Gamification in learning is not a new term. For years, the learning industry has been utilising game elements to convey information and share knowledge. And thanks to the surge in demand for online learning in the last two years, we can only expect to witness tremendous growth in the application of gamification in learning.

So what has led to the increased implementation of gamification in the learning sector?

Studies suggest people remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 50% of what they see and almost 90% of what they experience. Games let learners act and experience things themselves, which further causes them to remember what they learnt for a long period. 

Gamification in learning involves a set of activities that test learners’ knowledge by utilising the characteristics of game-design elements. It involves many gaming elements that are usually a part of your regular video games, like leaderboards, scores, competition, rewards, and challenges. 

Incorporating this feature in schools, colleges, corporate training or other online courses can bring you significant benefits. That’s because most people like games regardless of their age. Adding gamification as a part of their learning helps them assimilate knowledge effectively and achieve personalised goals. Winning a game also allows learners to experience a sense of accomplishment. This boosts their confidence and engagement.

With the right LMS, you can implement gamification in learning and harness its application to motivate your learners.

Elements of Gamification in Learning

Learning

Gamification makes learning fun. When learners have targets to complete while learning, they focus more and attain quality knowledge. Users can apply their learnt subject in live experiences through games which help them get into the depth of concepts and remember them for longer.

User Engagement

Gamified courses are more engaging. Remember those addictive video games that we used to find hard to give up. If you add those interesting features to the learning content, your learners will eventually get hooked to the courses.

Challenge

Everyone has a little or more competitive spirit within. Overcoming challenges and achieving targets drives people to learn better. Gamification in learning provides your learners with a chance to face challenges while learning skills that further encourage them to be active and efficient.

Motivation

Gamification in learning breaks down complex content into simpler tasks, which reduces stress in learning new things. By adding a reward system, you can motivate your learners to complete the tasks and execute the desired learning behaviour.

Achievement

Gamification in learning allows learners to test their knowledge with real-life applications. Through games, learners can accomplish their tasks while having fun in learning. Playing these games helps learners develop a sense of achievement and, henceforth, provides a surefire solution to the decline in learners’ engagement.

Reward

Rewards are an important element in gamification. Every time a learner achieves a target in learning, he gets rewards, which can be as certificates, virtual coins, subscription offers or any other incentives. This makes learners feel valued and encourages them to perform better. 

Examples of Gamification in Learning

Considering the specific needs of learners, administrators can add gamification to their learning programs. Following are a few examples in which you can implement gamification in learning.

Reward points for meeting learning goals

Are your learners successfully achieving the goals you set for them? Are they getting good marks in assessments? Reward your learners with certain points every time they achieve a learning goal or pass their assessment. One point for clearing cut-offs in assessments or 2 points for every successful assignment submission. This will motivate your learners to complete their tasks on time and cultivate a model of outcome-based learning.

Competition with peers

Competition with peers is one of the best elements that gamification offers. And it is actually effective. So the next time you want to teach a new skill or procedure to your learners, add a light competition among the learners. Whoever wins the competition will get rewards. This technique works best when you wish to inculcate certain behaviour among the learners.

Levels to define progress

Define levels or checkpoints to symbolise the learning progress of your learners. Once learners achieve their targets or reach a milestone, let’s say 500 points, elevate their levels. You can even reward them with a 2-hour break or gift vouchers on reaching a certain level.

Certificates on achievement

Instead of evaluating learners with grades, award them certificates on successful completion of courses or reaching a sustainable level. Certificates will add value to their learning and let them have tangible proof of their accomplishments that they can show to their future employers.

Reflecting on personalised learning

Some games allow learners to track their progress and analyse details like their achievements, strong points, weak points, speed, etc. This feature helps learners to know where they are lagging. Even the teachers can track learners’ performance and provide them with more personalised content to fill their knowledge gaps. Using a customised LMS can also help you track the progress of learners if you find it hard to do it via gamification.

Does Gamification in Learning Really Work?

Gamification in learning is very effective whether integrated with LMS in educational institutes or in employee training as it provides learners with

• autonomy
• control over their learning
• higher engagement
• competence
• opportunity to be creative
• better concentration

Gamification in learning encourages learners to think beyond the basics in a gamified setting. It triggers their emotions like excitement, achievement, frustration, and happiness. Now more and more administrators are using gamified content in their learning and development programmes, as gamification makes learning more fun.