5 Reasons Teachers are Hesitant to Gamify their Classrooms

Online education games have been around for years, but they aren't exactly easily adopted. Though they meet students where they're at, here's a look at five reasons teachers might be cautious to adopt them.

1. Lack of structure

Although educational games have been available and some teachers and parents have been able to use them to their advantage, teachers find it useful to have a structure/plan to incorporate the games in their curriculum.

2. Fear of failure

Using online games in the classroom can be an intimidating experience for a teacher. It requires vulnerability. Teachers must admit hey don't always know how to use the technology and drop the authority they usually carry. In many cases, they need to rely on students to help walk them through the game to facilitate its use in the class.

3. Familiarity

It's difficult to change the methods and routines you've been using during your teaching career. There's a familiarity and comfort to them. Even if a new game has its merits in the classroom, it's jarring to make that change.

4. Maintaining Rigor and Standards

Math games may not always use the best mathematics language or maintain conceptual rigor. Though the games may be useful for training students with the mechanics of solving a problem, they may not be adequate for the conceptual rigor the classroom requires.

5. Lack of support

It's important to have the support of colleagues and superiors as you pilot a game to be used in education. Without this buy-in, trying a game in the classroom can be risky. There's a lot at stake for the teacher. They need to over their curriculum in addition to piloting the game.