Integrating Game-Based Learning to Revolutionize Core Education
Discover how K12 is transforming education with game-based learning. Explore its impact on core subjects like Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA, backed by research, real-life success stories, and innovative tools like PhET and Skills Arcade.
We all learn through play—kids and adults alike. One of the main functions of free play is learning about the world. Making guided learning feel like play is also nothing new, and it’s often the approach that makes “fun teachers” so effective and beloved. However, with the rise of technology-enabled game-based learning, educators are turning to gamification to see if it can help students master core subjects such as math, social studies, science, and language arts.
The trend makes sense. Games are a fun and engaging way for students to learn or practice new content. They’re also surprisingly effective. At K12, we’ve always believed that learning is fun and are on a mission to prove it!
As a 25+ year leader in online learning, K12 has been leading the way in game-based learning integration. Recent accolades include:
- 2024 Bronze Stevie Award for MathBee, Game-Based Learning Solution category
- 2024 Gold Stevie Award, Minecraft Education Worlds, Game-Based Learning Solution category
- 2024 Gold Stevie Award for Virtual Science Labs, New Product & Service category
The Science Behind Game-Based Learning
Just like other hands-on learning, game-based learning is based on practicing skills through repetition and allowing growth through failure in a competitive but low-stakes environment. Fast-paced and engaging online games continually enforce a desire to improve, which can be a strong motivation. When learners are motivated to continually improve, learning and retention increase.
Game-Based Learning in Core Subjects
When it comes to skills repetition and play, online game-based learning is a powerful tool. Within the K12 curriculum, students can access a broad collection of games in the Skills Arcade. Here are some examples of how gamification can enhance learning:
- Math Games
Asking students to use mental math in a game-based task is a great way to build computation and reasoning skills. Games like MathBee and Coordinate Islands motivate students to practice these skills. - Science
With virtual experiments and interactive simulations, students can try out science concepts virtually without the risk or mess of real-world labs. Games like Space Coaster can also add an element of creativity. - Social Studies
History quests, role-playing games, and geography adventures are natural matches for game-based learning platforms. Through immersive content, students gain a deeper understanding of curriculum. - English and Language Arts
Online storytelling games enhance creativity, while skill-builder games like Grammar Glider and Tower of Tense help students master vocabulary and grammar concepts while strengthening reading skills. In the ELA Village, elementary students enter an entire fantasy-themed village with multiple literary quests.
What Educators Say About Game-Based Learning
The benefits of game-based learning are apparent to those who see the actual results in their students’ outcomes. Here’s what Lindsey, a 2022 teacher at a K12-powered school, says about her experience:
“I get to do what I love to do. I get to use the fun manipulatives, we get to play games, we get to practice our math, our reading. And I love using games to do that … it’s just like what I do in a brick-and-mortar setting … from the comfort of their home.”*
The Benefits of Game-Based Learning for Students
Game-based learning helps students stay motivated and achieve better outcomes. It encourages students to think critically and creatively. Through gamification, students are rewarded for their progress and achievements, increasing their intrinsic motivation to learn. Gamification also helps students develop essential problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
How K12 Is Enhancing Its Curriculum
Building on the success of our award-winning educational games, K12 has big things in the works! We’ll expand our game-based learning through the development of new games and building partnerships that will enhance learning for students across grade levels and learning styles.
Watch for information about our new PhET tools for science learning and enrichment. Also, get set for an app version of MathBee, our award-winning bubble-shooter game for elementary math practice. Soon students will be able to fine-tune their math skills from a mobile device and advance through multiple levels.
Game-Based Learning for the Win
With widespread educator and student approval, gamification is leading to next-level learning. K12 has been out in front of this trend, and with improved outcomes to show for it, we have no plans of slowing down. When K12 curriculum helps kids have fun and learn in the process, that’s online learning for the win!
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*Lindsey is a 2022 teacher at a K12-powered school in VA, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.
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