Gamification VS Game-Based Learning: The Basic Differences

Both Game-based Learning and Gamification have entered popular culture. That means they are now prone to debates and misunderstandings related to their functioning. Are they the same thing? How are they almost the same? If not, know Gamification VS Game-Based Learning? Well, you might have all these things to ask. Because you have seen brands mistake between the two, sometimes. 

So, what are they? Well, we?ll tell you. Keep reading this blog to know about the differences. We have jotted down some of the most key points. 

However, before we move on to that, let?s first learn about the terms in detail. 

Gamification VS Game Based Learning - An Introduction

The two terms might sound alike, but they aren?t typically identical. In fact, they are two entirely different approaches. 

Talking about the differences, the basic difference is in their application and integration. The way they merge into eLearning courses is different. While game-based learning fully integrates into the educational content, Gamification Services do not. 

On the other hand, gamification uses some elements from games. Things like incentive rewards, leaderboards, points tables, etc., are its typical components.

Gamification

In short, gamification is all about adding certain game mechanics to eLearning to increase engagement.

Gamification is an element of eLearning curricula. Here, different engaging game-like elements promote a specific learning behavior to drive better outcomes. The game elements here, unlike game-based learning, are not in the actual learning content.

In Gamification, there are points tables, badges for different achievements, and also leaderboards. All these motivate and inspire learners in grinding harder and making results. 

Game-Based Learning

It is a type of active learning experience that works within a typical game framework.

Some eLearning curricula use games to teach any specific skill or bring out an effective learning outcome. As the name itself suggests, this learning is more engaging and fun than other options. Game-based learning solutions inspire learners through different instructional and educational games.

Game-based e-Learning Solutions throw challenging goals to learners. These courses require a high level of interaction from the learner?s end. Besides, it also helps them to understand concepts within a real-world context.

Basic Differences Between Gamification VS Game Based Learning 

You might be looking for ways to make your eLearning courses more interesting and engaging. Besides, you might also want them to be interactive and immersive. But is it possible to have all of these into eLearning courses? 

Perhaps, it is time to choose game-based solutions or Gamification Services. Choosing one of them depends on your subject choice and its requirements. Regardless of which one you choose, it will make a big difference in your goals and objectives. 

So, here we will discuss where they actually deviate by talking about their applications. 

Game-Based Learning Focuses Primarily on Easing Concepts

Gone are those days when books, notes, and classroom lectures were the only resources learners had. So, for understanding any new concept or skill, they needed to rely on their tutors. 

But, with game-based learning solutions, learners today have a more interesting learning method. The progress they make in the game has a direct connection with their understanding of the subject. 

Therefore, they develop sound knowledge about the topic.

Gamification Focuses Primarily on Increasing Content Engagement

The main target of implementing Gamification Services is in increasing engagement of course content. By integrating gamification elements into any existing eLearning content, you can engage your learners better. 

Even with minute things like giving points for correct answers or introducing leaderboards, gamification boosts engagement. Besides these, there are also several other things in gamification solutions. 

Gamification Services Gamify Your Entire Learning Program

What happens in gamification solutions is quite different from game-based learning. Because in gamification, there is no such restriction on adding games to the learning course. Instead, it is more about gamifying the whole learning curriculum. 

Through gamification, you can add different game mechanics to the non-game contexts. In this way, you can make the road clearer for desired learning outcomes. 

In gamification, you can add different features that can help learners get recognition and rewards. All of these just motivate them to perform more in their individual streams.

Game-Based Solutions do not Gamify the Entire Learning Program

Talking about Gamification VS Game-Based Learning, this one should come as a definite point. Game-based e-Learning Solutions do not gamify the entire learning program, unlike the other one.?

Instead, it chooses to add certain game elements to help learners achieve learning outcomes. For example, maybe some games help learners in honing their soft skills. So, they become mature for every mission they pass by solving a problem or making a decision. 

And that maturity reflects back in critical thinking abilities at crucial times. Moreover, through game-based learning, learners can embrace different behavioral changes.

Benefits of Introducing Game Elements into Learning Content

Today?s younger learners need to prepare themselves to adapt to fast-paced environments. Yesterday was a different day, and therefore, old learning methods don?t do well. 

So standing today where we are, it?s not only about earning degrees and certificates. Having such hard skills is good but isn't the last thing needed to develop knowledge. 

Why Gamification Services or game-based learning solutions are important is to develop soft skills. So, now, you know the differences between the two, check out their benefits. Yes, they have some common benefits that make learning a swiffer process for learners.?

Here are some of the top benefits that you should know -

Increase Learners? Motivation

Increasing learners? motivation can alone fade away tutoring problems. Unless learners get some motivation in what they do, it is a coarse path. For this reason, you should get gamification and Game-based e-Learning Solutions for them. Using them in your eLearning courses is a great idea to maintain learners? engagement.

Games or game-related elements are always a ?yes? from learners. They get more motivation in solving puzzles or maybe a quiz rather than meddling with notebooks.

Games and game elements bring a whole new level of competition among learners. It brings a learning experience that?s far away from traditional learning approaches. 

Making Learners Improvise & Grow

Most learners you meet with daily are into their individual shells - the introvert zone. That is why in traditional classes, not everyone is responsive or interactive in the classroom. While some are always the early birds in communicating with tutors, some are never into that.

Fortunately, Gamification Services can make a change there. Also, in game-based learning, the participation of every learner is necessary. So, as learners get the chance to be in the middle of it, they get confidence. As a result, they come out of their shells and complete the roles they get in the curriculum.

The Perfect Learner-Centric Course

If you are talking about games or anything related, you are more likely to attract learners. Therefore, it is true that game-based learning and gamification engage learners better. Their approach towards a more entertaining way of learning is what makes them learner-centric. 

Moreover, their utilization in eLearning courses is also the best among other practices. Most learners and even corporate employees find them to be really helpful.

Increase Critical Thinking Skills & Abilities

Increasing thinking skills and abilities do not come by reading books and copies. Being able to think critically is a practice that needs development. And its development begins right from choosing the correct eLearning course that encourages that development. 

That is where Gamification Services and game-based learning take the lead. The way they grow a learner?s critical thinking skills and abilities are simply amazing.?

Also Read: Things to know before choosing Gamification Design Services

Embrace Group Work & Creativity

Learners need to learn how to work in groups. Alongside, they should also have a knack for creativity. Game-based learning methods show why learners should focus on group work or teamwork. Everything that they do in these learning courses should instill unity in them. Courses with game elements are also effective tools in bringing creativity to the board. 

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Gamification Services or Game-based e-Learning Solutions - What Do You Need?

Reading the blog so far, you must have developed an idea why you need these two in learning content. They have their individual elements and components that you can integrate into eLearning courses. 

However, their benefits are almost the same if we look from a learner?s perspective. That?s because of how both of them make learning easier for learners.

Nevertheless, you still need to find a professional company for all these. After all, developing course-oriented gamification solutions or game-based learning isn?t easy. Their development needs expert designers and developers to bring the best of them. 

Talking of that, Acadecraft is such a reliable company that delivers the infrastructure. Besides that, their eLearning development team is also quite popular in the US. They design effective eLearning modules for both the corporate and the educational world.