Gamification: how game elements can help learn, train and improve cognition.
by
Nicholas Newman
07 September 2020
8 min read
by
Nicholas Newman
07 September 2020
8 min read
The gamification of life is not a modern concept or practice, although within the last half century it has blossomed into a significant dimension of computer functionality.
The concept of gamification only became popular in the last decade. In essence, it is based on the multidisciplinary concept that game elements, such as earning points or rewards, can be adapted for education and training. Since gamers voluntarily spend many hours playing games that require concentration and problem-solving, educators and trainers seized the opportunity to explore and develop programs using gaming techniques to teach, train and improve cognitive skills.
Games can increase the size and efficiency of brain regions responsible for vision-spatial skills, according to Interesting Engineering. "Video games can also train players to be more personally accountable.
In-game accomplishments tend to trigger dopamine release in the brain which rewards the player for their 'hard' work."
In a learning environment, gamified tasks can integrate three approaches to influencing, guiding and rewarding effort and outcomes: the first one is supplementing a grading system by awarding an individual marks for effort, degree of progress over time, or completion of an assignment. The second is creating tasks for individuals or teams of employees to complete in competition with others. The third one, finally, concerns the use of avatars in co-operative games as part of a community working on one task together.
Designers of computer training andlearninggames combine traditional game mechanics with topical or subject content to deliver desired learning outcomes. For example, in order to encourage the completion of a training module, the designers might offer incentives such as badges or set up competitive leader boards.
For both the student and employee, gamified learning and training offers many advantages: individual control since the game can be played at a time and place of his or her choosing; progressive learning opportunities by introducing incremental stages of difficulty; private, instantaneous and ongoing feedback; sense of community, especially in programs where team cooperation is core to the game's success.
For employers, educators or trainers, games may be a cost-effective means of imparting knowledge and practical skills to a predetermined consistent standard. Gamified learning and training simulations have been adopted in a variety of settings ranging from construction, health and safety, transport, medicine and the military.
Before computer aided design (CAD) and virtual simulation software became available and affordable, architects and planners relied on models made from a variety of materials, includingLego Architecture sets. Today, virtual simulation gaming software, such as the city management building game City Skylines, has become popular with town planner since it offers realistic learning and problem-solving experiences.
Likewise, both architects and planners are employing advanced CAD-based simulation software to study, learn and discover potentially expensive problems in a design before construction begins. Also available are specialist simulation software programmes, such as Massmotion, Simwalk and Crowd Dynamics, which are used to model and manage crowd behaviours.
Health and safety requirements are a fact of life for both the public and private sectors. Monitoring and maintaining compliance with the increasing body of regulations are prime responsibilities for both employees and employers. More and more employers are using gamified courses to ensure staff is knowledgeable and following the latest regulations.
The British Safety Council finds that virtual learning can prove useful in enabling the student to learn the required health and safety habits required in mining, construction and steel making.
The games allow employees to learn safety protocols in a virtual environment before applying them to the real world.
Trainee surgeons are also using computer games to improve their manual dexterity, sharpen their reaction time and heighten their concentration. Indeed, research has shown that playing computer games "is a good warm-up" to performing keyhole, or laparoscopic surgery, according to Steve Wigmore, professor of surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Similarly, medical students are perfecting their knowledge and skills with role-play in a variety of settings and situations: Microbe Invader lets a medical student act as a busy doctor in the understaffed Happy Hospital or treat infectious diseases in a virtual community. Prognosis is a scenario-based game of clinical cases for healthcare practitioners to sharpen their diagnostic and treatment skills. Medical School allows players to learn about the human body and how to correctly diagnose patients, all within the safe virtual walls of the medical school in preparation for clinical work.
Simulations that include reward systems are being used to educate employees on the challenges of operating different types of transport over a wide range of environments and conditions.
Increasingly throughout the transport sector, employers train staff on advanced versions of simulationgames before they are allowed to practice on the real thing. In fact, there are several suppliers marketing advanced educational and training and simulation software for themaritime sector, including Kongsberg Digital, NAUTIS Maritime Simulator and Force Technology.
Pilot training is the best known example of professional simulation
In the education sector, gamification has shown its value in imparting hard subject knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or, what is commonly known, as STEM subjects.
One recent addition with relevance for future employment prospects is the game Geckoman,which teaches the basics of nanotechnology. This educational game, designed by Northeastern University game designers, teaches the scientific principles of nanotechnology and helps students ages 10-14 understand the difference between the nanoscale and the macro scale.
Code Master is a Programming Logic Game that teaches the basics of computer coding to children in a fun and enjoyable way.
For the engineering-oriented student, there are a range of engaging learning games, such as Space Engineer, Medieval Engineer and Miners Wars, all from video game developer Keen Software House. These programmes provide enjoyable, yet challenging, problem-solving games for students keen on designing and building a spaceship, castle or coal mine.
With high levels of penetration, both educators and trainers have developed gamified apps, websites and operating systems to encourage students and employees to work and train. With greater experience and knowledge, game designers are learning how to make even boring, difficult and complex material interesting, exciting and possibly addictive. In effect, gamified programsmay encourage learners to come back for more by combining the desire to succeed with frequent rewards—and fun.
THIS WEBSITE (AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN) DOES NOT CONTAIN OR CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE SECURITIES OR IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF ANY U.S. PERSON AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE SECURITIES ACT (A "U.S. PERSON"), AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OR OTHERWISE BE UNLAWFUL (THE "OTHER COUNTRIES"). THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR PURSUANT TO THE CORRESPONDING REGULATIONS IN FORCE IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR THE “OTHER COUNTRIES” AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON UNLESS THE SECURITIES ARE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF SUCH SECURITIES IS INTENDED TO BE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR IN THE “OTHER COUNTRIES.”
In any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), the information contained in this website is only directed at and may only be communicated to persons who are "qualified investors" ("Qualified Investors") within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation").
The information to which this website gives access is directed only at persons (i) who are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Order or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is only available to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons, or in the EEA, with Qualified Investors. Any person who is not a relevant person, a Qualified Investor or otherwise permitted under applicable law or regulation to access the information, should not act or rely on the information contained herein.
Confirmation of Understanding and Acceptance of Disclaimer
These materials are for informational purposes only and are not directed to, nor are they intended for, access by persons located or resident in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or any of the Other Countries. I certify that:
I am not resident of, or located in, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or any of the Other Countries or I am not a U.S. Person; or
If I am a resident of, or located in, the EEA, I am a Qualified Investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation; or
If I am a resident of, or located in, the United Kingdom, I am a Qualified Investor and a relevant person.
I have read and understood the disclaimer set out above. I understand that it may affect my rights. I agree to be bound by its terms and I am permitted under applicable law and regulations to proceed to the following parts of this website.
WARNING: the above certification constitutes a "self-certification" pursuant to Decree of the President of the Italian Republic No. 445 of 28 December 2000. False certifications are punishable by law.
You must read the following information before continuing.
The information contained in this segment of the website is not intended for, and must not be accessed or distributed or disseminated to persons resident or physically present in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to do so. The information also is not intended for, and must not be accessed or distributed or disseminated to persons resident or physically present in Italy who are not “qualified investors” (investitori qualificati), as defined in Article 2, letter e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) pursuant to Article 1, fourth paragraph, letter a) of the Prospectus Regulation as implemented in Italy by Article 35, paragraph 1, letter d) of CONSOB regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018.
By clicking the button below labeled “I agree”, you are certifying that (A) if you are in the European Economic Area, you are a “Qualified Investor”; (B) you are not accessing this portion of the website from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or Japan; (C) if you are a resident or physically present in Italy, you are a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation as implemented in Italy by Article 35, paragraph 1, letter d) of CONSOB regulation No. 20307 of February 15, 2018; and (D) you are not located in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to access this portion of the website.
You acknowledge that the information and statements contained in the document you are accessing on this website speak only as of the date of such document (or such other date(s) specified therein), and such information and statements may become inaccurate, stale and/or out-of-date thereafter and should not be relied upon for any investment decision.
You acknowledge that the materials on this website that you are accessing are confidential and intended only for you and you agree you will not forward, reproduce, copy, download or publish any of such materials (electronically or otherwise) to any other person if this is not in accordance with the law.
You acknowledge that the access to information and documents contained on this portion of the website may be illegal in certain jurisdictions, and only certain categories of persons may be authorized to access this portion of the website. If you are not authorized to access the information and document contained on this portion of the website or you are not sure that you are permitted to view these materials, you should leave this portion of the website.
You acknowledge that no registration or approval has been obtained and Eni Gas e Luce S.p.A. società benefit and its affiliates assume no responsibility if there is a violation of applicable law and regulation by any person.
By clicking the button below labeled “I agree”, you are confirming that you have read and understood the disclaimer above.
If you cannot so confirm, you must exit this portion of the website