Gamification Overview

In the eLearning arena, Gamification refers to using game designs and techniques as part of your instructional design and eLearning development strategy. Gamification is growing in popularity as new technologies and templates make it easier to create or include existing games into online courses. Much of the early adoption and development of games in training originated in the military ranging from airplane and drone piloting to various forms of combat and weaponry. Corporations have been steadily increasing their investments in eLearning games year over year, so understanding game theory and development techniques is becoming a necessity for eLearning developers and trainers of all stripes.
Recommended Reading

• Definition – Wikipedia
• Community (About, Game Mechanics, Demos, etc.)
• Gamification for Dummies
• Gartner Research (requires membership)
• Starbucks Case Study (excellent article – highly recommended)

Vendors and Resources

• Badgeville
• Bunchball
• Enterprise Gamification

 

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