How Game-Based & Simulations-Based Techniques Are Advancing Online Learning?

Schools were always fun. One got involved with their teachers, played games, and learnt while playing games. As we progressed further with our education, the games and fun dried up. Classes, homework, notes, exams, marks, ranking, became the norm for learning, and before we realized the fun part was gone. We all became a part of the rat race, getting educated but not learning.

Workplace learning is no different. The tendency to improve new-hire productivity or the tendency to get back to work has taken the fun away from learning. Whatever engagement was left is taken away by the boring presentations or 1-way communication. Learners went away from being an active part of learning to a passive listener.

Yet, this doesn’t have to be the case. Growing older doesn’t mean that we can’t benefit from game-based learning and actively taking part. Using game-based and simulation not only lets us see the immediate impact of what we have learnt but can make learning fun again in a more engaging manner. Therefore, it’s no wonder that game-based and simulation-based learning is such a game-changer in online education.

According to research conducted by Ambient Insight, the global Game-based Learning market is projected to hit US$ 7.3 billion by 2021. The projected figures for Simulation-based learning technologies is US$11.3 billion by 2021.

Game-based learning

Game-based coding. Image Courtesy

Also referred to as serious games combines games, simulation and education content to make learning more effective. An ideal game-based learning platform helps learners to play a game, choosing different options, actions, and experience the impact of those choices on the outcome. Since they do the whole activity in a safe-environment, learners can make mistakes and learn from those. The game-play allows revisiting their actions to arrive at the right way of doing things.

Online role-playing game that focuses on economic and community development. Image Courtesy

Vanderbilt University conducted the world’s first wide-ranging study on game-based learning. The research showed that

1. Pupils who used games to learn retained much more information compared to those who didn’t.
2. Teachers also reported a huge boost in the engagement levels in the students who used game-based learning.
3. 92% of the teachers agreed that they would like to use curriculum-based learning games in the future.

Some other significant features that add to its appeal as an effective learning tool include

1. Reduces Anxiety
Game-based learning helps learners overcome the anxiety of technical/abstract topics as they can learn at their convenience and pace.

2. High levels of engagement
When learners have fun, the learning stress disappears and the students can act in their natural ways without the pressure of getting everything right the first time. This significantly improves learning volume and retention.

3. Immediate feedback
It’s a well-accepted fact that learning outcomes are highest when the feedback almost follows the actions. In a game-basde scenario, the feedback is immediately provided, ensuring the course correction by the learner.

4. Instant gratification
Instant gratifications in the form of awards, badges, recognition, etc. help increase the motivation levels of the learners and they keep on coming back for more rather than being pushed and followed to complete the activities.

5. Leader-boards and Rankings
The ability of game-based learning to induce a competitive spirit amongst the learners has no parallel in the traditional classroom learning. Whether it’s the ability to finish a task ahead of others or achieving the highest score, or always updated leader boards, keep the motivation and engagement levels very high.

6. Social Play
The multi-player games work upon the ability of a learner to work in a social environment with other team members and using resources optimally. This improves the ability of learners to work in teams and achieve common goals.

Simulation-based learning

Simulation-based medical education. Image Courtesy

Simulation-based learning recreates an environment mirroring the real-life where a learner can lay their hands on new apps, procedures, methods, or tools. The idea is to create such real-life scenarios that copy actual working conditions, including noises, effects, and simulated workspaces. It is the ultimate learning-by-doing experience, minus the cost and risks of learning in the actual workplace. Simulations are becoming more and more realistic with the growth in 3D, augmented reality, and virtual reality to mimic the real-life.

Simulation-based learning allows learners to feel comfortable in a safe zone where expensive hardware, machinery, or even people are not at risk. There is no cost of mistake or failure since it’s a simulated environment. Learners can develop their decision making and problem-solving abilities by making choices and restarting if the goal is not accomplished. The instant feedback also allows the organizations to create a personalized learning path and fill the learning gaps in a structured manner.

Aircraft Flight Simulator. Image Courtesy

Simulation-based learning is already well accepted in the fields of aviation, defence, and medicine and is slowing gaining popularity amongst other industries. Forward-looking organizations are turning to simulation-based learning to improve training effectiveness and save time and cost. The employees also feel better equipped to handle their roles and become productive faster.


With the continued lockdown and growth in technology, game-based and simulation-based learning will become an integral part of education and workplace training. The right level of blended learning would ensure that the learners get the most effective learning without the fear of costly mistakes while having fun at it.

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Manish is the COO and Co-Founder of GurukulOnline Learning Solutions (GOLS), an eLearning provider with end-to-end in-house capabilities in terms of consulting, platform and content development. GOLS is disrupting and creating waves in the eLearning industry both from corporate and educational institute focussed learning solutions. He is accredited with 100% successful project delivery and has helped clients win many prestigious awards for innovative eLearning solutions.

Manish has over 27 years of in business leadership, operations, finance, and strategy and is an acknowledged authority on eLearning having worked in this field for the last 15 years.
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