Gamification

What exactly is gamification and how does this relate to e-learning?

Gamification is the process of learning through play. Combining education with games, you get gamification. 

Child’s play

As children, we have been brought up with playing games. From Hop-Scotch to Hide and Seek. Then came computer games and now we are playing games on our mobile devices. The technology has changed and so has the subtle implementation of games within a learning portal. 

Nowadays, games are implemented into our daily lives. For example, there are word games and number games to improve numeracy and literacy. These games are designed for children all the way up to adults to learn and become proficient with numbers and letters. 

Some children have number anxiety, yes, that’s actually a thing. Games offer children to learn through sounds and images, making the learning process stimulating and engaging. Now more than ever children’s attention span is lower than ever. What games are able to do is to hold that attention and make it fun in the process. 

Story time

We all love a good story, especially children. When the context is in the form of a story, then it has a certain appeal about it. Children can relate to the concept better. 

There is a significant difference in results in schools, where they have introduced gamification in order to motivate students to learn. The results indicated that students learn better and are generally happier, have less anxiety when learning through play. 

Gamification provides a fun and entertaining framework in order for anyone to learn. 

Mcdonalds

Mcdonalds has also implemented gamification into their marketing/meals. 

For example, there is a game called Mcdonalds Monopoly. This is where a customer has to peel off a monopoly game piece from a qualifying menu and to see if they are an instant winner. 

Or, they can peel off the same colour from the menu to win. For example, peeling off three yellow pieces will be an instant win. 

Finally, if the customer prefers to play online there is also an option for that too. 

By immersing customers within gamification, Mcdonalds is rewarding customers. The more they play the more chances there are to win a meal or a drink etc. 

There is even an online interactive game board. 

Millions of people visit Mcdonalds every single day. Through gamification, they are changing the behaviour of their customers. So, as a result, customers will spend more, eat more and Mcdonalds will reap the profits from a successful marketing strategy.

Rewards

One of the best ways in which to keep consumers or learners motivated is through a reward system. The more they are rewarded the more they will want to learn and play. Connect with other online users and make it competitive, and you have a brilliant system to highly motivate and obtain amazing results. 

Badges/Trophies

Badges or trophies are another great way to motivate users. The more they succeed within the game, the more badges they win. More badges can mean more prizes. 

Scenario/Simulation

A scenario or simulation can help with aspects of real-life situation. For example, learning how to fly or help with driving a car. It can also help in the world of business with targeting your ideal client, making a sale etc. 

To conclude, there is definitely a place for gamification within the e-learning sector. It is educational and entertaining. It presents traditional information in an exciting and stimulating way. Not only is it here to stay but it shows no signs of slowing down.