN INTRODUCING GAMIFICATION:

Despite the many advantages of gamification in education, there may also be some challenges in enforcing it. Some of them include:

Appropriate game design: In order for gamification to be successful, it is important that it is well planned and designed. Games should be aligned with learning objectives and contain elements that encourage learning rather than becoming mere superficial entertainment.

Lack of adequate resources: Creating quality learning games requires time, knowledge, and resources. Teachers and educational institutions may face a shortage of these resources, which can make it difficult to carry out gamification in practise.

Monitoring the progress of the learning: The gamification system requires monitoring the progress of the learning and the learners' achievements. This can be a challenge when collecting and analysing data and providing feedback to learners.

Need for teacher training: In order to effectively apply gamification in education, it is important that teachers are trained to use and manage games. It is necessary to provide appropriate training and support to teachers so that they can effectively integrate gamification into their learning methods.

Despite the challenges, gamification remains a promising practise in education, with the potential to improve the learning process, the motivation of learners, and the development of key competences. With proper planning, implementation, and support, gamification can become an important part of modern education.

KEY GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF GAMIFICATION IN EDUCATION

Clear learning objectives: Before we embark on the introduction of gamification into education, it is important that we have clearly defined learning objectives. Games and game elements must be aligned with and supported by these goals.

Adapted learning experience: Gamification should be adapted to the needs and abilities of learners. It is necessary to take different levels of difficulty, individual goals, and progression into account and to enable the learners to progress at their own pace.

Connection to the real world: We need to make sure that games and tasks include elements that are connected to the real world and real challenges. This will enable learners to develop useful skills that can be used outside the learning environment.

Collaborative learning: Let's promote collaborative learning and teamwork among learners. We include elements that promote cooperation, communication, and collective problem-solving.

Proper use of prizes: Prizes and awards are an important part of game making, but they should be used thoughtfully. We must ensure that awards promote the right aspects of learning, such as achievement, progress, cooperation, and skill development.

Monitoring progress: We need to enable the progress of learners to be tracked and provide feedback on their achievements. This will encourage the commitment of the learners and enable them to monitor their progress.

Keeping motivation: We need to make sure that gamification is motivating in the long term. The diversity of tasks, challenges, and rewards and continuous modernization and adaptation will maintain a high level of motivation among the learners.

Gamification has great potential to improve education, promote learning, and develop key skills. With proper planning, management, and adherence to the guidelines, gamification can become an effective and attractive way to achieve learning goals and promote active and committed learning.

By using gamification, educational institutions can create rich and stimulating learning experiences that will enable learners to explore, develop creativity, and develop the key competences needed to succeed in the modern world.

Gamification is increasingly recognised as an effective approach to improving education. Despite the challenges it brings, it can create a motivational and engaged learning environment and promote the development of key skills. With proper planning, management, and support, gamification has great potential to improve the educational experience and the success of learners.

Belinda Lovrenčič (belinda.lovrencic@ric-nm.si) is an Adult Education Assistant at Education and Development Centre Novo mesto (RIC Novo mesto) with experience in adult education, management, and cooperation in Erasmus+ international projects.