Game based Learning vs Gamified E-Learning: A Comparison

Game-based learning and gamified e-learning have distinct benefits for learners. While gamified e-learning uses game elements to transform learning into an educational game, game-based learning uses online games to impart knowledge or skills to learners. It’s important to understand the difference between game based learning and gamified e-learning so you know which among the two better serves your learning purpose. So, let’s take a close look at the two eLearning approaches. 

Subtle Differences in Game based eLearning and Gamified eLearning

1 The Approach

Gamified eLearning differs from game-based learning in a sense that the former doesn’t involve learners playing a game to achieve an objective. Whereas, game based learning is essentially designing an interactive and immersive game that has a certain level of difficulty and a variety of characters and situations, all of which are geared towards fulfilling a learning objective. 

Gamified eLearning simply uses the mechanisms and elements of an actual game to teach learners certain skills or achieve a specific learning goal. For instance, you might be awarded a badge when you complete a course or get rewarded for answering a question correctly. Other game elements include leaderboards, points, quests, and level progressions. 

2. The Consequences 

Game based learning involves rules and levels of difficulty that can lead to a learner losing. Gamified eLearning involves decision-making and role-play without any actual risk of losing. 

3. The Content

In Gamified learning, the learning process progresses based on the decisions a learner make, and the goals he achieves. However, in game based learning, the content is confined to the game scenario. 

4. The Process

Gamified eLearning exploits the psychological tendency of human beings that attract them towards games to engage them in a learning process. This brings about a competitive edge to learners, and a higher engagement and motivation to complete a level. 

However, game based learning employs games to nudge learners to take the right decisions. It involves learners to participate actively and learn by performing an activity.

Tips for Designing A Successful Game based eLearning Strategy

1 Enhanced reliability and interactivity

Game based eLearning courses should be immersive and interactive in order to serve their objective. This means that a learner should be able to relate to the elements of the games, characters, or situations, in order to feel motivated and engaged. Furthermore, the game must have adequate point-and-click elements and transitioning scenarios to enhance the interactivity between the learner and the game. 

2. Balanced difficulty levels

The level of difficulty must be balanced. The goal is to present a challenge before learners and keep them engaged. If it’s too difficult, they might end up getting frustrated soon, and if it’s too simple, they’ll lose interest just as quickly. An interactive game scenario must match the experience levels and knowledge of the learner, based on which one decides the difficulty level of the game. You can progressively increase the levels.

3. Impactful experience 

While designing a game based learning experience, it is important to ensure that every action in the game must impact the learner’s skill set and behavior. The objective of the entire experience is for the learner to be able to extract valuable takeaways that result in positive changes in their professional lives. This doesn’t mean the game should not be entertaining.

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