Gamification vs. Gaming
Gamification and gaming are two different, but related, methods for enhancing student learning. "Gamification is the concept of applying game-design thinking to non-game applications to make them more fun and engaging." (Gamification Wiki) For example, giving students points for completing tasks. Gaming is the act of playing a game itself. Gamification may include games, but not necessarily.
Gamification
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How to gamify your class:
- Assign points for tasks and students "level up" when the reach certain point totals
- Use leaderboards to encourage groups to work together better
- Give out badges for special accomplishments
- Allow students to repeat tasks until they master them
- Show progress toward goals
- Require constant effort/participation to maintain level status
From 3 Easy Ways to Gamify Your Classroom and Gamification Wiki
Gaming
Games - digital, board, card, et al - are a very engaging and effective way to teach content, while improving skills like logic and strategy.
View the How Video Games are Changing Education Infographic
Not all games are created equal either. Often educational games are what's know as "edutaintment", i.e. just content presented in a game-like format with actual games given as a reward for completing a level, e.g. Math Fact. These games are usually not as effective due to a lack of actual game mechanics and shallow engagement; as Gabe Zichermann said in his Google Tech Talk, "kids can smell that [stuff] a mile away." However, some educational games are indeed both effective and engaging, take The Oregon Trail, for example.
Effective games incorporate content into engaging game play - in order to beat a game, students must gain a mastery of specific content and skills. Examples of games that were not intended to be educational but are include: Civilization (history, urban planning, politics), Spore (biology, genetics, evolution), Rollercoaster Tycon (physics, business).
A good place to start looking for games is the Review section of Common Sense Media, where you can search for games by age-appropriateness, learning potential, and subject.
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