According to a report from The Entertainment Software Association, ninety-seven percent of Americans now see the benefit of video games. Is it possible that Game-Based Learning is an important part of learning? As Instructional Designers, how can we implement the use of Game-Based Learning as a tool for learners to model employability skills? Perhaps employability skills can depend on a plethora of skills needed for an employee to model effective workforce skills. Businesses have experienced challenges when it comes to re-training workers (Cespedes et al., 2023). There are factors for the systemic reasons such as lack of focus for the on-the-job behavior practice, modeling behavior and peer learning, and lack of ongoing feedback through performances tasks (Cespedes et al., 2023). Therefore, Game-Based Learning can be used to equip more learners to experience problem-solving, communication skills, leadership skills, and teamwork/collaboration.
Problem-Solving
A few months ago at the 2023 National Business Education Association Summit, Scott Molander, the former CEO of Lids, stated that problem-solving was the employability skill that some learners lack while working for current employers. The Entertainment Software Association identified in a study that video games model 82% of problem-solving skills. Many companies have shifted the focus on employees modeling problem-solving by using game-based learning experiences. In 2019 Walmart adopted Spark City, a simulation to train employees on the dry grocery department. This simulation allows employees to experience the daily life of a hourly supervisor by using an avatar to complete different levels of store operations. Problem solving can occur when employees is confronted with a previously un-encountered situation and applies knowledge to address problem (Kapp, 2012). Just as Walmart employees model problem-solving during the experience, the actions have an impact on daily customer service experiences. There are other companies and careers that are also using Game-Based learning to embed problem solving within a design task. Video games such as Cruise Ship Manger by Steam, Police Simulator by Sony, and Cinema Tycoon 2 introduces the learner to apply knowledge to address problems within a specific career field.
Communication Skills
Imagine as a learner participating in the game-based scenario such as Cruise Ship Manager. Cruise Ship Manager simulates the daily tasks and responsibilities of operating a cruise ship. Think about the importance of communicating specific strategies when managing the different tasks presented at hand. Communication is a key employability skill to model in all careers or workforce situations. Witnessing learners’ model communication while engaged in Police Simulator and Cinema Tycoon enhances the ability to use effective employability skills that leads to promotion and career goal setting. Can effective communication skills improve the ability to model conflict resolution situations? The Entertainment Software Association found that video games/game-based learning improves conflict resolution skills. For example, in the Police Simulator learners must communicate with civilians during multiple situations. The unique concept about this simulation is the rating of the learner’s overall police officer job performance based on the effectiveness of conversation with civilians in situations such as violations and automobile wreck reporting.
Teamwork/Collaboration
In most organizations teamwork and collaboration are learned through experiences (Cespedes et al., 2023). A great example of that employability skill is the Firefighter Simulation Game on Play Station, Xbox, and Steam Online Games. This game immerses the learner in guided situations by computer generated commands from the firefighter team. Throughout the levels learners must accomplish specific tasks by collaborating in order to complete each level. Each learner is gaining a unique employability skill that is relevant within all job markets. With 76% of learners under the age of 18 playing games according to the ESA (Entertainment Software Association), game-based learning introduces learners with the practical employability skill teamwork and collaboration. Is it possible that teamwork/collaboration already exists for that age group but as Instructional Designers pinpointing the skill increases the modeling capabilities? The design of simulation games is coherent with equipping learners with unique employability skills that models productive growth for companies.
References
Cespedes , F. V., Aas, T., Hunt, A., & Newton-Hill , H. (2023, January 10). Using Simulations to Upskill Employees. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/11/using-simulations-to-upskill-employees
Kapp, K. M. (2012). The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education. Pfeiffer.
Grill-Goodman, J. (2021, December 8). Walmart adds gamification to its next-Gen Workforce Training Toolkit. RIS News. https://risnews.com/walmart-adds-gamification-its-next-gen-workforce-training-toolkit#:~:text=The%20retailer%20is%20using%20Spark%20City%2C%20a%20simulation-style,roll%20it%20out%20at%20all%20Walmart%20training%20academies.
Sarah. (2023, September 25). Essential Facts. Entertainment Software Association. https://www.theesa.com/2023-essential-facts/
Employability Skills Using Game-Based Learning
Much of my work at Nebraska Methodist College is centered around adult learners. The primary demographic for our students is a 27 year old female exploring new career options. The post, “Employability Skills Using Game-Based Learning” (Jones, 2023), was very interesting due to the adult demographic. The post addressed intellectual, social, and behavioral engagement.
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Mastering a learning task:
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Boredom
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Hello, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for sharing such an incredible blog post about game-based learning. As you mentioned, game-based learning can be a highly effective way to develop a range of employment skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
One of the key benefits of game-based learning is that it allows individuals to develop and hone their adaptability and decision-making skills in a safe and interactive environment. By facing real-world challenges through virtual scenarios, learners can experiment with different approaches and strategies, ultimately building their confidence and competence in key areas.
Furthermore, game-based learning can be a powerful tool for stimulating creativity and innovation. By encouraging learners to explore different solutions and…