Using Games
Game-based Learning
Gamification
use of games to achieve an instructional goal
use of game mechanics in a non-game context to promote the desired behavior and reach the desired learning outcomes
Games help learners acquire new skills or knowledge in a fun and exciting way
emergent approach to instruction which facilitates learning and encourages motivation through the use of game elements, mechanics and game-based thinking
the content is designed so that it fits the confines of a game
the game elements are used as rewards
storytelling, Points, badges, leaderboards and incentives are used as rewards for completing the training modules
feed on the human need to collect points, succeed and compete with others
game mechanics and the training content, both these elements are fully integrated so that the game acts as the training
Learners learn new concepts and practice new skills through experimentation, and in a risk-free setting
Learners’ understanding of the subject can be gauged based on progress in the game
Used in compliance training, new hire training, product sales training, and customer service training
playing the game allows learners to apply new skills and knowledge without worrying about real-world implications
they receive feedback for their actions, they are aware of how well they are doing and the mistakes they will have to correct before applying them in the real world
game should create
an immersive learning experience for your learners.
Experiential games, story, or character-led games are guaranteed to create an immersive learning experience
can be as simple as adding levels and progress bars to your existing content
more complex such as allotting points to answers or placing top-scoring employees on leaderboards
motivates learners to complete courses to beat high scores, move up the leaderboard, or earn rewards
can be effectively applied in areas such as employee onboarding, product training, or employee wellness programs
is best suited for content that can be memorized and does not require any major behavioral change
not suitable for teaching complex concepts.
The training content must be simple and easy to understand
decision
depends on the goals and needs of your organization
Understand the difference between the two
ask the following questions before gamification:
- Will adding rewards help the learner at certain points of the instruction?
- Will a leader board increase motivation and the fun potential or distract learners?
- Does the story capture the right mood of the learning experience?
Use gamification to:
- Influence learner behavior within a course
- Drive learners to innovate
- Encourage learners to independently build skills or acquire knowledge
- Teach learners new content
Examples
To play the game, salespeople were divided into groups based in two cities
Each group had to make phone calls to find prospects and nurture sales opportunities that will ultimately result in sales
Players were scored on:
- Confidence levels in selling skills
- Lesser duration of sales cycles
- Revenue per transaction
- Sales behaviors in skills areas such as identifying the prospect, building trust with the client, and developing a long-term relationship with the client
Prizes were given to salespeople with the highest scores and those with a high score were made members of an exclusive club
main motive of the course was product recognition
game could be accessed on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobiles
learner had to identify the brand, category, and the product name.
learner also had to identify which product or brand sells the most
game consisted of three questions, that are scored for each product
learner starts the game with a certain sum of money in the bank. If the learner gives the correct answer, money is added to his account while an incorrect answer leads to money being debited from his account. A timer adds to the excitement and fun quotient of the game
considerable research had to be done to finalize the instructional strategy and design the game activity
treasure hunt
- background of your operations
- place the possible hazards in different areas (hidden) and identifying them can become a game for your employees
- You can provide assessments such as ‘Select the possible hazards that can occur in this area.’, or ‘How can you avoid the threats that may occur in this division?
employee needs to enter a hazardous area
You can pose a question before he enters – what does he need to carry and wear, with multiple choice options.
sales scenario game
you have 5 scenarios, called levels
or each level you have an introduction explaining the concept followed by questions for the learners to take decisions
have the introduction scenario as a 3-4 minute video followed by assessments to make decisions
Crossword: Ask questions, and correct answer fills the crossword
Open the image: click a square, get a question, on correct answer, the part of image is open
word scrabble: rearrange jumbled words
Millionaire: answer questions and keep moving up in the money ladder