7 Ways to Reward the Brain

7 Ways to Reward the Brain

I was intrigued of the concept of measuring knowledge through a data collection system by way of psychological evaluations through virtual games.  Using variable reward methods to keep the learner wanting to challenge themselves to higher levels is a great tool. It was a shock to hear that billions of dollars are spent to play in the virtual world only to receive accolades in the form of numerical points. However, if the goal is to keep students engaged in learning then the monetary investment is being well spent.

Noting that task presented should not be easy nor too difficult (Chatfield, 2010), I would design games for learning that challenged the learner in increments. Would design games that varied in difficulty but allow the learner to go at their own pace to understand the concepts. Award the learner effort points along the way to keep the learner engaged in the journey to learn.  Design games based on the student’s recommendations to keep them involved in the learning process. Ensure there is a 24-hour virtual help lounge where students can collaborate with each other to solve difficult problems. Want to ensure that the overall design of the game promotes learning but also have fun surprises along the way.

The seven ways to reward the brain are as followed:

1. Experience bars measuring progress-The way to implement this in the classroom would be to create a grade thermometer. As students’ progress through there learning journey the thermometer will increase as they successfully master each lesson plan. Once they have hit all the required targets, the thermometer will burst to reveal their certificate of completion.

2. Multiple longer term and short term aims-Design the lesson plan like an obstacle course for the students to have simple, moderate, and complex task to complete.  Students will choose how they will tackle the obstacle course and find the most comfortable learning pace to the cross the finish line.

3. Reward Efforts-Design a game that would allow the student multiple attempts to succeed in mastering the lesson plan. With each failed attempt, the student would gain energy points that can be used throughout the learning quest to gain insightful clues to help them in a crunch.

4. Rapid, frequent, clear feedback-Provide constant and timely feedback through virtual chat rooms to ensure students stay on track. Have pre-recorded help video buttons that will address the most frequently asked questions to assist the students who get stranded along the learning process. This method will minimize students having to ask or repeat a question that has already been answered previously.

5. Element of uncertainty-To keep the learning process interesting, would incorporate a pot luck mystery game throughout the learning journey to break up the pattern of the learning course to give students a break from the traditional learning format.

6. Windows of enhanced engagement-Allow students to have a voice in the learning process by voting on some of the activities completed in the course. Provide encouragement along the way to motivate students to see the tasks to the end. Encourage the students to motivate and assist others throughout the learning experience. Those students who aid others can gain hero points that can be added to their final grade.

7. Other people-Incorporate chat lounges that students can access to collaborate with other students on their learning path. Provide students with an opportunity to create an avatar in Second Life to make the collaboration experience a memorable one. Allow students to break up in teams to have brainstorming sessions to address how they will tackle the next learning assignment. This allows students to make friends and learn how to work together in solving issues. ​

References

Chatfield, T. (2010). 7 Ways Games Reward the Brain. Retrieved 01 18, 2017, from http://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain