With the fast pace of the world today, organizations are seeking innovative ways to develop employee training. One of these approaches is game-based learning – a practice of combining the engaging elements of games with structured learning objectives. What we refer to as a game-based learning service offers an effective solution for interaction in learning. Here, we explore what game-based learning services are and the advantages of using them in order to revolutionize the learning experience for your organization.
What is Game-Based Learning?
Game-based learning (GBL) is the use of gamification elements and game design principles applied to a learning system, which means the integration of play and education combined to make learning fun. This technique allows the learner to be focused on what he or she learns because most of the concepts learned are critical knowledge. GBL can be used in almost every field, such as corporate training, education, and even healthcare, in order to create an even more comprehensive interactive learning process.
How Game-Based Learning Works
Scenarios, challenges, and goals are created that are like those in a game. The specific task assigned to the student or problem to be solved engages their critical thinking but also active participation. Long-term retention is also supported by game mechanics such as earning rewards, reaching levels, or receiving challenges.
Important Advantages of Game-Based Learning
Higher Interest: Games have the tendency of naturally appeal to learners, thus making every training session more fun and engaging than the other traditional approaches to learning. It goes further to improve higher retention of the knowledge in mind.
Stimulation of Active Learning: Instead of merely receiving information, game-based learning sessions keep the student actively involved in his/her progress. Active learning stimulates great intellect in solving problems.
Instant Feedback: The learners will have instant feedback from their performance within a gaming environment. This way, they will know where they are wrong and what they need to do to improve on it, hence learning on the move.
Personalized Learning Experience: GBL can be done in such a manner that suits individual learning needs; therefore, learners are allowed to progress at the pace they prefer. This means that all employees, irrespective of their learning style, can benefit from the training offered.
Types of Game-Based Learning
The game-based learning services can offer varied experience types according to the client’s needs. Some of the most common types are outlined below:
Simulations: This involves simulating real-world scenarios. The learners are then given the chance to apply their knowledge in a controlled environment. Simulations are very commonly applied in industries like aviation and healthcare besides military training.
Quizzes and Challenges: Simple games like quizzes are very effective for information reinforcement. The application of challenges and rewards elicits active participation and comprehensive learning from the materials.
Story-Based Games: These games apply the story and narration principle, with learners following a storyline throughout their training. The use of storytelling will make the content more familiar and memorable.
Implementation of Game-Based Learning Services
Implementing game-based learning services into your organization need not be rocket science. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Determine Your Learning Objectives: Start off by figuring out what you want to get from your training program. You might be looking to upgrade your soft skills, technical know-how, or leadership skills, and that is perfectly acceptable. Whatever it may be, the objectives have to come before so that the designing of the game makes sense.
Choose the Right Platform In today’s world, there are many game-based learning platforms available. Based on different budgets, training requirements, and the size of your workforce, you can opt for either self-created or pre-designed modules.
Create a Story: If the story-based GBL concept is applied, then a more suitable storyline needs to be created that is as close to the training objectives as possible. This is because it makes the learner experience themselves as part of a story with an end.
Monitor and Adjust: After the implementation of the GBL program, monitor its effectiveness. Collect feedback from learners and make any required adjustment to improve the learning experience.
Challenges of Game-Based Learning
Despite all the benefits associated with GBL, several challenges are associated with this type of learning:
Cost of Development: High-end learning games or those specifically developed based on a game genre are relatively expensive; that is particularly a challenge for small and medium-sized organizations. Quality GBL always pays in the long run in terms of better employee performance and retention.
Technical Barriers: The technical complexity of a game can sometimes be scary for learners, especially when they are less techno-savvy. Such barriers would require adequate support and training of learners.
Success Measurement: It is difficult to measure the success of game-based learning. This can be through performance measurement and learner feedback of the program.
Real World Applications
Corporate Training: GBL has proven to be helpful in employee onboarding, compliance training, and leadership development. This mode of training makes employees remember information better and helps them engage with the process of training.
Healthcare: Doctors start medical practice in operations and patient care with GBL simulations in controlled, risk-free environments.
Education: The schools and colleges are using GBL to teach subjects such as maths, science, and history, more involving and entertaining for a student.
Future of Game-Based Learning
The future of game-based learning seems hopeful as organizations embrace more interactive methods of learning. Such technologies as virtual reality and artificial intelligence are going to further boost the effectiveness of GBL, making it even more immersive and personalized.
Nowadays, more demand is heard for engaging and effective training methods from a company. Hence, companies are seen to look into how game-based learning can fit into the overall learning and development strategy. It is not about making learning fun; it’s about developing an experience that drives results.
To learn more about how game-based learning can be applied in the corporate environment, check out our blog on Game-Based Learning for Corporate Training: Top Benefits and Trends. Here you’ll find the top trends happening in corporate training and how game-based learning is shaping the future of employee development.
Conclusion
The Game-based learning services serve as an interactive and dynamic way in which training and development for employees are delivered. Organizations can use the strength of games to encourage engagement, enhance retention of learning, and deliver differentiated training experiences for learners. Corporate Training, Education, or Healthcare are not the only things that are transformed by GBL.
It is time to discuss how game-based learning services can take your organization’s learning and development strategy to the next level by providing employees with not just a learning experience but an interesting, engaging experience.
