Game-Based Learning

     Game-based learning is an advancing theory that comes hand in hand with the modern age of technology. Video games are one of the most popular avenues of technology regarding children & teens, but educational video games are also at a rise at mobile learning and the use of technology is becoming more and more widespread. While video games are noticed for their recreational purposes, they may play a large role in new ways that our students are able to tackle educational subjects.

     For instance, in "Teach Your Budding Scientists to be Gamers", Timothy Barko and Troy Sadler created an educational biotechnology game - "MBt" - that put students in the role of scientists. Students would learn basic information such as beginning laboratory skills and objects to advanced curriculum like the causes for viruses and outbreaks. The video game platform of "MBt" is able to teach students various amounts of information on biotechnology, and Barko and Sadler explained that students and teachers responded well to the video game in their classrooms. Teachers were surprised at the way "MBt" was able to connect with and inspire students.

     Video games are an interesting platform for educational purposes, but the use of gaming tools improves student engagement in school. While traditional classrooms may not be the most exciting or interesting to some students, game-based learning is a modern interactive tool that is able to create excitement about learning. In "Build Engagement & Knowledge One Block at a Time with Minecraft", Peter Tromba creates a small class os students that learn educational subjects through the open-world sanbox game of "Mindcraft". Tromba reported that parents were finding that their students had more excitement for school, and were more engaged in educational tasks because they were interested in learning through the game.

     In this day and age, children and teenagers are usually the highest demographic of video game players. It is important that our schools are able to connect with students, so advancing mobile learning and game-based learning is a simple way for schools to connect with students. Using technology also bridges an even stronger connection with students. It provides them with an abundance of resources to promote successful learning, and game-based learning is another platform that would be beneficial for so many students out there. Barko & Sadlers' "MBt" is a strong example of how games can bring various knowledge to students in a fun and informative way, and future research and attempts at integrating game-based learning in schools will possibly correlate with higher engagement and successful students.

"Teach Your Budding Scientists to be Gamers" - Timothy Barko & Troy D. Sadler
"Build Engagement & Knowledge One Block at a Time with Minecraft" - Peter Tromba