One powerful yet sometimes underexplored concept in multimodal meaning is Learning Games. These are educational activities designed in the form of games—digital or non-digital—that integrate problem-solving, collaboration, and feedback mechanisms to enhance learning. What makes learning games “multimodal” is their ability to combine visuals, interactivity, narrative, simulation, and feedback loops into one cohesive learning experience.

According to Gee (2007), good learning games embody principles of situated meaning-making, where learners acquire knowledge through active participation in authentic contexts. Unlike traditional rote methods, games place learners in environments where they must apply concepts dynamically, thus bridging theory and practice.

Example in Practice:
In my AI class, I’ve used Kahoot! to turn review sessions into game-based competitions. Students engage with multiple-choice questions, but because it’s framed as a game, the energy and participation level are entirely different. Beyond trivia-style formats, platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition or Foldit (a protein-folding puzzle game) illustrate how games can be used for deep, complex learning challenges. Foldit, for instance, has helped learners (and even non-experts) contribute to real scientific discoveries (link here).

For a visual demonstration, there's a TED Talk by Jane McGonigal on how games can make a better world.