Gamification Training using Hands On Activities

Internships and apprenticeships are tried and true methods of learning the skills required for a particular job. In-person, hands-on training is the best way for a person to acquire the knowledge they need to perform well.

A subtle shift is beginning to take place that could change the face of internships and apprenticeships as they are known today. The new trend is to utilize gamification in training. What has traditionally been hands-on is becoming hands-off.

While some may be skeptical about the efficacy of training that isn’t in-person, that doesn’t mean it isn’t “on the job.” There are numerous advantages to utilizing these methods to teach newcomers the skills needed for their jobs.

Hands-Off is Still Hands-On

One study conducted in 2015 showed that workers who went through a process of gamification in training retained 9% more information and had 14% higher skill-based knowledge levels.

To what can this be attributed? Take a look at some of the reasons this type of training is working:

Personalization. With some input from the learner beforehand, a program can be developed that focuses on the concepts they need most. Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and personal goals all play into creating a personalized experience.

Cooperative learning. The value of interacting with peers cannot be overstated. Training games that can be played in a multi-player mode offer the learner a chance to bounce ideas off of other players, see things from a different perspective, and have a richer learning experience.

Real-time feedback. Elearning training exercises are designed to offer an immediate response. Feedback is given throughout the course of the game, which means the learner doesn’t have to wait until the end of an experience. Necessary adjustments can be made in the midst of the game.

While the skills are not being taught in-person and may be considered hands-off, learning is still happening. The trainee is still involved in the process and gaining the necessary knowledge, probably with a higher level of comprehension than ever before.

The Benefits for the Employer

The advantages of utilizing gamification in training are not limited to the person going through the training program. There are benefits for the company as well.

It’s time-sensitive. In the business world, time is money. Game-based learning for corporate training saves time. Employees who may have had to take time away from their busy schedules to train newcomers can now spend their time more productively.

It saves money. Some companies hire people to come in and conduct trainings for them. Businesses won’t have to hire outside entities to facilitate training exercises when their new hires are going through a self-guided elearning program.

A better-prepared workforce. As the statistics mentioned show, the workers who go through their job training in this way are statistically more likely to be prepared to handle the various situations and scenarios that will arise in the course of their work. They will have better recall of information and will be capable of applying what they learned to a real-life situation.

Though a training may be hands-off physically, it can still be hands-on mentally!