The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Outcomes in the Classroom

The Lumination League is Unlocking the Power of Game-Based Learning for Classroom Engagement

In today’s dynamic education sphere, immersive technology transforms traditional classrooms by integrating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. These experiences engage students deeply, fostering curiosity and exploration beyond traditional methods. By seamlessly blending immersive technology with modern teaching approaches, educators aim to boost student engagement and understanding.

In this article, we’ll delve into how the Lumination League and Game-Based Learning principles are fostering student participation, collaboration, and motivation in the classroom.

The Nationwide Lumination League

In Term 4 of 2023, Lumination Learning Lab schools engaged in the Lumination League, a six-week inter-school VR sports tournament. The schools, including Riverbanks College B-12, Aldinga Payinthi College, Goolwa Secondary College, Loreto College, Adelaide Botanic High School, Underdale High School and Port Lincoln High School, competed in this friendly competition, using the All-In-One Sports VR experience in their Labs.

The Lumination League exemplifies the power of using sports to engage students in collaborative and enjoyable learning experiences. Through virtual reality (VR) sports competitions, Lab schools across Australia came together to participate in friendly tournaments, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and excitement among students.

The Lumination League was developed by Lumination’s Lead Learning Designer, Jolanta Stephens. “The League was borne from a desire for schools to connect with other schools,” she says. “We were receiving a lot of feedback from our Lab schools, asking for an opportunity to get the students involved in the Lab space with other students in a fun, engaging and non-threatening way. We wanted to build a community where students could compete and develop skills together”.

After speaking with the staff at Whyalla Secondary College – who launched their Lumination Learning Lab in 2023 – about their incredible idea of having an e-sports league club, Jolanta got inspired to see if she could facilitate something similar across Lumination’s Lab schools across the country.

“We wanted schools to begin to see this space as not just a space for rigorous academic learning, but also as a space where students could build and develop skills in problem solving, communication, creative and critical thinking, and risk-taking,” Stephens explains.

The feedback Jolanta received from staff went beyond what she had initially expected. “Students were showing leadership in the VR space – supporting other teachers in lessons with the hardware, taking ownership of the learning space, and taking a genuine interest in the skills required to work in an immersive environment,” she says. 

The Lumination League demonstrates how integrating sports into education can create meaningful learning experiences that captivate students’ interest and promote teamwork. By leveraging the excitement of sports, educators are able to inspire students and create a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration and fun.

Game-Based Learning as a Tool for Engaging Students

Game-Based Learning has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging students and promoting collaboration in the classroom. By incorporating elements of competition, points and rewards, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning experiences that capture students’ interest and motivation.

“Game-Based Learning (GBL) integrates game elements into education, creating engaging and interactive learning experiences,” says Shai Coggins, Learning and Teaching Innovation Manager and Lumination. “Studies show that this approach fosters dynamic learning environments, which benefits both educators and students.”

According to a paper by Georgios Lampropoulos (2023), GBL benefits educators by enhancing teaching processes, communication skills, and motivation. And, it benefits students by improving cognitive development, digital competencies, and academic achievements.

Immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, further enhance the effectiveness of Game-Based Learning by providing students with immersive and interactive experiences. These technologies transport students to virtual environments where they can explore concepts, solve problems, and engage in hands-on learning activities. By incorporating VR and AR into game-based lessons, educators can create memorable and impactful learning experiences that appeal to students’ curiosity and imagination.

Competitions, such as the Lumination League, serve as an additional layer of motivation and collaboration in Game-Based Learning environments. By participating in friendly competitions, students are not only motivated to excel but also encouraged to work together as a team towards a common goal. Through collaboration, students learn valuable teamwork skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, which are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Success of the Lumination League

The inaugural Lumination League saw 21 teams from 7 schools across Australia using their Lumination Learning Lab to compete in a range of sports, including baseball, basketball, darts, bowling, and billiards. The competition also included bonus rounds, giving students a chance to explore the world with Google Earth and create beautiful artworks using Tilt Brush.

The Virtual Vipers from Adelaide Botanic High School emerged as the champions of the inaugural Lumination League, securing first place with a total of 134 points. Their exceptional performance showcased their mastery of various virtual sports.

In second place was LeapNLead from Loreto College, Marryatville, South Australia, with a score of 124 points. Their dedication and teamwork were evident throughout the competition, contributing to the overall success of the event. Reflecting on the experience, Ann-Maree Tippins, a Digital Technologies Teacher at Loreto College, shared how she utilized the competition to empower her students to learn through active participation and collaboration. 

“I used the competition as an opportunity for the students to assume more responsibility for setting up the Lab and eventually had one student lead her class through some Basketball training as part of their PE unit of work,” says Tippins. “The subject teacher managed the class while the student directed proceedings. It was my time to think, ‘my job here is done’!”

The success of the Lumination League underscores the effectiveness of Game-Based Learning in engaging students and promoting collaboration in the classroom. By incorporating elements of competition, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning experiences that captivate students’ interest, increase their confidence in the classroom and, therefore, motivate them to excel.

Discover More About How Immersive Technology Can Help Your School

To emulate the success of the Lumination League in your school, consider implementing an educational program that combines Game-Based Learning with virtual and augmented reality technologies. Create interactive lessons that incorporate point systems or collaborative team challenges, cultivating an engaging and achievement-focused learning atmosphere across classes.

Learn more about how a Lumination Learning Lab can elevate the educational journey for your students by immersing them in the future of immersive learning. Reach out to our team today and book your demo.