From Game-Based Learning to Real Coding Skills

An Innovative Approach

Playing games online is a natural part of most children’s lives in today’s digital world. That presents a unique opportunity to combine their love of gaming with the chance to learn something new from the activity. In fact, this isn’t an entirely new concept, dating back to the 1970s with the introduction of Oregon Trail in many schools. The goal is to make learning fun. Here’s how to make it happen with your kids. 

What is Game-Based Learning?

The basic definition is using computer games to engage and instruct students in a way that is both interactive and fun. In addition to computer games, board games, video games, and simulations can also be used to reach this goal. Unlike other methods of classroom learning, game-based methods encourage students to participate in the lesson, as well as teaching valuable skills like problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking. 
Instead of the traditional games that many kids play at home, game-based learning involves incorporating educational objectives so that students are learning relevant concepts and meeting curriculum objectives at the same time. 

Benefits of Game-Based Learning

Kids don’t naturally hate learning, they hate being bored. Finding ways to make learning fun for students is the simplest way to get them on board with the process. When the main emotion associated with learning is fun, students are much more likely to be willing to try new things and contribute to their learning process. 
Game-based learning gives kids some of the power over their education by allowing them to make choices, test their own ideas, and practice important skills. It also boosts motivation among kids to learn new things and gives them pride when they understand and master a new concept or skill. 
In addition, learning with games encourages critical thinking and problem solving, both of which are vital skills that translate into other areas of life. There are loads of things that kids can learn from game-based lessons. Check out Codemonkey for one cool site that teaches kids coding in a fun environment. 

How to Teach Game-Based Learning

To get the most out of using games in your classroom, there’s a process that makes it the most effective and beneficial for you and your students. A set of clear learning outcomes is a great starting point and helps direct you to the best games for the material you’re teaching. For example, if you’re teaching coding, suitable and age-appropriate games are a vital part of making it work. The same is true for teaching math, literacy or history. 
It’s also going to be helpful to ensure that each student has access to the technology and equipment necessary to make game-based learning successful. Different games have different requirements, so have a look at your available resources to make sure they will work for your purposes. 
It’s also a good idea for you, as the educator, to be familiar with the game. Give it a try so that you understand the rules and the goals so that you can teach those to your students. This allows you to create purposeful learning opportunities and helps you problem solve with kids who are having trouble with the game. As kids play, be prepared to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues and connect the gaming experience to the lesson’s outcomes. 
Appropriate assessments also give you insight into how the game works for your students and if it’s helping them learn the material effectively. This also allows you to offer feedback so your students can improve their skills and learn what they need to from the game. 

Examples of Game-Based Learning

There are lots of games out there that teach kids valuable skills that translate to other areas of life. Minecraft, Codemonkey and others are premier choices for the classroom because kids love them and they offer a variety of ways to learn. Remember, when kids are having fun, they are more likely to enjoy learning and the lessons you prepare for them. 
Online games aren’t going anywhere and most kids are proficient in using them for entertainment purposes. Adding them to the classroom learning environment creates new educational opportunities and allows you to present material in an engaging and relevant way. Give it a try today and enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer you and your students.