College Prep: Is 'Gamifying' SAT Studying A New Trend?

When you're about ready to pull your hair out after hours of studying for SATs and writing essays -- you know, that point where you're not sure whether to laugh or cry -- how do you push yourself to keep going? The newest trend in high-tech learning says that you can pass the hours faster and more pleasantly if you turn studying into a game. Sure, using games may pass the time faster and keep you engaged during a road trip (license plate game, anyone?) but does it really make studying for the SATs less gruelling? An onslaught of gamified new learning tools are trying to convince word-weary studiers that yes, that gaming really can make learning fun.

We just heard word that Dictionary.com is unveiling a new feature today called "Writing Dynamo," which will apparently allow high school students studying for the SATs to upload their personal essays onto the site and have them be edited by a "virtual English teacher" for sentence structure, length, and word choice, among other elements. This is a new feature on their already-existing tool "Word Dynamo," a free tool for young people to play games designed to help them prep for tests.

Of course, skill-building word games, online study "dashboards," and expert guides are nothing new in the world of college prep, but these online "gamified" education tools have grown into a full-fledged online market, particularly in an economic climate causing so many students anxiety about the college application process and where only 1 in 6 high school freshmen will go on to graduate from college on time. SAT and ACT internet-based study games have been embraced by both well-known brands this year, such as Dictionary.com, and have been the theme of buzzy startups like Grockit.com, Alleyloop.com and, MentorCloud.com, among many others. Other education-focused companies, such as Unigo.com (one of HuffPost High School's content partners) and Cliffsnotes Films, are using video in unique game-like ways as a learning engagement tool.

Do you think gamifying learning actually helps you absorb more information, or do you learn better the old-fashioned way? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet @HuffPostTeen!

Comments

[J R M]

06:30 PM on 02/02/2012

40+ years ago years ago I walked in and took the SAT. I don't remember even doing a practice test. I took it again to bring up my English score, so you could view the first try as a practice run.

My daughter took the ACT + writing in December. I had her use ACT's online review and test prep to get familiar with the format. I guess she spent about 8 hours reviewing it before taking the test. She could have done better on English and Math (she got 32's on both), but she didn't have the time to do more test prep - she is taking a full IB/AP load.

Good test scores help, but the rigor of your curriculum is more important overall.

[kreena2595]

07:00 PM on 02/02/2012

Yes! I am taking many AP classes and have less time to study! I am taking the SAT thought, and did okay! 640's in writing and reading and 600 in math!
ANYWAY i agree that your classes are more important overall!

[Bria Elizabeth]

10:35 AM on 02/05/2012

You're exactly right. I have taken all AP/Honors courses throughout my 4 years of high school (my school doesn't offer IB) and that will look much better on college apps than doing poorly in classes or taking "normal" level classes. A lot of private colleges don't even require standardized testing scores anymore, because people are starting to realize that a standardized test isn't the best way to judge someone's academic ability.