by Rebecca Teed ¹

• ¹ Carleton College

Introduction to game-based learning

What Is Game-based Learning?

Features of game-based learning (GBL):

• GBL uses competitive exercises, either pitting the students against each other or getting them to challenge themselves in order to motivate them to learn better.
• Games often have a fantasy element that engages players in a learning activity through a storyline.
• In order to create a truly educational game, the instructor needs to make sure that learning the material is essential to scoring and winning.
• What is GBL? - elements of an engaging, educational, classroom game.

Categories of games that can be adapted for learning include:

• Video Games (Digital Game-Based Learning)
• Board and Card Games: with descriptions of geoscience games

Why Use Game-based Learning?

Not only does the integration of learning with gaming make science more fun; it also:

• Motivates students to learn
• Immerses them in the material so they learn more effectively
• Encourages them to learn from their mistakes.