Game-Based Learning is an approach to teaching that combines principles of gameplay to teaching. Students learn through problem-based learning, as they are situated to overcome a set of challenges to finish the game. Problem-solving enables students to learn through a productive struggle in an environment that celebrates failure (Gee, 2005). Games provide users with instant feedback and engages students with the challenge to succeed to the next level.
Game-based learning in the classroom fosters 21st Century skills and soft skills such as teamwork, persistence, empathy and goal setting. Learning through games encourages students that failure is normal!
In addition to game-based learning, students can participate in game design learning where creator their own games using programming tools which foster their problem-solving and critical reasoning skills (Akcaoglu & Koehler, 2014). A platform which encourages students to become game creators is Scratch. Scratch is a free application that teaches participants basic programming concepts and allows them to create interactive animations and games. Scratch has built-in tutorials which teach users programming concepts such as variables, conditionals and loops. Scratch is completely open-ended and gives users free rein on what they want to create.
For example, I have used scratch to create this game of Pong.
Encouraging students to become game creators allows them to form new abilities through purposeful and engaging tasks and develop high order thinking, problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Programming on a platform such as Scratch foster student’s creative self-expression, abilities to work collaboratively with peers and highly engages students.
References :
Akcaoglu, M., & Koehler, M. J. (2014). Cognitive outcomes from the Game-Design and Learning (GDL) after-school program. Computers & Education, 75, 72–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.02.003
Gee, J. P. (2005). Good video games and good learning. Retrieved from: http://dmlcentral.net/wp-content/uploads/files/GoodVideoGamesLearning.pdf
Educ3620 Digital Creativity and Learning 
Hi Saskia,
Love reading you review. Game-based learning provides engaging and active learning environment but do you think students will be able to achieve the learning outcomes successfully? I think sometimes students get carried away with the idea of ‘game’.
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Thanks for your comment! I believe in order for game-based learning to be effective, teachers need to carefully consider what tool/program to use and be confident in implementing it into their teaching. If used successfully, Scratch has many benefits for students learning.
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