Gamification in Higher Education and Policing

Gamification is a game-based activity that is new to higher education and differs to the traditional approach to police training. Contrary to more didactic pedagogies (Nygaard, C., Courtney, N. and Leigh, E. (2012) Simulations, games and role play in university education. Faringdon U.K.: Libri.) it can promote an active learning space, creating a dynamic teaching and learning experience. Gamification provides an interactive resource, promoting a deeper level of learning through the act of play. During COVID-19 online learning became the norm, so the importance of engagement was key (Howard, E., Khan, A. and Lockyer, C. (2021) Learning during the pandemic: review of research from England GOV.UK. 12 July 2021 [online]. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-during-the-pandemic/learning-during-the-pandemic-review-of-research-from-england#authors ). With the student experience as the focal point, applying gamification is one of the methods adopted by UWE, that provides both a technological and creative approach to teaching that has enabled more reflective graduates.