Gamification is the combination of game playing elements with learning material to encourage participation and engagement. The way people learn is changing; books and lectures are being replaced with interactive activities and online resources. In order to keep up with this change, many companies have adapted the use of games in order to communicate a message in a way that is relatable and memorable to their audience. Gamification uses challenges, achievements, and rewards to drive certain desirable behaviors.
Training Seminars/Recruitment
Games can be used in combination with learning material and demonstrations to provide hands-on experiential training. Many companies have also created an interactive game to aid in their recruitment process by helping locate qualified applicants through “playing” online.
Benefits of Gamification in the Work Place:
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Employees show higher satisfaction levels, and are more focused at work.
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The engaging experience provides employees with higher retention rates of information.
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Games create a competitive environment among co-workers that increases collaboration and higher retention of information.
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Gamification allows you to constantly monitor and improve performance.
Adult learning
Young adults are especially attracted to learning through games. This group of individuals has been raised in the era of technology which makes them among the most tech-savvy learners. Many instructors have applied games to their sessions to keep learners focused and interested in the presented material.
Benefits of Gamification in Education:
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The use of games reinforces learning concepts in a way that is easy for students to understand.
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Adding games to what would normally be a boring lecture can spark debate and conversation among students.
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Gamification appeals to the emotional, cognitive, and social needs of adult learners.
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Learners will develop problem-solving skills.
Tips for Using Gamification
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Make the game relevant. If the game is applicable to the content you are presenting, the audience will have higher retention rates and greater memory recall.
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Present material so that it is comprehendible. Games are a great way to simplify material so that it is easier for your audience to understand.
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Encourage teamwork. Teams are a great way to create a fun and competitive environment.
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Use a point system. Keep track of points and offer rewards to the individual/team with the highest score.
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Have control over the situation. Make sure that your audience doesn’t go off topic or get too consumed in the game that they fail to focus on the material being presented.
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Motivate players to do their best. Rewards can be a great way to provide motivation and ensure that each individual is actively participating to earn some sort of prize.
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And most importantly... Have fun!
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