This document discusses game-based learning (GBL) and its benefits and pitfalls. It describes three types of GBL: board games, digital games, and online games. Board games like Monopoly can be adapted for educational purposes. Digital games involve online boards and virtual collaboration. The benefits of GBL include motivation, inclusion, student-centered learning, critical thinking, group work, and creativity. However, excessive competition for rewards in games can shift the focus from learning to winning and diminish collaboration. To avoid pitfalls, GBL should not always be used and the focus must remain on learning outcomes rather than just competition.

1. By: Mr. Edel P. Diaz
and
Mrs. Mary Dove A. Paglinawan

3. -describes an approach to teaching,
where students explore relevant
aspect of games in a learning context
designed by teachers. Teachers and
students collaborate in order to add
depth and perspective to the
experience of playing the game.
Game based learning (GBL)

4. Different types of GBL

5. 01 – Board games
Monopoly can be considered an
educational game. It has all the necessary
elements: a story, characters, points, competition,
and many other aspects. There are many examples
of Monopoly-like games for schools with modified
rules for different subjects, like History Monopoly or
Math Monopoly.

7. 03 – Digital games
The environment here is
online. A lot of digital programs for
GBL use online boards that a teacher
can edit or add educational content
according to the topic that will be
played. Also, in this type of game,
students can be involved in the
construction of the game, especially
if the teacher is not able to manage
online tools without their help.
Students have a character (but not
necessarily an account) that moves
through the game where they face
challenges that are placed along the
games’ path. A digital game does not
involve skills that are connected to
the use of the body and the real
space, but it can train students to
collaborate in a different and virtual
way.

8. What
are the
benefits?

9. 01 – Motivation
-GBL is very effective, as games are naturally motivating and engaging.
Moreover, games provide something that can be described as “far from a traditional
lesson” and they are often include competition among students; which can raise the
level of motivation in a classroom.
02 – Inclusion
Playing can challenge students and force them to step out of their
comfort zone. Roles and tasks can be differentiated to include all students.

10. 03 – Student centered
Games are naturally student-centered and students
should be involved in the preparation of the game. If they
are engaged and interested, they will accomplish tasks more
willingly than with traditional activities.
04–Critical thinking and decision
taking
These are two skills that can be
practiced and learned especially when
engaging in role play. When students
are assigned to play specific
characters in certain environments,
they have to decide, on the spot, what
to do in order to reach the goal.

11. 05 – Group work
Unity is strength and
everyone loses or wins when they
play a game together.
06 – Creativity
Imagination has no limits.
Teachers can leave opportunities
inside of a game where students
can fill in the blanks with their own
solutions and ideas.

12. • The excessive use of game-based
learning can lead to needless competition
among employees to win badges and
medals that are an integral part of games.
This can bring with it some of the
following risks:
• Learner focus shifts to winning rather
than learning, especially if the rewards
assume more significance
• Shifts employees’ focus away from
collaboration
• Diminishes the importance of
cooperation and sharing of ideas
Excessive use of
game-based
learning

13. • How to avoid pitfalls in using game-based
learning:
• Do not use game-based learning always
• Avoid shifting the focus away from learning
• Do not fail to measure results