In a recent Masterclass led by Isabelle Dremeau, co-creator of L’Atelier du Formateur, we explored gamification strategies that turn virtual classrooms into interactive and engaging spaces. Here’s an overview of the principles, concrete examples of gamified activities, their pedagogical impact, and how Glowbl stands out as the perfect platform for this innovative approach.
Gamification: learning through play
Gamification involves integrating game elements into non-gaming environments. In the context of education, it not only makes sessions more enjoyable but also supports clear pedagogical objectives.
What are the pedagogical benefits?
- Structuring the session: Gamified activities maintain focus during long sessions.
- Promoting active learning: Participants become co-creators of knowledge, enhancing memory retention.
- Developing soft skills: Collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving are fostered.
- Creating positive emotions: Emotions play a vital role in both motivation and memory.
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Ideas for gamified activities and their pedagogical impact
Here are a few examples of gamified activities developed by Isabelle Drémeau, alongside their educational goals:
1. Collaborative challenges
Example: Content creation in teams.
Scenario: Participants, divided into groups, work together to solve a problem or create a resource, such as a visual representation of a concept covered in the course.
Educational Goals: Encourage collaboration and co-construction of knowledge while deepening understanding of the subject matter.
On Glowbl: Each table becomes an autonomous workspace where participants can annotate, sketch, and share ideas in real-time.
2. Interactive icebreakers
Example: Mood quiz and positioning game.
Scenario: At the start of the session, a visual poll invites participants to position their avatar on a scale (e.g., mood, motivation, or curiosity).
Educational Goals: Establish a welcoming atmosphere, capture attention early, and introduce platform features.
On Glowbl: This activity exemplifies the immersive experience Glowbl offers, allowing participants to navigate the space as if it were a physical room.
3. Escape games
Example: Solving puzzles step by step.
Scenario: Participants explore virtual tables to solve collaborative puzzles (quizzes, storytelling, or challenges). Each solution unlocks the next stage, culminating in a final goal, such as opening a digital safe.
Educational goals: Encourage collective thinking, logical reasoning, and persistence in tackling complex problems.
Isabelle notes: “Escape games add pace and motivate learners to step outside their comfort zones. Glowbl’s design supports engagement throughout the activity.”
Why Glowbl is the perfect platform for gamification
As an enthusiastic Glowbl user, Isabelle shares her insights:
- A stimulating and immersive environment:
“Unlike traditional video conferencing tools, Glowbl recreates a learning space where participants feel comfortable, almost like a real classroom.” - Flexibility and autonomy:
“Participants can move between tables, explore activities independently, and return to a central table as needed. This freedom is rare in distance learning platforms.” - Customised tools:
“Everything is at my fingertips: documents, collaborative notes, and even automated activity reports. It saves a huge amount of time.” - Learner engagement:
“It’s not just a ‘wow factor.’ Learners feel comfortable in the space, which enhances their participation and interaction.”
Isabelle emphasises a key takeaway: “With Glowbl, learners don’t just listen—they act. This constant interaction keeps them engaged and strengthens their learning.”
Conclusion: the future of learning lies in play
Gamification in virtual classrooms is not a gimmick—it addresses specific educational needs while offering an engaging and memorable experience. Glowbl, with its unique design and tailored features, is the ideal tool to transform your training sessions into moments of collaboration, creativity, and impactful learning.