The author reflects on their childhood fascination with the Nintendo Game Boy and how gaming sparked engagement and learning. Now, as a parent, they recognize both the benefits and risks of digital games for children. Gamified learning—integrating game elements into education—offers a powerful way to engage Africa’s youthful, mobile-first population by transforming passive learning into active, immersive experiences. Examples include role-playing African history or coding challenges.
Read MoreFeedback is not a final step in learning—it’s the foundation of meaningful interaction. Through the BEM Framework (Behavior, Experience, Meaning), feedback is shown to be essential in shaping behavior, transforming experience, and creating purpose. In gamified learning, feedback creates a loop of action and response that drives motivation and growth. Effective feedback is timely, emotionally resonant, and bidirectional, guiding learners rather than judging them. Educators should use feedback to orient, empower, and include students, especially after failure. By shifting from action-driven to interaction-driven design, feedback becomes a tool for transformation, helping students grow with every attempt, mistake, and success.
Read MoreGamified learning varies widely in effectiveness, with some platforms integrating fun, interactive gameplay that teaches real skills, while others add superficial game elements—dubbed “chocolate covered broccoli.”
Read MoreJames Micklethwait, VP at Kahoot!, argues that as technology transforms industries, gamified learning can enhance employee engagement and bridge workforce gaps.
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