My 333-Day ZIP Puzzle Game Streak — And Why It Doesn't Matter #

I have a 333-day streak completing the ZIP puzzle game on LinkedIn.

My fastest time is 6 seconds. Most ZIP puzzles take less than a minute.

I like to remind people that all games are educational — even this one.

I've learned the objective and rules of the game. I've learned that my performance is measured by completing the puzzle, with my time compared to an average. And I've discovered a few small strategies along the way.

Learning is happening here, as it does with all games.

But not all learning is transferable. #

While I may develop some problem-solving skills, most of what I learn in this game has little practical application outside the game. This game is designed for entertainment.

This is what makes games designed for education different.

The objective is not simply to get better at the game. It's to develop knowledge and skills that transfer beyond the game.

This is also why superficial gamification often falls short in education. Adding points, badges, and rewards doesn't necessarily create meaningful learning.

And it's why gamification and game-based learning are not the same thing. #

Gamification will not transform a poor learning experience into a good one. But it can make a good learning experience better — when implemented well.

Game-based learning, however, is different. The design starts with creating a game experience through which learning happens. That's the foundation. And gamification elements can enhance that experience, but the learning emerges from what the learner does, the decisions they make, and the consequences they experience.

So, when you are exploring ways to enhance learning, consider the nuances of these methods.

If you want to dive deeper into these ideas, check out these resources: #

• Real-world examples of game-based learning used by thousands of instructors and millions of students — GoVenture.net

• Game-Based Learning — What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Apply It — View

• How To Design An Experiential-Learning Activity, Game, or Simulation — View