How I met Gamification ?
When I was searching for something else on the internet, 7-10 days ago, I came across with Gamfed Turkey. I read that they were accepting applications from volunteers and I didn't want to miss the opportunity. As an accepting process, they gave us, applicants, daily tasks to get used to gamification. For instance; using Helpsteps app to donate our steps to CSOs, an app called Borsa Ligi (stock league) to learn about stock market via gamification, playing an escape game, watching Gamfed's YouTube videos, reading book summaries about gamification etc.
As today's task, I am writing you this.
What is Gamification ?
Gamification is simply the use of game elements in non-game activities. These varying non-game activities may include marketing, health, education, parenting, raising awareness etc. Gamification is used in a lot of areas of life. As for the gamification elements , they may include points,
timers, badges, leaderboards, stories, strategy, rewards, competititon, customisation, certificates, levels, purpose etc. Via these mechanics and elements, gamification help boost engagement and participation.
Gamification in ELT
Gamification helps teachers a lot in participation, engagement . It enhances motivation by making students have more fun during the learning process. It also helps them socialize in the classroom. At the same time, it can help classroom management become easier for the teacher. To sum up, gamification makes everything better and easier for teachers, students and the learning process, itself.
To bring gamification into your English classes, you can start with traditional games. There are a lot of options such as Hangman , flashcards, world ladder, word association, picture/word matching games ,Taboo etc. You can also receive support from technology. There are a lot of websites and applications you can use for English learning. In addition, you can gamify your classroom by simply using game mechanics such as rewards, badges and leaderboards. What you need is your imagination.
Application Recommendations;
Kahoot to engage students in the classroom
Classcraft for classroom management
Duolingo for language learning
Drops for vocabulary learning
Forest for concentration
Habitica / Todoist for productivity
Tinycards / Quizlet for learning with flashcards
TedEd / Coursera / Khan Academy for learning
You can also read other contents in my blog for app recommendations :)
Further Reading and Video Links;
