Let's give it a try

It appears that some tools, such as Game Based Learning, have arrived to help instructors to easier get to students, and it seems these tools are here to stay. Game Based Learning (GBL) consists of the use of games to support learning, assimilation or evaluation of knowledge.

This innovative methodology offers both students and teachers a different and practical educational experience that can be applied to a single topic or designed to integrate several matters in just one class. Those teachers who opt for integrating ICT in the classroom, will see that GBL can become a very complete approach which will also help with digital literacy.

One of its main benefits might be its ability to help educators capturing the attention of students, since it provides an appealing and amusing environment that they (students) might find highly motivating. Games invigorate classes whereas awakening and maintaining students' interest throughout the development of the class, due to the playful practice it allows. Also, games make students face situations to reflect upon in order to make the right decisions, to solve mistakes and to recover from defeats.

Thus, this learning method will help students to not only assimilate concepts but also to develop cognitive abilities through critical thinking, the analysis of reality and problem-solving.

Nevertheless, and despite the advantages it may offer, I would say that GBL has some cons as well, one of them being the time instructors need to invest in preparing their classes. That does not mean that this time is not worth it to be invested, but it might happen that the time needed to design a GBL activity does simply not exist.

What I mean is: helpful as GBL may be, it will not always be possible to use these activities in the classroom on a daily basis. Nonetheless, it may be of great help to make use of them from time to time. Introducing some playful tools will help teachers to revitalize the classroom while helping students practice newly acquired concepts. Therefore, let's give it a try.