Gamification of E-Learning: Beyond PBL

When it comes to gamification, usually the first three things that come to the mind are Points, Badges and Leaderboards (PBL).

While these may be the most popular game-mechanics used for e-learning, they are only as good as the way they are used!

Let’s take a look at “Points” today.

Points are the easiest ways to keep and compare scores. If you reflect back on the many games you have played in life and the many points you have scored, you will realize that in all these games there was usually an opponent you vanquished with a higher score (and got a wonderful kick out of it!) or the reward for scoring a certain number points was something you really…really wanted!

There may be a few exceptions here and there but primarily these are two prime motivators for scoring points.

Now when we bring this particular game-mechanic called “points” and dove-tail it with an e-learning course by using gamification, which of these motivators is going to drive your learner to gun for the best possible score?

If you don't already have an answer….re-visit your course and fine-tune its functionality before its too late!

A couple of quick tips:

1.  A client of mine announced “real rewards” for online points won for a Gamified Induction Program. The learners could literally redeem their points for some highly popular goodies at the L&D desk. It actually worked! (I guess that’s why credit card points are always a big hit!)
2. Another client put up an LCD screen in the reception area that showed a leaderboard with the latest points scored by various departments (yes..they made it inter-departmental competition) for a particular compliance program, where the points scored by all team members were cumulated for the department. This was one instance that got the managers to swing into action and get their team members to not only take up the course but also do well!

Lesson: Points are very good; only when there is juicy reward or a fierce competition attached to them!

Check-out the sequel of this post to explore some interesting ways to use “Badges” to maximize the effectiveness of your gamified e-learning courses.