Tips for Great Gamification in Elearning

Gamification has become a staple in the world of corporate eLearning training. It’s used to motivate employees to strive for specific goals and increases the chances that they will be actively engaged in their work. It results in increase productivity which correlates to improvement in the bottom line.

It’s also well-known that the use of gamification raises the retention rates of learners and helps them understand how to apply what they have learned to real-life situations, among a number of other benefits.

In order for gamification to be successful and not a waste of corporate time and money, there are some basic guidelines to follow to ensure learning objectives are met.

Great gamification

Gamification can be fun. It can be educational. A truly successful gamification system will be both. The goal is to implement a system in which employees are enjoying themselves, as they are gaining valuable information that leads to positive behavioral changes.

Here are some tips to make that goal a reality:

Focus on the outcome. Sometimes the enjoyment factor can override the value when a game isn’t properly designed. Make it fun, but don’t ever let the end goal get lost in the shuffle. Keep the objectives front and center. A changed behavior is the goal, not just entertainment.
On the other hand, keep them engaged. There has to be the right balance. The learning objective is paramount, but users must remain engaged throughout the entire length of the activity. The last thing you want is a user who quits before they reach the end!
Emphasize intrinsic rewards. Don’t underestimate the power of pride and self-esteem. Extrinsic rewards aren’t as valuable in the long run. Utilize badges and leaderboards, making sure they are directly tied to the learning objectives. Knowing they are gaining knowledge that will help them in the performance of their job duties will give employees a sense of accomplishment. This keeps employees more engaged than a monetary or physical reward.
Capitalize on social interaction. The game mechanics should be integrated with social media. Most people today have some sort of social media account, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Allow sharing of achievements, via social media outlets. Generate a buzz around social media integration. Employees will react favorably when they can engage with their preferred social media site, even in a work capacity.
Don’t skimp on design expertise. A game is only as good as its design. If the user experience is terrible, the learner will check out and possibly not even finish, let alone comprehend the necessary content. Choose a designer who is familiar with the material.
Give timely feedback. Relevant, immediate feedback not only keeps the learner engaged, but also lets them know what they’re doing well and what they may need to spend more time on. Receiving quick feedback also has the added benefit of enhancing comprehension and retention of new information.

Don’t be afraid to try different methods, rewards, and procedures when it comes to elearning gamification. Each company is different and each workforce is unique. Take the time to research and experiment to find the best fit for your company and your employees.

Contact Designing Digitally, Inc. today and implement great gamification into your corporate learning strategy!