Games: Edtech Industry Progressing In The Path Of The Game-Based Learning — Present And Future

Games: Edtech Industry Progressing In The Path Of The Game-Based Learning — Present And Future

Game-based learning has both advantages and disadvantages. Digital literacy, access to digital devices, and connectivity can all be impediments to learning through games, especially in some parts of Asia. In discussions about modernizing education, measures for keeping students interested and ensuring that they are practicing strategic thinking, confidence, and creativity skills that they will need in the future workplace—should be discussed.

While there are various ways to get around this problem, game-based learning has emerged as one of the most engaging ways to propel the ed-tech industry forward. This kind of instruction is especially well adapted to leveraging the benefits of digital information in higher education. Now that Asia, specifically the country Philippines which is still going through the effect of COVID-19 still struggling to have a limited face-to-face and students are depending on the given module and parents are the one teaching them.

Introducing “Game-based Learning” to the students and especially the parent will question “How can games be educational?” and “What does game-based learning mean?” On this blog, it will be discussed how edtech can be a way for games to be educational.

HOW CAN GAMES BE EDUCATIONAL? or WHAT IS GAME-BASED LEARNING?

          There is the societal stigma of learning being serious business for parents and learners unfamiliar with the benefits of gamification in education. Parents may think playing games and having fun, that’s not learning, some will say learning should be focused and hard — well it should not be. The cognitive field of the product, its presentation, and its visual attractiveness are all factors in game-based learning. Gamification makes use of a variety of incentive elements, such as scorecards, to encourage users to compete.

 BENEFITS OF GAME-BASED LEARNING OR SIMULATIONS IN STUDENT:

Nowadays, the generation is now being called as early-digital or predigital. The blog has enumerated the benefits of game-based learning and simulations.

1. It boosts self-esteem — students will increase their self confidence through the game-based learning, simulation and engagement. They get a sense of success as they progress through the levels. Cooperative and pro-social conduct are encouraged through game-based learning. It’s not just a matter of being competitive. It is students who assist one another in learning, supporting one another, and cooperating to get the finest results.
2. A greater comprehension of concepts. Student’s conceptual knowledge and skills develop as a result of Game-Based Learning. This is due to the fact that immersive gaming and properly curated digital learning resources assist children in better understanding subjects. This has the impact of enhancing student’s dedication to learning and promoting high-quality learning.
3. It improves memory. It has been proven that game-based learning improves children’s memory. Visual learning promotes retention and sharpens student’s minds. Visual learning shortens learning time and boosts memory processing, allowing students to absorb concepts faster.
4. There will be an enhancement of motor abilities. When students use the computer keyboard for gamification, they will be able to fully participate in manipulating the controls. When utilizing the functions, keeping their eyes on the screen can aid with spatial navigation. These abilities are useful outside of the classroom as well.
5. Improvement in analytical skills: Game-based learning is more likely to increase working and analytical abilities because it involves playing games that foster logical reasoning and analytical thinking. Simplifying the user interface is a difficult undertaking, but repeated exposure to such technologies aids in the refinement of an individual’s impairments and talents.

Future of Game-based Learning in the Edtech Industry.

The number of people switching from traditional to online education has increased dramatically especially when the pandemic outbreak has begun which drastically affects the different countries in Asia. Learning was abruptly transferred to video conferencing systems such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 lockdowns around the world.

Learning may be both informative and enjoyable when using interactive and innovative methods. As a result, each year, edtech brings a revolution by bringing new games with fresh themes. Ed-tech learning has proven to be an effective and individualized approach of instruction. Teachers are looking forward to game-based learning more than ever before, thanks to the advent of online education.

As of now, game-based learning and stimulation is gaining more popularity and been used as a way to advance the learnings and knowledge of students, so it will be a great advise for parents, community or schools to implement this kind of learning system with the help of different sectors in government and private organizations.

Image Credit: LEARNTech Asia

Image Credit: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Reference:

Dutt, P. (2021, September 21). The Present and the Future of Game-Based Learning in the Ed Tech Industry? Retrieved from: https://www.magicedtech.com/blogs/the-present-and-the-future-of-game-based-learning-in-the-ed-tech-industry/

LEARNTech Asia. (2020, August 30). Game-based learning: Tips, resources on gamification in education. LEARNTech Asia. Retrieved from: https://learntechasia.com/game-based-learning-tips-resources-gamification-education/