A new approach to teaching: gamification

Gamification is about applying game principles to non-game situations. All kids have played video games, they understand the general rules and memes in gaming and enjoy playing them, this is the reason why gamification is more likely to be successful today.
In this modern era, students could learn everything in the curriculum by staying at home and surfing the Internet. Schools need to offer students experiences that they can’t get at home, and teachers have to give kids an experience that they want and can’t get anywhere else to keep them engaged and involved in their own learning.
There are a myriad of different ways of doing that but well-designed games represent one of the most effective approaches.

Games stimulate intrinsic motivation

Video games fulfill three basic needs:

• the need for autonomy (being able to make choices);
• the need for competency (to overcome challenges);
• the need for relationships (which add a perceived value to the game).

Studies in education show that the needs fulfilled by video games are actually the same three factors that one has to take into account to stimulate motivation in learning.

Games can be used to motivate students in surprising ways.

The neuroscientists' point of view

There is a common misconception that video games have negative effects on the brains of younger people. Let's watch the video to find out more.