Many managers and teachers wonder how to make their trainee’s learning experience fascinating. They have some concerns about the delivery potential of their employees. I recently talked to a talent acquisition manager. She says “the newbies that are selected are of great calibre but only 10 % of them complete the course.” Interestingly the concerns were not about the content but the way it is presented after digitization. Gaming is one such method.
The approach
A user through game-based learning approach could carry out the learning process effectively. This is because, for instance – To progress in a game is to learn, when we are actively engaged with a game, our minds are experiencing the pleasure of understanding a new system and trying to achieve a target as we do in a game. Once a target is set and reached, a gamer craves to complete more levels and achievements. Now when learning is integrated into this, one can imagine that quality of learning is definitely improved. E-learning companies are creating game based mobile apps to help learners get hold of the course content when they are both online and offline. Gaming can help on several occasions in the learning stage.
There are three main theories based on gamified platforms are being created:
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- Activity Theory: Learners are allowed to participate and experiment in non-threatening scenarios.
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- Experiential Learning: Games support learning by doing.
- Situated Learning: Information is provided in the relevant context or setting within the game. Learning takes place alongside social interaction and collaboration.
Practical Applications
Although these theories exist, custom models are being created while designing platforms according the users targeted.Hence, game based learning platforms are being developed in such a manner as to digitize content according to different target audience. Consequently, a learner’s benefits are supported by features like Characters, Timeline, Customizable Player, Triggers, States, Variables for programming logic, Interactivity: Markers, Lightboxes, Buttons, Freeforms. It supports all the SCORM, AICC, TIN-can compliant Learning Management Systems (LMS).
