Gamification in E-Learning has been the buzz word in the learning industry for quite some time. It has evolved to possibly become the next disruptive trend in E-Learning. Nothing attracts more than a game. Games are perhaps the biggest attention grabbers in the world for the youth. Gamified E-Learning courses utilise this immersive and engaging nature of games to maximise the learning outcome.
What is Gamifcation?
As the name suggests, gamification is basically conversion of something into a game – in this case – E-Learning courses.
Gamification In E-Learning:
Gamification in E-Learning basically refers to utilising various elements of a game, especially video games in designing the learning content and learning path. In essence, it is using game mechanics, and elements to make E-Learning more gripping and appealing. Game based learning companies describe Gamification as “the application of game elements to non-game contexts to increase user engagement”.
Common Elements Of Gamification In E-Learning:
Gamification is all about using gaming elements in E-Learning course. So, what are the key gaming elements that are utilised for gamification in E-Learning? Some of the common elements include, but not limited to:
- Scoring mechanism/badges/awards: Reward learners for certain behaviours
- Levels: Can be used to present learning in a staggered way, building upon previously presented concepts
- Leaderboards/Quests: Enable learners to choose their own path and pace through the learning
How To Use Gamification Elements To Make E-Learning More Engaging:
The very nature of games is engaging the users, it is no different for learning. Here are some tips to make E-Learning more engaging by using gamification elements:
- Use continuous scoring mechanism to motivate learners to study the content diligently
- Use Rewards to give instant feedback and keep the learner eager to learn more
- Use lifelines to give the learners freedom to take risk without fearing to lose
- Use levels to give sense of accomplishment to the learners
- Use badges to recognise good performers and motivate others to perform better
- Use timers to instil sense of urgency and strategic thinking
- Use branching scenarios to give freedom to learners to try various options and learn from mistake
- Use the fun elements to keep learner’s mind refreshed
Benefits Of Gamification In E-Learning:
- Enhanced learning experience: Gamification gives the learner an experience of “fun” during learning and keeps the level of engagement high.
- Better learning environment: A gamified E-Learning offers an effective, engaging learning environment. It enables learners practice difficult problems and skills without any fear or learn from mistakes without fear of losing.
- Instant feedback: Gamification involves instant feedback so that learners get a clear picture of where they stand and where they need to reach.
- Prompting behavioural change: Use of points, badges, and leaderboards definitely makes training amazing. Gamification provides a larger basket of benefits.
- Can be utilised for a diverse learning: Gamification in E-Learning can be employed to cater to many learning needs including but not limited to new hire induction and onboarding, product training, sales training, customer support training, soft skills training, sensitisation drives, and compliance and regulatory training.
Drawbacks:
- Despite all the benefits, there are critics of gamified learning. They argue that gamification makes learning fast pace and provide immediate feedback. This may create a problem with students’ attention span. They begin to expect the similar fast paced responses from all parts of their education. However, gamification is only a tiny part of entire learning content they receive. So, students won’t find other type of learning not so engaging which will lead to frustration.
- Another problem area is that designing gamification strategy is not easy. An ill-designed strategy may negatively impact learning outcome and increase student frustration if they get stuck in the gaming elements rather than learning elements.
Conclusion:
With all its benefits, gamification is here to stay. It is a great concept and is constantly evolving to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern learner. Using the right gamification strategy helps the learning to be more holistic, memorable and helps learners apply the concepts better at their workplace situations.