Gamification in E-Learning

Approximate reading time: 2m 16s

Reading materials in Bulgarian on this topic, we came across several articles using the word „игровизация“, apparently yet another foreign word that has entered the Bulgarian language. In addition to the Bulgarian language, gamification is also rapidly entering real life, including e-learning (e-learning, eLearning).

A study by the University of Colorado reveals that employees who train with computer games learn more information, achieve better results, and remember longer than those who have gone through traditional training methods. The study shows that it is not the game itself that matters, but its elements, which make learning engaging. In other words, involving the learner in the game leads to learning important information.

What is the secret of gamification?

From elearningindustry.com, we learn why games stimulate memory. Gamification uses the principles of games to make the real world more attractive. This tactic works because the satisfaction of success when winning stimulates the release of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which produce happiness. This leads to faster memorization as a result of associating the game and the information with positive emotion. Major companies such as Coca-Cola, AOL, Nissan and Nike include gamification in their training programs.

Using the experience of big companies, elearningindustry.com presents 5 game characteristics and explains how they contribute to improving e-learning (e-learning, eLearning).

Rewarding achieved results

Games provide feedback to players. When you do something well, you move to the next level, but when you fail, you stay at the same level or even worse – you go back. Thus, the opportunity to move forward becomes a kind of reward through which you understand when you have mastered a given concept.

Greater knowledge retention

If you create e-learning (e-learning, eLearning) and your learners forget everything they learned the next day, then you have not done a good job. Gamification can help information be remembered for longer. An expert in this field, Jane McGonigal, claims that the use of games can increase long-term retention by up to 10 times.

Better motivation

Games have a psychological effect that motivates us to keep moving forward. This is a great way to encourage employees to learn with enthusiasm. A world-famous example of this is the game Foldit, created by scientists at the University of Washington. More than 60,000 scientists started playing this game in 2011 and in just three weeks made significant discoveries related to the structure of an enzyme crucial to the reproduction of the AIDS virus. These insights help researchers create medicines that neutralize the enzyme. This example proves how powerful the effect of gamification can be.

Happiness and higher revenues

Enough with boring PowerPoint slides! Gamification is good for business because it encourages innovation, productivity and fun. This inevitably creates a better and more enjoyable work atmosphere, which makes employees happier and has a positive effect on revenues.

For example, see how you can make your employees, in the form of a game, find all the actions that waste their time. Play too:  Find the time robbers!

Displaying results

If you have worked hard to complete a task, it is natural to want to boast about your achievement. For this purpose, specifically for gamification, digital trophies have been introduced. They are like indicators proving a given achievement. An example of this is the title mayor (major) in Foursquare or the ranks in Conquiztador. These badges encourage those who already have them to want more, and those who do not, to strive for them.

We can prepare and implement a learning game for more effective training of the employees in your company. This can strongly affect their motivation to acquire the necessary knowledge, because it won’t be boring!  Contact us at tel. +359 878 685 304 or write to us using the form below!