Unlocking Learning: The Transformative Power ofPlay and Gamification in Education

Did you realize that play is seen as a vital aspect of cognitive growth from infancy to adulthood? Reflect on your beloved games: isn't it accurate that you never tire of playing them? Whether it's hide and seek, puzzles, building sets, or board games, there are unseen connections weaving our memories, experiences, and emotions tied to playing. These connections are all rooted in the innate motivation and involvement they spark in our minds!
 
​The new edition of the course “Discover the power of Game Based Learning and Gamification in education​” took place in Bologna from 21/01/2024 to 27/01/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Stefan, Ruja, Diana and Christian from Bayerischer Volkshochschulverband e.V., Adina and Cataina from Public Kindergarten no.1.

​During the initial session of the course, we delved into the evolving dynamics of generations, exploring how they have transformed over time. We also examined how the landscape of popular toys has shifted across different generations, reflecting societal changes and technological advancements, but also the continued engagement to playful experiences. Furthermore, we engaged in a reflective dialogue on the pedagogical significance of play, recognizing its profound impact on cognitive development and learning processes. This initial discussion set the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes throughout the course.
 
We introduced participants to the Gamer Starter Pack, where we delved into meaningful experiences within the gaming environment. Through this examination, we discussed the potential applications of these experiences in educational settings.  As the main outcome of the second level, we defined the most common gamification framework as the process through which 8 major internal and external motivators influence human engagement. During one of the practical activities, players engaged in a role-play where they acted like the most common types of video games players, reaching a hands-on understanding of game-driven motivation.

In the final stages of the training course, we lived the most active and engaging experiences. We went outside to enjoy a scavenger hunt game in the city center and were locked in a digital escape room trying to solve riddles and puzzles to escape. This not only was the foundation for participants to discover the best and easiest tools to create a personalized digital escape room for their students but also gave the group a common challenge and purpose. Indeed, as a heartwarming gesture, they gifted the trainer with the most beautiful present imaginable: a personally designed escape room, tailored to her interests. This thoughtful gift underscored the profound impact of our shared experiences and highlighted the creative synergy fostered within the group thanks to the playful design.

Having overcome all the levels of our game, participants had the opportunity to learn new ways of making the most of the most traditional games to transform the learning process. They also got acquainted with modern online tools able to produce a significant improvement of students’ engagement and bring a spark in the classroom!
​
Discover more about this course here.

---