gbl Archives - LearnJam

Game-Based Learning 4.1: Future Expansions

January 31, 2020December 3, 2013 by Tim Gifford

Some fundamental aspects of games should not be forgotten when an ‘educational game’ is designed, such as finding a balance between giving the player a sense of progress and the feeling of being challenged.

SimCityEDU: Learning What Games Can Do

January 30, 2020November 28, 2013 by Tim Gifford

Way back in June we wrote about GlassLab’s partnership with Pearson and Electronic Arts and their collective efforts to develop a game-based learning product out of SimCity. Well, GlassLab launched the first edition of this hugely anticipated super game earlier in November. Called SimCityEDU: Pollution Challenge! The game puts learners in contact with a hugely effective … Read more

Game-based Learning 3.1: A Learning Walkthrough

January 31, 2020November 20, 2013 by Tim Gifford

Having looked at some myths about game-based learning and some questions and doubts about it, Dave Dodgson returns with the third post in his guest series, this time looking at the different forms a GBL lesson can take and how we can ensure that gaming translates into language learning and development.

Game-Based Learning 2.1: How & When

January 31, 2020November 13, 2013 by Tim Gifford

In last week’s opening post in his series about game-based learning, David Dodgson looked at some of the myths that surround both GBL and gaming in general. This week, he discusses some of the benefits and pitfalls of introducing gaming to the language learning classroom and also examines when and how a teacher might take such an approach.

Game-Based Learning 1.1: Myths & Mistakes

January 31, 2020November 6, 2013 by Tim Gifford

In this first instalment of a four-part guest series, David Dodgson talks about some of the misconceptions of GBL and the culture of gaming in general. Dave Dodgson is an EFL teacher working with young learners in Turkey. He has always had an interest in the use of technology to enhance the learning experience and … Read more

It’s In The Game: ‘Gamification’ and Language Learning Pt. 1 of 2

January 30, 2020May 24, 2013 by Tim Gifford

Interested observers of developments in the field of Edtech will undoubtedly be aware of the snowballing sexiness of the term ‘gamification’ as its advocates look at ways of transferring it from the world of business into the world of education.

What is emerging as the term gets shared and amplified is the fact that it is being interpreted differently and in increasingly erroneous ways. If the concepts and opportunities that the gamification proposition offer are to get effective traction within the education community it’s vital that teachers and learners are clear on what it actually entails (as well as what it doesn’t).