A successful project requires a strategy. In order to achieve the desired result, an action plan must be in place. This is certainly the case in elearning development.
It has been proven that learning games amp up learning and increase the rate of retention. The question is, “What goes into the development of effective game based learning?”
A learning simulation is a blend of game and instructional elements. These simulations fall into 2 categories: educational like flight simulators and serious games like SimCity.
Most employees prefer learning simulations over case studies or lectures. However, if these simulations are not approached with proper consideration, it can yield negative results. Here are five best tips for obtaining the best results from learning simulations.
The first thing that usually comes to mind when one thinks of games is fun. Elearning design is focused around the idea that games are enjoyable, entertaining, and engaging. Games encourage competition and motivate players to strive toward goals.
The question is, “Why?” What is it about the nature of games that causes a person to focus in on an objective, work toward success, and enjoy themselves in the process?
The Social Learning Theory (SLT) was theorized and created by Albert Bandura. It is an influential learning theory that envelopes the fundamental concepts of learning. Bandura has explained the viability of classical and operant conditioning while adding two highly critical concepts; the idea of mediating processes that take form via stimuli and responses; behavior is achieved from the learning environment via the observational principles of learning.
The method of applying game design techniques and mechanics to motivate learners is called gamification. Learning designers are implementing gamification in eLearning to keep the learners engaged and excited. The gamification market is set to grow from $1.65 billion in 2015 to $11.10 billion by 2020. More and more companies are jumping into the gamification bandwagon.
Despite the bright prospects, there are still some myths related to gamification. Here’s to debunking some of them.
There are many research reports that have discovered the importance of simulation in learning. As far back as 1986, it was discovered that simulation is an ideal mechanism for providing a teacher with an opportunity to educate in a more engaging and impactful way. Although technology and advancement of education has changed significantly since then, it is clear that simulations are of great benefit for educational opportunities.
Most theories have a divided audience. There is a group that thinks the theory is correct, and a group that doesn’t.
Elearning games are no different. There are those who think games have no place in education and that they simply don’t work. On the other side are those who stand by the efficacy and place of elearning games as valid educational experiences.
The path from mediocrity to mastery is paved with elearning. Today’s learners are in the unique position of having the technology they have grown up with become more and more a part of their learning, from their younger school days all the way up through their on-the-job training in their careers.
While you are preparing for your next eLearning program launch, you’re likely seeking ways to make it different, better, and more engaging. Whether it’s the addition of gamification to your modules, or greater integration with your leadership team in rolling out your initiatives, you know it’s time to make a few tweaks to your current program, in order for your organization to be successful meeting its strategic and operational goals.
Most people know the feeling of being so immersed in an activity that they aren’t even aware what’s happening around them. They have lost all track of time and may not even remember where they are!
The types of technology that most people have at their fingertips today are vast. From smartphones to tablets, laptops, and desktops, Macs and PCs, there are a number of options.
There are several benefits that serious games can provide the learners. But if serious games are poorly designed, then the organization will not be able to reap the benefits to the full extent. If learning designers really want serious games to be viable, then they need to put deep thought into how to make it fun and effective. Serious games need to be mapped carefully to the key objectives of learning. Designers need to devote time educating themselves about game elements and how they link to learning.
When a decision has been made to use custom business simulations as part of an eLearning strategy, it’s time to ask a few questions:
Companies are realizing the benefits of custom eLearning. Nearly 77% of American companies have embraced it and are reaping rich benefits. The industry focus, in the coming years, will be to improve the existing methodology in order to increase its benefits to both employers and employees.
Here are 4 hot trends in custom eLearning development to keep an eye on.
Mobile device users are no stranger to frequent notifications. From morning until night, phones and tablets are abuzz with alerts of one kind or another. Receiving these constant digital announcements has become part of our daily lives.
Mobile device users are no stranger to frequent notifications. From morning until night, phones and tablets are abuzz with alerts of one kind or another. Receiving these constant digital announcements has become part of our daily lives.
As game based learning continues to leave its mark on education, the potential arises for a crossover between digital alerts and the elearning market. The notion to use push notifications for the enhancement of gamified training is beginning to come to light.
In today’s tech-driven world, elearning, gamification, and simulations seem commonplace. Education has been transformed by the inclusion of digital learning activities. Learners are engaging with content in different ways than ever before and the result is a deeper understanding and the ability to apply what they are learning to real situations.
In the world of games, there is no one-size-fits-all. What one person finds fascinating and engaging can be viewed as pointless and boring to another.
The element of fun is subjective. Some players prefer games where they are working as a team with others to reach a common goal. They find the cooperative nature enjoyable. Others thrive on the competition of being pitted against other players.
The more information the learner has to process simultaneously, the more difficult it becomes for them to process and retain. Therefore, learning must be designed to reduce cognitive load and not overload it. And, while this is true for all learning, it is more so for mobile learning. Mobile learning needs to be designed based on the research-based theory of how learners learn and retain information. Trainers need to keep in mind that all learners may not have large screen displays. They may be using their smartphones.
