Companies explore game-based learning

Game-based learning seems to be the new fad in the e-Learning space and has gained popularity with the computer savvy generation.

Such learning refers to software applications which use games to educate. Game-based learning (GBL) motivates students through exercises involving competition and challenge, besides providing fantasies and storylines for creative development.

Since it can be made engaging, entertaining and educative, and is emerging as the new trend in e-Learning space, a number of companies are coming out with learning modules and solutions, either as complete game-based educational courses or part of a larger learning module.

An example is Pune-based Upside Learning Solution’s series of educational games. Depending on the learning objectives and audience profiles, these games range from complex business ones to small, fun-interactive games. “Digital game-based learning is the future. The rapid onset of digital convergence is only speeding us towards this. We see ubiquitous internet access and devices capable of rendering game content reaching the masses. In the long term, this technology will prove disruptive for conventional educational and training. Games will again be at the forefront of learning, as they had been before recognised pedagogy and conventional instructional models existed”, says Amit Garg, co-founder and director, content solutions.

Educational games are giving way to learning in formal situations and are thus engaging the learner in innovative ways. Normally, the GBL module connects learners into environments that closely represent the actual environment within which they need to apply their learning, including related real-life problems or complexities. Learners must solve a series of real-world or fictional problems. They are free to explore the situation and alternatives, come up with solutions and act. The consequences of their actions will affect the flow and their position in the game.