Gamification

Gamification

Gamification: it’s not all fun and games.

Gamification may sound a bit gimmicky, but it’s actually a great way to engage learners and achieve positive results in turn…

To say gaming is popular worldwide would be an understatement – indeed, our planet is home to a whopping 2.3 billion gamers! So, taking the certain elements of gaming and using them in a learning context seems like a pretty good idea. (Caveat: so long as it is done in a pedagogically sound way to support the learning process) Of course, gamification can become superfluous if its sole purpose is just to wow its audience or nod to the latest fad.

So, what exactly is gamification? Gamification is where game-like traits are taken and used in non-gaming contexts. This technique can is applicable across a range of disciplines, and digital training is no exception – it’s been creating ripples in the eLearning industry for quite some time. If handled correctly, it’s a nifty way of getting learners to take on new information in a fun and interactive way so that it doesn’t feel like a chore. And with advances in AR and VR, the possibilities are developing by the second.

At Red Mirror HQ, we understand that it takes careful planning to put together a piece of eLearning that incorporates gamification. It doesn’t need to include every aspect of a full-blown videogame; it’s about filtering in the parts that complement the particular eLearning project in hand.

Many games include elements of storytelling and visual design. Much Red Mirror eLearning involves the learner moving through content as if they themselves were navigating their way through a story – this makes for a truly immersive experience and one that learners love.

A healthy bit of competition can work wonders to focus the mind and sustain engrossment. This can come in the form of the end-user battling it out against others on live leaderboards, competing against the clock or attempting to hit predetermined targets. Pitting the learner against themselves, the game or others means that they can be rewarded when they’ve achieved certain goals within the learning. This will help keep them on track, and they’ll be only too keen to keep striving for those targets – think bonus points, stars, badges and chances to level up!

Gamification can also include simulations, like in systems demos, which allows the learner to feel as though they’re learning in a practically applicable way.

Gamification

Example of Gamification

Games work well when they’re integrated as part of an extensive package, as was the case with the summative quiz we made for Jardine Motor Group, in the style of the popular ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire game show. Alternatively, they can stand alone as a lead-in activity or even as a clever marketing tool. For instance, a flip card activity can provide a personalised solution to get potential clients thinking in your terms.

Pictures

We’ve been very impressed by the quality of work, attention to detail and support from Red Mirror. Their can-do attitude and quick workaround has helped us achieve a professional looking elearning demo we are proud to share with our stakeholders.

Piia H Visa

The Red Mirror team did what they said they would, when they said they would and the finished product was EXACTLY what we had in mind (and more!)

Clare O Supply Desk

I wanted to just thank you and congratulate you on the work so far. I’ve had a quick look around the platform and I’m very happy with it, I think it looks great.

Andy Lopata Lopata