Game-Based Learning: Key Benefits & Examples

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Have you ever played a game on your phone? Who hasn’t, right? Game-based learning uses some of those same techniques to help you stay engaged while learning important material. Learning trends have shifted from traditional instruction to more immersive methods, making modern learning the perfect setting for gamification.

Students want more from their learning experiences, so educators like MedCerts are meeting student demand with interactive, gamified learning.

How Does Game-Based Learning Work?

Using game-based instruction enhances students’ engagement with their coursework. Studies show that gamification works in many areas of education, from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to medical and healthcare fields. In addition, game-based learning is perceived as more fun and unique, giving students more active learning opportunities.

Key gamification benefits include:

  • Increased engagement

  • Enhanced recall

  • Improved problem-solving and decision-making skills

  • Immediate feedback

  • Better cognitive and emotional processing

  • Active learning from mistakes

When you learn course material through gamification, you use more parts of your brain. Studies show that you use even more of your hippocampus because game-based learning engages your emotions. It also encourages the brain to release dopamine, the feel-good hormone!

Examples of Gamification in Education

There are many gamification learning examples in education. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Digital games: These games work on desktop and mobile devices and use different methods to teach students. You might use digital games to learn broad topics or specific parts of your course.

  • Simulation games: This type lets you experience simulations of real-world scenarios. You’ll typically be asked to use your training to solve key problems or mimic the actions you’d take to complete a task.

  • Puzzle games: Puzzles test your cognitive abilities, often requiring a variety of approaches and techniques. Problem solving, logic and pattern recognition are important components of puzzle games.

  • Review games: Unlike other games, review games are primarily for memory recall and reinforcing key terminology. They’re a modern form of flashcards and help you stay engaged.

  • Role-playing games: Role-playing games are highly immersive and help teach through character interactions. You might learn course material through character actions or as separate challenges.

MedCerts Innovative Learning Technology

MedCerts offers over 55 certification training programs in the fields of healthcare and information technology. Every program at MedCerts uses the 12 elements of eLearning for a fully immersive, engaging and interactive experience. Game-based learning is one of those elements.

Through the use of innovative technology in learning, MedCerts brings modern instruction to students of all learning styles. By incorporating different elements – from task-based demonstrations and screen-based simulations to augmented reality and game-based learning – MedCerts’ programs help you stay engaged with the material.

Technology and game-based learning also let you move beyond memorization. Instead of simply recalling facts, you can better analyze and interpret different scenarios. You can apply those same skills to the real world without needing a steep, on-the-job learning curve.

Find Your Career With MedCerts

Whether you’re looking to become a Medical Assistant, a Mental Health Support Specialist or a PC Technician, MedCerts is ready to help you learn in-demand skills in a truly immersive and engaging way. Whether watching instructor-led videos or interacting with educational games, you’ll be primed for an exciting new career in allied health and IT.

Written by

Dana Janssen

Chief Product Officer

Dana has over twenty (20) years’ experience in Allied Healthcare and Education, and currently serves as the Chief Product Officer for MedCerts where he is responsible for product vision and strategy, research, and development.

Dana joined MedCerts upon its founding in 2009, and has led the research, development, and production of the entire catalog of programs that have helped MedCerts transform the distance learning landscape. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and innovative instructional design practices, Dana and his team have pioneered the development of the MedCerts 12 Elements of eLearning. Each MedCerts program contains a proprietary blend of these engaging, interactive, and entertaining elements that effectively accommodate learners of all types. Dana is deeply in-tune with the needs of today’s healthcare employers and is an expert in careers and certifications related to allied health.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS) degree from Valparaiso University, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Davenport University. Dana is an avid sports fan and in his free time enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, knifemaking, and spending time with his family and pets.

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