Custom eLearning Custom eLearning
  1. What We Do
    Custom eLearning Learning Consultancy Performance Campaigns Mobile Learning Performance Support Microlearning
    Video and Animation Rapid eLearning Games & Gamification Flash-to-HTML ILT and VILT Value Added Services
  2. Who We Are
    About Us Leadership Awards Press Releases Clients Careers Contact Us
  3. Our Work
  4. Insights
    eBooks Whitepapers Reports Presentations Case Studies Webinars Infographics Newsletters
  5. Podcast
  6. Let's Talk
  • What We Do
    • Custom eLearning
    • Learning Consultancy
    • Performance Campaigns
    • Mobile Learning
    • Performance Support
    • Microlearning
    • Video and Animation
    • Rapid Learning
    • Games & Gamification
    • Flash-to-HTML
    • ILT and VILT
    • Value Added Services
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Awards
    • Press Releases
    • Clients
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Our Work
  • Insights
    • eBooks
    • Whitepapers
    • Reports
    • Presentations
    • Case Studies
    • Webinars
    • Infographics
    • Newsletters
  • Podcast

Games vs Game-based Learning vs Gamification

 

Game Based Learning  |  4 MIN

Games vs Game-based Learning vs Gamification

Written by Pranjalee Lahri

Games vs Game-based Learning vs Gamification Scene:

Sales meeting between executives of a leading learning service provider and an organisation planning to outsource its learning content development.

Client: This year, for our Sales training program, we would like to have a game designed.
Sales Manager: What exactly do you want in the game?
Client: Just some simple achievement levels and awards maybe…
Sales Manager: Oh! You mean gamification.
Client: What is that? Is it a new type of game?
Sales Manager: No, no…It’s a concept of applying game mechanics and game design techniques to engage and motivate people to achieve their goals.
Client: Oh! So, that’s like Game-based learning, right?
Sales Manager: Well…not really! There is a very thin dividing line between Game-based learning, Gamification and Games. I could explain it to you, if you want me to.

Does this give you a sense of déjà vu? If yes, that’s because every now and then we come across these three terms – Games, Game-based Learning and Gamification – that sound similar but are different in their own ways.

So what are Games, Game-based Learning and Gamification?

The simplest definition of games would be ‘activities in which participants take part for enjoyment, learning or competition’, sometimes they can even discover promos for these games. The chief advantage of games in learning is the drive and engagement they create, and the fun-factor they bring in, that makes a boring task interesting. So, does that mean all games are a part of learning? Probably not. But, games can be designed in a way to deliver learning content, which essentially is Game-based learning.

Confused? Let’s break it down into simpler terms using an example.

Most of us are acquainted with the game Hopscotch. Wikipedia describes Hopscotch as a popular playground game in which players toss a small object into numbered spaces of a pattern of rectangles outlined on the ground and then hop or jump through the spaces to retrieve the object. This is an example of a Game.

Now, imagine the same game, but in terms of teaching odd and even numbers. Each rectangle contains a number, and players can use one-footed hops when landing on odd numbers and zeros, and two-footed hops for even numbers and symbols. The turn continues until they make a mistake, such as stepping on a line or hopping on an incorrect number. This is a classic example of Game-based learning.

Then, the next question might be, what is gamification? Take the elements of Hopscotch, and imagine it in an organisational level. For instance, the rectangles as levels, and the simple action of hopping as the task achievements. When an employee achieves a task, (s)he is given an award/badge and taken to the next level. In the simplest terms Gamification is the use of game elements, like rewards and achievement levels, in a non-game situation.

In context of eLearning, the differences are few and far between. Most of us recognise the name Minecraft, the video game that captivated thousands across the globe. The game has different elements, and allows building constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D world. The game also provides arena for exploration, gathering resources, crafting, and combat. Minecraft is a great example for games.

However, a few years back a New York City school teacher crafted a version of Minecraft for schools called MinecraftEdu. The elements of the classic game were enhanced to support the learning environment. Text blocks were added so that teachers could give students more context about whatever world that they created. Though the implementation has been restricted to few educational institutes, the power that Game-based learning possesses has been displayed and harnessed in real life too.

A popular example of Gamification is Deloitte’s Leadership Academy, which uses rank, rewards, missions and leader boards as one of the ways to encourage its employees and client companies to log on, take courses and continue corporate training despite busy work schedules.

To cut the long story short, here are the key differences:

Games vs Game-based Learning vs Gamification - Key Differences

#Note: Games can be directly used as learning modules for training on team work, and at times for mind exercises.

This is our understanding on Games, Game-based learning and Gamification. There might be some distinctions that we missed out on. What is your take on this? A penny for your thoughts.

Tweet
Tags: Game Based Learning gamification Gamification In Learning

Comments

  1. Pingback: Game-Design Enhanced Language Teaching – The DMZ Linguist

  2. Amanda January 17, 2016

    Great blog post! I am an Instructional Design student and I am very interested in how to make learning more beneficial and exciting. I do think gamification can play a role in doing just that. Most of us have enjoyed games for many years, When playing games you don’t realize that you are actually learning. I use educational games in the classroom all the time. It really helps on those tough subjects.

<<  Older Comments  



Write a Comment



← 35 Inspirational Quotes on Learning – Presentation Pricing Multi-Device eLearning Projects →
Subscribe for updates

Delivered by FeedBurner

Featured PostsTags
L&D Go Beyond Podcast: Moving ID to LXD, with Clark QuinnIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Post-Pandemic Workplace Learning Strategy, with Shantanu BhattacharyaIsha SoodWhy Learning Design Should Incorporate SpacingVidya RajagopalL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Secrets to Being Smarter, Faster, with Arun PradhanIsha SoodThe Power Of Testing: Testing As A Tool For LearningSonal ShethL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Challenges and Opportunities for Measuring the Impact of Training and Learning, with Kevin M. YatesIsha Sood18 and Fabulous – Upside Learning Completes Another Glorious Year of Enabling Enterprises for Better Workplace LearningIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Instructional Story Design, with Rance GreeneIsha SoodStoryboarding – You Gotta LUV it!Neeti SudumbrekarL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Gamifying Workplace Learning the Right Way, with Karl KappIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Workplace Learning in the Post-Covid World, with Sam Taylor, Jr. and Rick HouslerIsha SoodDesirable Difficulties: Making learning slow, to improve performance fastShreyas KoradL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Learning for L&D Professionals, with Joti JosephIsha SoodBetter learning experiences lead to better employee engagement in the modern workplaceAmit GargL&D Go Beyond Podcast: The Ten Questions You Must Ask at The Start of Any Learning ProjectIsha SoodA little forgetting before retrieval makes memory stickier for workplace applicationAlesiya KhanL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Writing Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess LearningIsha SoodTime to onboard the great learning modernizationAlesiya KhanBeyond mere conversion, virtual ILT is an opportunity to modernize learningAmit GargModern workplace learning needs new wine in new bottleAmit GargIt’s Fun, But Is Netflix Right For Workplace Learning?Amit GargCan gamification level up your employee onboarding experience and boost outcome?Amit GargSolving before Learning: A Case for Inverting the Way Courses are DesignedShreyas KoradL&D Go Beyond Podcast: AI and The Upskilling Imperative for L&DIsha SoodLooking Back at 2021 with Gratitude: A Fulfilling Year with Many Reasons to CheerIsha SoodThe Forgotten Art of Exploratory LearningShreyas KoradDeep, durable learning ensures adept, adaptable workplace performanceAmit GargL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Design for How People LearnIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Chatbots in Workplace Learning & PerformanceIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Curiosity & Learning in the WorkplaceIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Curation & Learning Ecosystems – Dealing With the Complexity That Damages Learning CultureIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: How to Solve the Right Problems in L&DIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Innovation in L&DIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: How to Bring Performance Focus to TrainingIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Design Thinking for Learning EngagementIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Building Learning Programs that EngageIsha SoodL&D Go Beyond Podcast: Learning Engagement in Supply Chain TrainingIsha SoodThe Living Root Bridge of Learning EngagementAmit GargAuthentic, holistic tasks ensure engaged, applicable learningAmit GargThe Curious Role of Spaced Practice and Staggered Retrieval in Learning EngagementAmit GargWhy Interleaving is a Significant Practice for Learning EngagementAmit GargUnderstanding Learning Engagement – The Missing Link Between Learning and PerformanceAmit GargWhat is Learning?Amit GargEngaging eLearning is Effective LearningAmit GargReimagine Learning with GamificationShreyas KoradGamification of Workplace Learning: Podcast Series Episode 6Mustafa HusainGamification of Workplace Learning: Podcast Series Episode 5Mustafa HusainHow Mindset of a Gamer Help Us Navigate Learning in Modern WorkplaceShreyas KoradGamification of Workplace Learning: Podcast Series Episode 4Mustafa HusainGamification of Workplace Learning: Podcast Series Episode 3Mustafa Husain
Mobile Learning (140)eLearning (115)mLearning (98)Instructional Design (50)Game Based Learning (42)Technology (35)eLearning Development (35)Workplace Learning (33)Learning (26)Learning Games (26)Design (25)Upside Learning (24)Learning Design (22)eLearning Technology (21)Social Learning (20)ipad (19)DGBL (17)Best eLearning Links (16)augmented reality (15)eLearning Outsourcing (15)Games (14)HTML5 (14)Innovation (13)LMS (13)Responsive Authoring Tools (13)Mobile (13)UL Fun Cartoon (13)Future (12)IPhone (12)Future Learning (11)UL Fun e toons (11)Informal Learning (11)elearning weekly digest (11)Responsive eLearning (11)Flash (10)Development (10)Top eLearning Links (10)eLearning On Tablets (10)Learning Technology (10)Weekly Digest (9)Top eLearning Posts (9)Blended Learning (9)GBL (9)Mobile Learning Technology (9)eLearning Weekly Finds (8)Tablet Learning (8)Multi Device eLearning (8)eLearning Weekly Find (8)Mobility (8)elearning in a multi-device world (7)Learning and Development (7)Trends (7)Rapid Authoring (7)Training Outsourcing (7)Engaging eLearning (7)Custom eLearning (7)Performance Support (7)Mobile Technology (6)Casual Games (6)Serious Games (6)
eLearning Learning

Upcoming Events

Archives

Resources
Compliance Training: Stop Ticking the Box
Compliance Training: Stop Ticking the BoxesHave a compliance program that’s not as effective as you’d hoped? Or wondering where to start to design an effective one? Find the answers to all your queries in this eBook.
Read More and Download
The Ultimate Guide to migrating eLearning from Flash to HTML5
The Ultimate Guide to migrating eLearning from Flash to HTML5This eBook is meant for organizations who want to migrate their eLearning from Flash to HTML5.
View Recording
Tips for Designing, Testing and Delivering eLearning in a Multi-device World - eBook
Tips for Designing, Testing and Delivering eLearning in a Multi-device WorldA collection of highly useful tips on the various aspects of designing, testing and delivering multi-device/ responsive eLearning.
Read More and Download

GET INSIGHTS AND LEARNING DELIGHTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, SUBSCRIBE TO UPSIDE LEARNING BLOG.

Delivered by FeedBurner

Published on May 21, 2015
Topic : Game Based Learning

Don't forget to share this post!

  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow

Related Blogs

Gamification In Learning
Game Based Learning    | 4 MIN
Abhijit Kadle
Bending The Rules
Upside Learning    | 4 MIN
Abhijit Kadle
Everything You Thought You Knew About Learning is Wrong
Game Based Learning    | 2 MIN
Abhijit Kadle

GET INSIGHTS AND LEARNING DELIGHTS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, SUBSCRIBE TO UPSIDE LEARNING BLOG

Delivered by FeedBurner

  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow
  • Snow

Follow us on

  • linkedin
  • Facebook
  • Snow
  • Slideshare
  • Feedburner
  • Youtube
to be in trend with latest happening in the elearning domain.

More from Our Resources

  • eBook

  • Whitepapers

  • Reports

  • Presentations

  • Case Studies

  • Webinars

  • Infographics

  • Newsletters

Snow
Forest
Mountains
Mountains
Mountains

WANT TO FIND OUT HOW OUR SOLUTIONS CAN IMPACT
YOUR ORGANISATION?
CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH

Custom eLearning

Upside Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Punakar Complex, Survey No-117,
Bangalore Pune Highway, Warje,
Pune, India

Tel: +91-20-2523 6050 / 51 / 52

Email: elearning@upsidelearning.com

FOLLOW US

GO BEYOND
What is Go Beyond Compliance Training Sales Enablement Measuring Learning
Effectiveness
Microlearning Gamification Learning Engagement
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning Strategy Solution Design and
Development
WHAT WE DO
Custom eLearning Learning Consultancy Performance Campaigns Mobile Learning Performance Support Microlearning Video and Animation Rapid eLearning Games & Gamification Flash-to-HTML Conversion ILT and VILT Value Added Services
WHAT WE ARE
About Us Our Work Leadership Awards Press release Clients Careers Contact Us
QUICK LINKS
Insights Blog Submit a RFP Schedule A Call Client Login Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 Upside Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.