A Vocabulary for Gameful Learning

Some of the arguments surrounding gamification in education involve semantics. While we should not limit our praxis with labels, defining our terms is essential to developing new pedagogical theories and advancing discourse. Many of the terms I will describe are currently being used by educators; however, I will offer my own nuanced understanding of this vocabulary and occasionally interject my own terms into the discussion. While these terms are used interchangeably by some, a more nuanced definition of these terms will facilitate deeper discussion.

I use the umbrella term gameful learning to describe any pedagogy that incorporates game elements or theory in education. Under the umbrella of gameful learning are two branches: game based learning and gamification.

Game based learning involves the utilization of an existing game to teach a learning objective. For example, students may play the game Pyramid Builder or Oregon Trail to learn about ancient Egypt or pioneer life in a social studies class.

The next branch, gamification, includes the subtypes game inspired learning and game framed learning. Gamification incorporating game elements into the curriculum without using preexisting games as a teaching tool.

In game framed learning, teachers structure learning traditional learning activities like a role playing game, or RPG. Learning activities are framed as tasks that students must complete to further the overarching narrative. This is often done by utilizing levels and experience points (XP).

In game inspired learning, teachers design learning activities inspired by game mechanics. For example, an argumentative writing becomes a friendly battle between students and research assignment becomes an investigation or a hunt for key information.

In conclusion, by utilizing this vocabulary teachers can gain greater precision in discussing educational theory and practice; however, it is important to note that there is overlap between these terms and teachers may employ multiple concepts in their gameful classroom.