How to Reignite Classroom Engagement with Game-Based Learning

Captivating student attention can often be a game of chess, a strategic dance to continuously find new ways to inspire and motivate. We’ve all faced that daunting task of making the complex simple and the mundane fascinating. But what if there’s a way to transform your classroom into a dynamic, interactive space where learning is not just a process but an exciting journey? That’s the power of gamification, merging the thrill of games with learning challenges to increase student engagement and motivation. The benefits of game-based learning extend beyond fun and entertainment, with students gaining critical skills in preparation for the demands of the digital economy.

In this post, we’ll explain how gamification in the classroom works and introduce you to two exciting online courses for teachers’ professional development that will show you how to seamlessly integrate game-based learning into your lesson plans with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

How game-based learning works

Gamification in education isn’t about turning lessons into games but embedding gaming elements into educational content, such as:

• Points
• Badges
• Levels
• Leaderboards
• Rewards

Your classroom becomes a captivating forum that promotes knowledge, leadership, creativity, and engagement. The concept revolutionizes traditional learning strategies, blending the excitement of games with your educational objectives.

The benefits of game-based learning

Research on the impact of game-based learning on children’s development has consistently shown that when students are actively involved and invested in their learning process, their focus, retention, and enthusiasm significantly increase. Here are a few potential benefits of a game-based teaching approach:

• Increased motivation: The friendly competitive nature of games naturally motivates students to engage and excel.
• Improved engagement: Interactive learning experiences keep students interested and invested in learning. Experts assert that game-based learning fosters heightened concentration, interest, and enjoyment.
• Enhanced collaboration: Many games require teamwork, promoting cooperation and collaborative problem-solving.
• Real-time feedback: Immediate rewards and points provide students instant feedback on their understanding.

Embracing a game-based approach can make learning more enjoyable and equip students with critical skills and competencies vital for success in the ever-evolving digital world.

Learn how to integrate gamification into your classroom

With the transformative potential of gamification, now is the time to master it. We offer two online teacher continuing education courses focusing on this innovative teaching approach, allowing you to reshape your classrooms and teaching methods.

Game-Based Learning Course

Our Game-Based Learning course introduced a little ‘Risk‘ into your lesson planning. Move beyond the generic Jeopardy! review games, and dive into how gaming can be an educational tool in your classroom. Through our course text and guided instruction, you’ll analyze the components of effective game-based learning, learn how digital and non-digital games can increase student achievement levels, and even design your game-based lesson plans. Your classroom will become an arena of friendly competition, motivation, and rewards, aiming at improved comprehension and skills. While acknowledging potential challenges such as student tension or feelings of exclusion, our course equips educators with strategies to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

AI in ED Course

In our extensive course catalog, alongside game-based learning, we also offer insights into the emerging world of artificial intelligence (AI) with our AI in ED course. Dive deep into the technology behind AI, understand its potential pitfalls, become adept at AI detection methods, and, crucially, learn how to harness it effectively for your classroom. This online teacher continuing education course is loaded with relevant information every teacher should know. It’s an excellent companion to the Game-Based Learning course, helping to get your gamification initiatives off the ground. Discover how you can use AI for lesson planning and other educational strategies and spend more time on what truly matters – engaging with your students.

Our Game-Based Learning and AI for ED online courses for teachers’ professional development focus on enhancing classroom experiences for teachers and students. Ultimately, they’re designed with practicality in mind. We’re here to help you make learning interactive, fun, and effective.

To further help you prepare for the upcoming school year, we’re also offering a special promotion for 10% off all courses through the end of September. All you need to do is use the coupon code BTSTTA10 at check out!

Earn professional educator license renewal credits

Our courses are structured to address professional educator license renewal credits requirements. In Michigan, they count toward state continuing education clock hours (SCECH), helping with the professional teaching certificate renewal that Michigan educators need. North Carolina teachers can also apply them toward their professional educator license renewal based on the state’s requirements.

Whether you’re working towards professional educator license renewal credits in Michigan, North Carolina, or another state, our courses are designed to meet your continuing education goals. Let’s make classrooms fun and engaging by embracing gamification, and together we can make learning more accessible and enjoyable. Your students will thank you, and you might have a little fun yourself along the way! Browse our course catalog or connect with us to learn more about our convenient, affordable, and relevant online teacher continuing education programs.