Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning

A typical misconception is that Game-Based Learning (GBL) is the same as Gamification, however, this is not the case!

GBL can be defined as learning through a game. Some educators say that if it can be used in more than one content area, then it is considered Gamification, such as Jeopardy and Kahoot. To me, this is not the case.

Gamification is a different approach to learning in itself. Students are doing activities and gaining points for it. Gamification can still be applied to several different content areas. Gamification lasts longer than GBL.

There are known benefits to both GBL and Gamification. Some examples of GBL include Blooket, Gimkit, Kahoot, or games such as Guess Who? in a content area focus. While an example of Gamification include Homeworkopoly (loosely). Gamification may take more preplanning than GBL for educators.