Another, more difficult to explain, way that videogames teach problem-solving (and creativity) is by allowing players the freedom to think outside the box. Some games with strict rule-sets, such as Tetris, don't allow for thinking outside the box. However, games with more ambiguous rules and complexity may enable players to use the tools the game provides in new and unexpected ways that the developers of the game never intended.

In education, we call thinking outside the box "Divergent Thinking" as opposed to convergent thinking, which is thinking in more limited options; still an important cognitive function, but often times doesn't lead to the kind of higher order thinking we have been addressing. In games however, thinking outside the box to do something completely unexpected is called emergent gameplay.

Take for example, Mario Maker, a Nintendo exclusive game that gives players a robust level creation mode. There are few objects or goals in this mode, but player can create their own levels and then share them online with friends or with the online community. Some players have done amazing things with the tools in Mario Maker. Watch this video to learn a little more about Mario Maker. And if you're interested in creating your own levels or games without the need to program, also check out Little Big Planet for the PlayStation. If your still interested, view the Mega Maker side quest in this level to build your own Mega Man themed levels!

Games like Mario Maker, Little Big Planet, and Mega Maker (and even Minecraft) are all relatively simple means for non-programmers to build fun games by thinking the unthinkable. For example, the developers of Minecraft never intended players to create King's Landing or Disneyland in Minecraft or recreate Mega Man levels from within Little Big Planet; these were designed by extremely creative and dedicated players, which if we are going to gamify our courses, we need to be as well.

Learning about these tools is important because understanding the basics of creating video games is invaluable when creating gamified courses. Especially when we are trying to create new and unique ways for our students to think outside the box or even develop their creativity through gamification as well as game-based learning.

Before moving to the next lesson, learn more about emergent gameplay by viewing this video on the differences between depth and complexity in games. Remember, just about any reference to games can be used when applied to gamification as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpOKO3zA68U