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If you are in the e-learning industry, you must be familiar with the term gamification. It sounds fun, doesn't it? However, contrary to appearances, it is a concept that needs to be based on specific foundations as much as it is fun; true gamification is not just about adding badges and a leaderboard.
Gamification is the application of game elements and game techniques to online learning content, with the goal of making it engaging and effective. In other words, it is using game mechanics to encourage learning.
What are gamification techniques and how are they applied in e-learning?
Before we begin, as the authorized training, sales, and support center for Articulate in Turkey, and as the organization that develops the Vedubox LMS product, we continue our efforts to better promote Articulate. In this context, we highly recommend you check out the webinar we held with the esteemed Learning Experience Designer, Rıdvan Sağlam.
You can also access the links recommended by Mr. Rıdvan here:
https://training.articulate.com/webinars?category=storyline&search=Gamification
https://raccoongang.com/blog/designing-efficient-elearning-gamification/
https://discoverelearninguk.com/projects/alice-in-typhoidland-with-oxford-martin-school/
https://sites.google.com/view/gamification-master-class/programlar
Story
The foundation of many games is a story. These stories usually include a protagonist (a relatable character), an opposition (a challenge the protagonist faces), and a conflict (a sequence of events).
If you haven't designed a scenario-based course before, you can check out this article on writing effective e-learning scenarios.
Rules
Rules are a critical part of any game for setting expectations and boundaries. They ensure players know what they can and cannot do.
When using game elements, it is important to provide specific and clear instructions to participants. Communicating clearly about what you expect participants to do at each new stage prevents them from feeling confused about their next steps.
Player Control
Controlling the journey and the outcome is a common element of many games. Players love to feel in control of their potential for success.
One way to give training participants control is to let them choose an avatar or character that appears throughout the training. Another way is to give them freedom in how they progress. For example, instead of providing a direct path, you can give them access to the content via a main menu with several possible options. This way, each participant has the freedom to make their own choices.
Discovery
Games often encourage discovering new things; people enjoy "hunting" for hidden treasure, for example.
One way to apply this technique to your training is to ask participants to search for hidden pieces of information to earn extra points.
If you decide to implement this technique, you should never make a critical piece of information dependent on searching for extra content. Hidden information should be the "nice-to-know" type that helps participants deepen their understanding. Also, be sure to provide clear instructions to participants about what they are looking for. Clicking aimlessly without knowing what to look for or where to look will not get them anywhere.
Interaction
You wouldn't say you're playing a game if you just sit there and do nothing, would you? Games are mentally or physically stimulating and require participation, and making a move is part of the process.
Increasing interaction does not mean asking the user to "click" more. The key is to create meaningful interactions that require participants to think and make decisions. Instead of giving information directly, ask them to select the correct option from a list or drag and drop it into the right place. Instead of presenting the steps of a linear process, ask them to sequence the steps themselves.
3 things to consider before adding interaction to your game check out this article to learn more about .
Feedback
Feedback is an essential part of gaming. It lets users know that their actions have been registered or recognized and provides a hint about how they are progressing. Feedback doesn't have to be just text. For example, "unlocking" new features is a type of feedback that lets players know they are doing a good job.
Badges or checkpoints are one way to provide feedback and demonstrate achievement. Progress bars are also a great method to show progress, give participants information on how they are doing, and provide continuous feedback.
Time Constraints
In games, use time constraints to create a sense of urgency by forcing players to move and think quickly. To simulate a real-life constraint, consider using a countdown or a timer in your quiz, for example. If your call center expects calls to be completed in under five minutes, give your participant a five-minute time limit to complete the scenario.
Loss Aversion
Loss aversion refers to the tendency of people to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains. Studies have shown that the impact of a loss is twice as powerful as that of a gain, and this mental bias is used by many game developers.
Set up a scoring system in your training, let your participants know where they stand, and indicate that points can also be deducted for incorrect answers. You can also use a visual progress bar that shows participants the logic of how they are progressing through the content.
Continuous Play
Continuous play means that players can pick up right where they left off. This also means that players who "lose" the game can try again as many times as they like.
When designing your content, consider giving participants the opportunity to continue! Allow your participants to revisit the content whenever they want to refresh their memory.
One way to consistently incorporate gaming into your training is to allow participants to retake a quiz or assessment even if they fail. Another way is to offer a second chance if they answer a question incorrectly.
Rewards
Bonus points or rewards make people feel happy and are used extensively in many different games.
Try offering participants "bonus points" for more difficult questions or the ability to earn extra rewards based on good choices.
Levels
Achieving different levels, goals, or challenges is a common theme in games.
Instead of chapters or modules, try organizing your content into "levels" and allowing participants to "unlock" them once they answer correctly or reach a certain score; this creates a sense of achievement and challenge.
Competition
Leaderboards are one of the most popular ways to encourage competition in the gaming world. Leaderboards rank players and their scores, and people love to be recognized for their skills and efforts.
Using the corporate intranet page or LMS, allow participants to see how their colleagues are progressing. However, be careful with the information you share. Publicizing low scores can be demotivating for participants; instead, consider focusing only on high scores.
Conclusion
To truly add value to your e-learning courses, game elements must be well-thought-out and support the learning objectives.
ETGİ Group provides sales, training, and support services for Articulate in Turkey. Contact us now for detailed information.
