Designing Digitally
02/06/2017
It’s easy to get addicted to things that are fun.
Video games today are so lifelike and gripping that it’s not hard to see why people of all ages end up addicted to the gameplay. The power of narrative and imagination compels users to keep coming back, continuing on, and trying again.
The player is driven to find the treasure, get to the next level, beat their opponent, or any number of other tasks that need to be completed.
The problem is that being addicted to the thrill of the game doesn’t equal a true elearning training experience. A desire to be successful in a game, while certainly motivating, doesn’t mean that the player or learner is retaining the information presented to them.
In order for true learning to happen, one must go through a process of reflecting on the elearning training material that has been presented.
Reflection is what transforms an activity from an event that simple occurred into true learning. A good example is an elearning training simulation. In a simulation, learners can see the consequences of their choices. They can then take a look at what worked and what didn’t.
Reflecting allows the learner to make meaning out of the information they are taking in.
There are a few different strategies that can be employed in a successful corporate elearning training session that aids in the process of reflection.
When looking at the potential of elearning training activities, remember that “addiction” or a high level of interest in the game doesn’t mean that true learning is taking place. For that to happen, the key ingredient of reflection cannot be left out of the equation.