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
