Gamification in Music education
Read to learn more about the exciting courses and consulting I'm giving to institutions across Europe on this topic.
Gamification is a relatively new approach to teaching and learning, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. The concept of gamification is simple: use game design principles and mechanics to engage and motivate learners. The benefits of gamification in education are clear: it helps students to remain motivated and engaged, which, in turn, leads to better retention and understanding of the material.
Recently, I developed a course based on my successful workshop in gamification in music education at the DIGI-CAMP of the Landesmusikakademie NRW.
The course name is Gamification - an innovative approach to music education - hybrid day course with Juan D. Garzon, and it has gained a lot of attention, and many music educators are approaching me to tailor a version of the course to their needs. The course is designed to help music educators understand and implement gamification strategies in their teaching practice. During each lab session, we will explore the potential of different types of gamification and game design methods based on digital platforms. We will use examples to "gamify" appealing musical activities. Participants will have time to design one or more "learning games" in their own context and for their own students or teaching environments using the presented gamification styles to stimulate student motivation and make the teaching process interesting for us.
Throughout the course, there will be opportunities to ask for advice and exchange ideas with other participants. Participants in the four sessions will be invited to share their designed games or "gamified music activities" and ideas in an online compendium where everyone can collegially benefit from each other's ideas.
The digital platforms that will support our pedagogical work are free web or browser-based environments (sometimes with apps) that allow the student's appropriation in the learning process. The topics we will focus on during the workshop are the Gamification Theory, Gamification of existing activities, and practical game design.
The course has already been booked at the University of Applied Sciences of Lucerne in Switzerland, and different schools in Germany are approaching me to tailor a version of the course to their needs. Specially when it comes to implementing the principles in an analog way and not only specific to music education but to all subjects. So that's why I develop courses and seminars for teachers of institutions based on their current needs regarding the digitalization of teaching.
Gamification in music education can revolutionize the way we teach music, and the benefits are evident. Students are more motivated, engaged, and focused when learning becomes a game. The course I developed is an excellent opportunity for music educators to learn how to implement gamification strategies in their teaching practice, making learning fun and exciting for their students.
