It is expected that Instructional Design will turn that manual of instructions into an online course where the learner will read the content from their monitor and take a graded assessment. For many learners, they may just click the next button until they reach the end just to get a completion and get the training over with. But there is another way to motivate learners and get the content to stick: gamification.

Gamification involves game mechanics to motivate the learners. Examples of game mechanics includes badges, points, and leaderboards. In fact, it can even be beneficial for employees: studies have proven that games can improve your memory and cognitive health, and sharpen your decision-making skills.

If you’re not sure that gamifying your learning will be a good fit for your eLearning program, consider the following:

Games can share real-world applications without real-life risks. Learners can be presented with a situation where they need to apply what they have learned in order to earn points or a badge. A branching scenario is great in this instance; they can go through the scenario and find out the consequences if they choose an incorrect answer. Both the learner and the company will benefit from this, as the learner exercises their problem-solving skills without affecting the company outright.

Games can motivate employees. Whether it is in the spirit of competition by using leaderboards or the delight in earning rewards and getting to track their progress, games have the ability to bring out the motivation in people. A sense of accomplishment is brought forth when they complete a hurdle or gain that extra point.

Games improve workplace productivity. Gamification would provide the following domino effect: if the learner becomes motivated to learn, it is likely that they will achieve their goals, which will result in more productivity in the office.
Remember that in order to achieve these goals, your game strategy should go hand-in-hand with your goal and learning objectives. Adding games for the sake of entertainment value does not equal learning value.

We have here a video showcasing an example of gamification. This was created for one of our clients, who wanted their learners to understand risk and how to catch it before it escalates into an issue.

Watch on YouTube: Gamifying Your Learning

Sources:

5 Health Benefits of Playing Video Games


Gamification Allows You to Train Better, Faster and Smarter