Learning through play – gamification in aviation

The old instruction techniques that consisted of a teacher with his book exposing the knowledge to his students are no longer the most effective method in current times. Information is no longer restricted to a few select people. It is now available to all and the role of the educator has changed, as well the learning environment.

Critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving are some of the required skills and must be incorporated by the professionals of the future. Future pilots and Air Traffic Controllers are part of the “digital generation” and have a different way of thinking, processing information and learning.

The most modern and effective methods of education are those that place the student in the most similar scenario as possible to the real one. Where the person is challenged with specific situations and problems. Innovation in this way is not only a technological affair, it is also an innovative method that allows adults to learn in the most effective way, as children do, while playing.

Gamification

Gamification is the use of game techniques, dynamics and roles in non-playful environments and applications in order to enhance motivation, concentration, effort, validation and other positive values. Although it is not given this name, this concept is being applied more and more in a lot of learning processes of all kinds.

The real objective of gamification is not only to entertain, but also to educate in the competences, knowledge and skills. It is a tool that can be used in many educational processes, so it is not a methodology in itself, but can be combined with all existing ones and with other tools.

By engaging in play in this way and actively participating, the student and teacher can accurately measure progress using different scoring and evaluation modes, such as hitting specific ‘mission’ objectives or accumulating scores as goals are achieved.

One of the first positive consequences of gamification is the increase in participation in activities to achieve specific objectives. Sometimes, in addition, this participation can promote knowledge and socialization among students if they do teamwork. It allows present individual or group challenges, as well as establishing the learning systems in a personalized way for the student conduct and assimilation process.

If the objectives are raised together for the group and socialization activities are carried out, the students can learn to work as a team, as well as get to know each other, motivate each other and generate collaborative environments. If the processes can be customized, the evaluation also. The evolution process of achieving objectives can also be created individually according to the learning of each student.

Motivation is one of the main benefits. From day one, the student will be doing a task identical to the one it wants to learn to do, which makes him or herself placed in the desired role throughout the learning process.

The clear rules of the game allow you to know what decisions you should or should not make to get certain rewards or avoid penalties. Thus, learning also becomes its own process of decision-making (ADM) and resource management (CRM), two basic and fundamental concepts of modern aviation instruction.

Gamification in ATC and flight simulators

Pilots and air traffic controller training is expensive, as the training facilities require a large amount of resources. For example; although airplanes are becoming more efficient, the hours of flying by plane come at a significant cost. Therefore, other training techniques and methods have been incorporated for a long time to simulate the flying conditions and environment.

In simulators we can place ourselves in an almost real setting and practice the exercises over and over again until we do it with the appropriate level of proficiency. An error by a pilot or an air traffic controller can have serious consequences, so having a place where we can train our decision-making process, make mistakes and try again is essential.

The design of game-based training requires a good understanding of the principles of the game. Apart from their unique training potential, the games required are a good combination of skills and attitudes of the new generation of “digital native” pilots and air traffic controllers.

You can also reduce the assimilation times of important concepts, because you are really applying them and there is no better way to do it. The best way to understand and learn to perform any task or job is by doing it. By focusing on what really matters, you will be much more predisposed to learn than with traditional techniques.

If you dream of flying a jet like the Embraer 190 or being the controller of an airport like London Heathrow, today you can practice by playing!

The game will place you in the control tower of your favorite airport. Authorize to land and take off planes with the real flight schedule. You will be learning based on an almost real experience with one of the most effective and efficient methods.

Set a goal for each session and share your achievements

It is important that you get the best out of every minute of the simulator. You set your own goals to achieve in each session. This will motivate you and also others who are also in the same learning and improvement process.

If you are using the ATC Tower! 3D or one of our planes for Flight Simulator, comment in our social network posts about your goals and achievements in your home simulator sessions. Choose more complex airports or take increasingly challenging flights.

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