Here’s the translation to American English:
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Gamification has established itself as a key tool for transforming classrooms into more dynamic and engaging spaces. This weekend, GSD Las Suertes school became the meeting point for educational innovation by hosting the National Gamification Conference (JGA25), an event that gathered over 240 educators from across Spain. The initiative, organized by GSD Educación in collaboration with the association Gamifica tu aula, aimed to promote this methodology that integrates game elements, such as narratives, challenges, and rewards, to make learning a more attractive and effective experience.
Set in an Arcade universe, the event provided attendees with a fully gamified experience. Upon arrival, each educator received a character card and participated in a journey filled with digital challenges, analog tasks, 3D mazes, and collaborative tests. The day culminated in a “final battle” in the auditorium of the center, where the groups that overcame the most challenges throughout the day faced off against each other.
JGA25 featured ten simultaneous classrooms where workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities took place, allowing participants to explore how to implement gamification at different educational levels, from early childhood education to university. Successful experiences were also shared, demonstrating the positive impact of this methodology on learning.
GSD Las Suertes has been a pioneer in applying gamification since 2014, particularly in elementary education. Erika Espinosa, head of studies at this level, explains that “the goal is to teach the academic content of the curriculum in a playful way, so that children find it more motivating.” The games designed by the teachers integrate curricular content with norms of coexistence, cooperative work, and challenges adapted to different levels.
One of the most notable projects at Las Suertes centers around ancient Egypt, where students start as slaves and, upon completing tasks such as solving math problems or writing texts, can rise to pharaohs. “It motivates them a lot. They want to learn in order to advance in the game, which allows us to reach more students, even those who usually fall behind in more traditional classes,” points out Espinosa, who has 25 years of experience in the classroom.
Gamification not only increases motivation but also facilitates cooperative learning. “Excitement is a driving force in learning. When content is associated with positive experiences, it is better remembered,” states the teacher. This methodology encourages students to explain concepts to each other, contributing to a deeper understanding.
Through events like JGA25, GSD Educación reinforces its commitment to pedagogical innovation and meaningful learning. The organization advocates for a 21st-century school focused on motivation, excitement, and student participation. The event was supported by notable sponsors, such as Eonesia, Ufo Lab LetCraft Educación, Infinite Thread Games, Genially, Lúdilo, and Mercurio, who contributed to creating a vibrant and constantly growing community.
Gamification is solidifying in classrooms as a key tool to transform education, demonstrating that play and learning can go hand in hand to achieve extraordinary results.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
