This is How Edutainment can be a Creative Solution to All Your Problems!

Education is an ongoing process and is manifested through various forms. The world of Academia has witnessed several changes in its methods and curriculum with newer provisions in technology. With these modifications, the purpose of educating students has also changed due to the evolution of generations. Millennials or ‘Zoomers’ are exposed to multiple information, data, news, etc. which wasn’t possible in the earlier days. Hence, conventional education does not fulfill their interests and there is a need for creative ways to help them understand complex situations and terms. To manage these issues, “Edutainment” is the current trend and a creative solution. In this blog, let’s see the definition, purpose, and benefits of edutainment as a solution for multiple academic problems. 

‘Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.’ –George Evans

What is Edutainment?

Edutainment is a portmanteau combining the words ‘Education’ and ‘Entertainment’. It is delivering information and knowledge by means of entertainment for making it enjoyable. Edutainment integrates educational elements with various forms of delivering messages to the audience. This neologistic term was first used by ‘Walt Disney’ during educational short films and series like Tommy Tucker’s Tooth,  True-Life Adventures, etc. Following these, the term was used by short filmmakers for producing documentaries for the National Geographic Society. 

‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ –Benjamin Franklin

Application of Edutainment

Experts and instructors have creatively used edutainment via various methods of integrated education. Let’s view a few applications of Edutainment and how it has helped gain the attention of the audience of all age groups. 

Games

Probably one of the most effective educative facilities, games can teach people a lot, especially if they are specifically designed to teach something. From the automotive industry to sports, there are various benefits of games. Simulation video games like vehicle simulation games, racing games, Gravity simulator games, medical simulation, etc. are extremely beneficial for teaching students through virtual realities so that the intention of learning and practice is fulfilled without any real damage. Other forms of games include traditional ones like chess, scrabble, puzzles, etc. that enhance critical thinking, vocabulary, and creative thinking. Researchers are extensively studying various ways to incorporate these methods using digital media tools and artificial intelligence for effective use of edutainment. 

Check Out – Management Games for MBA Students

Movies

By far, this is the best use of media and entertainment for education. Movies have the ability to influence the masses and tap into areas that cannot be done through any other means. An average 2-3 hour movie can convey many complex and sensitive messages in a beautiful manner. These help people understand reality and impact their thoughts. From topics like history, mathematics, languages to the abstract concepts of psychology, gender, sexual health; movies have portrayed them all. There are multiple types of research that conclude movies as an illuminating method of learning new things.  Among the wide range of beautiful and creative cinema, a few examples of edutainment movies are:

• Schindler’s List
• Taare Zameen Par
• The King’s Speech
• Dead Poet’s Society
• A Few Good Men
• A Beautiful Mind
• When We Were Kings

Toys

Another essential component of edutainment is using toys as a method of teaching. Toys are not only used for teaching but also help develop practical skills. Children can explore their talents using samples in the form of toys. For example, miniature musical instruments, legos,  board games, animal and plant toys, Rubik’s cube, etc. are easy ways to teach children multiple things. This improves their on-hand skills and collaborative methods.  

Podcasts

Another form of a popular application of edutainment is listening to podcasts. Evolving from radios which have been the primary course of information and news, podcasts are the refined version of it. Various podcasts cover various topics and are delivered by professionals who are skilled speakers and have the ability to grasp people’s attention and keep them engaged in listening. They comprise of various/ single episodes often featuring guest speakers or professionals. Podcasts are easy to listen to because they can be used feasibly in a portable device while driving, travelling, or doing chores. A few good examples of edutainment podcasts are:

• Stuff you missed in History Class
• Unearthed: Mysteries from an unseen world
• Keen On
• Script Apart
• Musafir Stories
• The Joe Rogan Experience

Benefits of Edutainment

There are countless benefits of Edutainment in Classrooms, Homes, Offices, and mere personal advantage. Edutainment breaks the barriers of these places and allows unconventional methods to flow and makes people become maverick in their views.

• Learning through edutainment increases motivation, engagement, and enhances concentration; giving people the best of both worlds.
• It helps students understand theoretical concepts in a lucid way and also provides hands-on experience. 
• Edutainment increases independent learning platforms for students of all age groups.
• The concept of ‘Flipped Classrooms’ provide technological provisions for instructors and also benefits students
• Edutainment in the form of digital platforms provides on-the-go learning which means education is not restricted to conventional classrooms in homes. You can carry your device and learn anywhere. 
• Edutainment utilizes flexible methods and can be twisted in the form of narration, games, visuals, etc. which gives students the options of multiple ways to learn the same material. 

Edutainment is certainly the future of learning. It has made a significant difference in the academic world. What are your views on this? Let us know in the comment section below. Stay tuned with Leverage Edu for more such awesome content! Follow us on LinkedIn, Youtube, Facebook, Quora and Instagram to know all the new trends in the world of education!