This week we talked about gamification in the classroom and game-based learning.

I asked Gemini what the difference is between gamification and game-based learning and here is what it said:

“Think of gamification as adding “game-like” rewards—such as a classroom leaderboard for homework completion or digital badges for participating in discussions—to a normal lesson to make it more engaging, whereas game-based learning uses an actual game—like Minecraft: Education Edition to explore geometry or Oregon Trail to understand history—as the primary tool to teach a specific skill. In gamification, the game mechanics are the “toppings” on existing content; in game-based learning, the game is the content.”

A screenshot of the menu of Minecraft: Education

One thing we explored was Minecraft: Education. It was very interesting. I already knew that Minecraft could be used adjacent to education because I have an architect cousin who used to be absolutely obsessed with Minecraft and the freedom that the gameplay allows. However, I didn’t know that Minecraft: Education existed.

It allows students to dive into specific scenarios and worlds that aim to teach a specific subject or skill. For example, there is one that has been made that is called “A Pacific Northwest Experience.”

Here are the learning objectives that it describes:

“Students will develop understanding of indigenous traditional ecological knowledge, focusing on the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things. Through participation, students will discover the sustainable practices that have been maintained by these peoples for millennia.”

Although I personally don’t like spending a lot of time playing video games (I would much rather explore the PNW in real life), I could see this being a doorway to engagement for some students.