The world of corporate training has changed considerably in the last decade. It has gone from a realm of pen and paper to one of wireless connections and eLearning. Long gone are the days when an employee had to connect to training with a modem and a desktop PC. The common use of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and Wi-Fi have led to more exciting innovations. Interactive e-Learning games are fast becoming a popular buzzword in e-Learning circles and is an excellent choice addition to supplement other training initiatives.
What Are e-Learning Games?
Put simply – e-Learning games transform boring, text-based training into something more engaging and engaging and designed in a way that appeals to the learners’ natural competitive instincts. e-Learning games can be simple or complex, brief or lengthy; they can be completely free-roaming or follow a locked navigation sequence. It is up to the company and what they believe will best fit the needs of their learners.
e-Learning game development is not just a trend. It offers significant benefits to corporate training programs and eLearners alike. It is here to stay. According to the latest research, e-Learning games produce 60% more active learner engagement. There is also a corresponding 43% increase in productivity during training. Motivation and performance also show improvement when gaming is used.
Businesses considering this innovative approach to employee training should think about these 4 core ideas before implementing interactive e-Learning games.
What’s the Return on Investment (ROI)
Determine the desired return on investment (ROI) and how you will go about measuring it.
- What are the business goals and how will e-Learning games help you achieve them?
- What should employees be able to do or understand upon completing the game?
- How will the training manager measure that the learning goals have been achieved:
The answers to these questions must be baked into your e-Learning game development strategy before your content is rolled out for employees.
Gameplay Is Not the Focus
It is crucial to understand that gameplay, while important, is not the goal. Mastering the content of the course should be the focus. Gameplay should make the training easier, more engaging, and help eLearners move faster through the material. Limiting the replays allowed on specific levels or entire games will keep the focus on learning rather than gaming.
Rewards Tied to Business
In most games, the goal is to score points. It is worthwhile to consider discarding this notion. Instead, tie rewards to the business itself. For example, a retail company could create the goal of selling a specific number of items during gameplay or serving a specific number of satisfied customers. Goals that relate the game to crucial business concepts encourage eLearners to convert their gameplay into real life achievements.
Add a Social Element
Modern e-Learning games allow the integration of social elements. Players can go head-to-head or play in teams. This helps build confidence, encourages teamwork, and makes the game more engaging.
Incorporating eLearning games is an important consideration for businesses that are looking to provide employees with an engaging eLearning experience that also will improve performance and move business forward.