Octalysis: an Actionable Gamification Framework from an Industry Pioneer. In the past 9 years that I have been working in Gamification (I remember the old awkward days of telling people “I specialize in making your products game-like” only to hear back, “Why would our customers want to play games?”)
, I’ve seen many attempts of Gamification that only turn out to be gimmicky, unsustainable, and simply adding no value nor ROI to products. As Gamification is becoming the hot buzzword these days, more and more agencies are slapping on the word “Gamification” as one of their expertise, even though many of them have never truly dived deep into a game before. Just like “creating a Twitter profile and a Facebook Page” was what many did for Social Media Marketing a few years back, right now company’s are throwing PBLs – points, badges, and leaderboards – everywhere without remembering that most games have PBLs in them too, but only a small selection of games are actually fun.
Games are not fun because they have PBLs. They’re fun because they appeal to our Core Drives. Games for Learning Infographic. Here’s an interesting infographic on “Can Gaming help Kids Learn?”
Click to view the full Infographic Here are some little factlets: 74% of school administrators feel that digital education technology increases student engagement (while 50% think it helps to personalise instruction).90% of school children (2-17 years old) play electronic games.Kids are motivated through games due to ability to manipulate objects and events, they have control over actions, and engage in ‘experiential learning’ (even if they don’t realise it).A study found students improved skills through game playing, which in turn taught teamwork and life skills including problem solving, communication, collaboration, and negotiation.More than half had played (recognisable) education games.Mobile “edu-apps” are becoming increasingly popular, with toddler/pre-school ages children accounting for over half the apps targeted at them.
Experts push gaming as a 'serious' element of higher education. Educators overcome misconceptions, with professors embracing video games as a legitimate learning tool By Dennis Carter, Assistant Editor Read more by Denny Carter Excelsior College's serious gaming panel will convene May 11.
Campus technology leaders say “game” isn’t the four-letter word it once was in the Ivory Tower, thanks to a new crop of instructors willing to make games a centerpiece of their course curriculum. “Serious gaming,” as it’s commonly called at colleges and universities, involves computer games that maintain some entertainment value—enough to grab and keep students’ attention—while presenting scenarios that challenge theories, strategies, and research that is often discussed during lectures, but rarely applied.
Some major universities, such as the University of Wisconsin (UW) Madison and Michigan State University (MSU) , offer programs on serious gaming and the design of education-friendly simulations. “You learn from breaking things,” he said. 50 Free Online Educational Games That Are More Fun Than You’d Think. Who knew that learning could be so much fun?
Using the games below, individuals from the ages of pre-K to adulthood can learn social skills, school subjects, computer literacy and so much more while having fun. The trick, is to try a variety of games, rather than getting hooked on just one game. That way, you can build a variety of skills as well. The following games are online and they are free to use. Some need to be downloaded, and some games ask for parental or teacher guidance (or both). For Kids and Parents Most of the games below are suited for home play, often with parental help or guidance (K-12). Club Penquin: This virtual world, offered by Disney, is designed specifically for kids and parents and it’s free.
For Kids, Parents and Teachers The following sites are suited for the classroom as well as for home play (K-12 and adult participation). ABC Ya! Multi-User Games The games below have age levels that range from young adult to adult. Virtual Worlds for College and Higher.