Gamification

Gamification is the term used to describe the combination of educational content with interactive games in a way that is both stimulating and useful to help learners retain information. Presenting knowledge through the use of interactive games results in high engagement, which leads to higher retention.  The reason game-based learning is so effective is because it expresses information in the form of doing rather than telling. Edgar Dale’s Cone of Learning (see below) suggests that we tend to remember things best when we learn them through active involvement of both doing and saying. 

Digital learning games are comprised of activities that require learners to collaborate and actively participate in topic discussions. Through active learning, people will have higher recall of information and will retain material for longer periods of time. Not only will employers be more satisfied, but they will also see higher satisfaction rates among employees since they are improving their abilities while having fun with their peers.

OptionPower Group Competition Module

Option Technologies offers an add-on module that allows the integration of interactive game questions into your PowerPoint presentation. Three popular game templates are included, but users can also create and customize their own game. Questions are generated with designated point values based on category, difficulty, etc.

After preparation and set up are done, operating the game is simple. Participants can be divided into teams to compete against each other, or can play individually. Each player is assigned a wireless keypad which they will use to answer the questions as they appear on the PowerPoint slide. Point totals can be displayed for individuals or teams.

Included Game Templates:

• Win a Million
• Similar to the popular "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
• 15 questions with progressively higher point values
• Effective for presenting and reinforcing concepts of increasing difficulty
• The Quiz Challenge
• 3 rounds of 8 questions
• Question point value increases in each round
• And the Answer Is...
• Similar to the "Jeopardy" TV game show
• 25 user-defined questions grouped into 5 categories
• Each question is presented in the form of an answer and participants must select the corresponding question from a list of choices
• Effective when the presenter wants to reinforce multiple points in several categories

Advantages of Games  

• Creates a positively competitive environment – The chance for team play encourages individuals to strive for their best and use teamwork to achieve more than they could on their own.
• Stimulates participant focus – Real-time discussion and analysis of learning topics through interactive games strengthens participants’ attentiveness to subject matters.
• Increases participation – Participants will be more willing to provide honest feedback and overcome the “shyness factor” when using electronic keypads to voice their opinions.
• Enhances meaning and boosts retention – Active learning provides better focus and awareness which leads to greater memory recall in participants.
• Provides an engaging experience – Games boost the energy of the room to catch participant’s attention and provide opportunities for peer interaction.
• Reduces training time – Gamification increases efficiency through the use of instant assessments to determine each individual’s readiness for additional instruction. Instructors have greater control over the presentation material and their learners’ focus, which leads to less time needed for training and a higher learning curve.

5 Reasons Why Game-Based Learning is Effective

1. People are highly engaged by games.
2. Material is more comprehendible when placed into an enjoyable atmosphere.
3. Social groups are established to encourage productive discussions.
4. Games provide an opportunity to be creative and innovative, which can lead to new ideas.
5. It’s fun!