Gamification of the University Life

Do you like computer games? You may not even answer because I know for sure that there so many fans of this cultural phenomenon out there. Yes, computer games undertook a long journey to get from the point A, where they were perceived just as a nerdy hobby, to point B, where you can earn millions of dollars by playing them. That`s a pretty good trip, I`ve got to say.

Many students use a virtual sphere of awesome graphics and made-up worlds as a way of relaxation. Honestly, I sometimes switched to playing computer games too when I needed to do my homework. But those gaming sessions were dosed.

Computer games are just like the Upside Down. And those who got that “Stranger Things” reference, we salute you. Those who didn`t – you probably shouldn`t even consider watching the series because your friends and family will lose you from their sight until you are done with the second season.

Anyway, who has a more stressful lifestyle than a student? Show me that person! Ha! You can`t because they simply don`t exist.

That`s why computer games seem like a little treat, just a teeny-tiny indulgence in the terrifying world of science papers, essays, and lectures. Super cool professors from multiple universities decided that it`s totally unfair that students consider the whole process of studying as dull. So, the solution they have come up with is to combine two completely different spheres: studying at university and playing computer games. Sounds pretty exciting, doesn`t it?

Psychology Approves

The development of this whole conception of gamification begins with an idea of American psychologist Jerome Bruner. This man was absolutely sure that kids need more freedom, they should be more independent and autonomous when it comes to studying.

Dr. Bruner was conducting research on cognitive development and brain function for practically his whole life. He came to a conclusion that the main mistake of a modern system of education is the way teachers passed the knowledge to their students.

Students should be inspired to look for more information about the surrounding world so the teacher`s main task here is to teach them how to learn. It`s not only about mathematics, biology, or grammar. It`s about the art of studying that will be applicable in the future life.

So, the American professor believed that games should definitely be involved in the process of studying. The results would be much more effective. Students would develop a creative approach to the process of filling themselves with knowledge. But it should be the teacher`s work to encourage students to be information-thirsty.

Indiana Will Show You How It`s Done

It seems pretty cool in theory, but how about a practical approach? Don`t run to your professor proposing such an innovation because it`s not flash news. If your teachers still read from slides during lectures, and it feels like the most boring hell ever, perhaps, you can show them our article. And it may work like a little hint that they need to change their teaching methods. Or you can just send them a link to this site which will also give a lot of additional useful information on the topic.

So what`s the deal with Indiana? A professor from Indiana University decided that his students (being all smart and awesome just like you) didn`t deserve to have a dull system of all those grades. It would be much better if the system consisted of levels, just like in computer games. Lee Sheldon (that`s his name, by the way) has come up with experience points instead of grades. It`s much more applicable in real life, right?

So Lee`s students need to get from one level to another. In order to complete the whole game and get good scores at the end of the course, they have to make various presentations, work on their own projects, and do a bunch of other creative stuff.

Computer games are interesting due to an adrenaline factor. They give you excitement because of the victory thrill. That`s what students of Indiana University feel! Can you believe it? They don`t feel bored, tired, or frustrated. They are thrilled to do homework! I`d call it real life magic.

Why Do You Need to Be Careful With This System?

Just like any innovation, gamification of higher education has its bummers, which show up along the way of exploration of this conception. One of the iron rules of many universities is that students aren`t supposed to know the grades of other students. Psychologists believe that it can cause an unhealthy rivalry that will have a negative impact on the overall academic success. But when it comes to computer games, anonymity is almost unattainable.

It`s possible, but a lot of work should be done in that sphere. That`s a lesson the students and professors of Wilfrid Laurier University (it`s in Canada) have learnt well. The idea itself was sort of questionable. This university was using a special computer program Top Hat. All the students` grades were gathered in a table. It was meant to help students in an interactive form, it had to work like an incentive instrument. But everybody could see and compare the grades.

Again, professors were sure that this would work like an encouragement and help to develop leadership inclinations. But, oops, the result was far from being successful.

Psychologists claim that students at universities aren`t so good at competition, and it has a massive negative impact on their self-esteem and mental health in general.

However, our IDoAssignment team knows how to help you keep your spirits high! Welcome to find essay samples and many interesting study tips on our site.