This chapter aims to introduce the reader into the concepts Gamification and Game-Based Learning (hereinafter, GBL) and to highlight their influence on the transmission of knowledge and development of competencies and skills in the Society of Knowledge. After a brief prior familiarization with the main features of learning and educational paradigms in the twenty-first century as well as with effective teaching strategies and pedagogical methodologies in such a context, it will move towards the clarification of the meaning of the aforementioned terms and other related concepts in what might be called the framework of playful learning. Straightaway, a detailed description of the main applicable strategies to develop an effective gamified proposal will be offered. These playful techniques have a significant ability to influence learners' motivation and strengthen their commitment to training projects while their participation, engagement, curiosity, fantasy and desire for adventures are stimulated and developed. They also have plenty of remarkable chances in the field of behavioral modeling, a topic also discussed in the chapter and whose applications within Education, and in any other economic or social area, are numerous and varied. The final level of this challenge is an exploration of the key game-based design elements (aesthetics, dynamics, mechanics and components) to close the overview of the landscape that is presented.
TopIntroduction
The concept of gamification, or the use of playful techniques in contexts which are not games themselves, has been extended to many different fields. Games as educational tools have been used even before writing since they are one of the most effective resources to influence students’ motivation levels, helping educators to induce a meaningful learning.
Currently, technological advances and the subsequent changes in learning-models have favored that teaching educational paradigms evolve (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, sociocultural, connectivism, sharism and others) and merge with interactive digital resources that are usual in the Knowledge Society.
A merger between strategies whose products are gamified techniques which by combining motivators and game dynamics enhance the performance of the participants and let them reach the competencies and skills required for a successful digital and media literacy.
Among emerging educational trends, the implementation of activities and playful techniques - gamification and GBL - occupies a special place, being further its growth forecasts for the next decade among the most favorable. They are a set of principles and application techniques with multidisciplinary character, going their possible application fields from Marketing and Ecommerce to Health, through Education and Talent Management in organizations.
Among other benefits, by using fun techniques in Education it can be accomplished:
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Strengthening learners’ motivation during all stages in training projects (both “on campus” and virtual/online),
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Promoting the acquisition of knowledge or skills development as a result of the combined action of “know-how to do”, “know-how to interact” and “know-how to generate”,
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Improving the retention of learners’ attention and interest in the proposed activities through the combined work of extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli,
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Enhancing inclusiveness in virtual learning and encouraging socialization and community building as to maximize the benefits from informal learning, and
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Increasing the relevance of any learning processes in order to offer students the opportunity to Learn while enjoying and Enjoy while learning.
Given this scenario one can say that educational gamification and GBL strategies are focused on teaching innovation, boosting creativity of students and improving motivation and retention in “on campus” and virtual training.