This informal CPD article, ‘Gamification and Microlearning: Engaging Learners in 2024 and Beyond?’, was provided by iAM Learning, who are transforming the way your workforce trains and retains, using high-end animation, lovable characters and captivating stories to make even the most serious subjects appealing and unforgettable.
Gamification has become an incredibly popular and effective trend in microlearning over the past few years. But what does gamification mean? Well, it’s the introduction of game elements like points, levels, and badges into bite-sized learning modules. It transforms training into something fun and rewarding, boosting learner engagement and motivation dramatically.
As we move into 2024, gamification in learning is only gaining more traction. There are great reasons why you should be incorporating gamification into your employee training initiatives. Microlearning’s short, focused format is perfectly suited for gamification elements. And with more people using their mobile devices for on-the-go learning, gamified microlearning hits the sweet spot.
You’ve likely seen this stuff at work before. Some excellent examples of gamification in microlearning are in language learning apps which reward users for consistent learning through points and level unlocks, and sales training platforms that let salespeople compete on quiz leaderboards.
The keys to creating engaging, effective gamified microlearning are:
- Clear goals and rules of play to provide a sense of purpose
- A compelling narrative or theme (like a quest or adventure)
- A variety of challenges, chance elements (like spinners or cards), and different levels to progress through
- Recognition of achievement through badges, leaderboards, trophies, certificates, etc.
- A strong visual and audio aesthetic for an immersive user experience
The benefits of adding these gamification strategies to microlearning are immense. The competitive and social elements influence our innate desires for status and community. The freedom to fail and try again in a risk-free environment boosts confidence and skills. The motivation to unlock the next level or badge pushes consistent learning habit formation. And the fun, positive mood from gameplay improves knowledge retention and application.
With learner expectations and technology both evolving rapidly, gamification is the perfect way to create microlearning experiences that are engaging, aid memory retention, and - ever more important these day - mobile-friendly.
Expect gamification elements like points, badges, and leaderboards to permeate training in all industries as organisations realise its massive potential for motivation and results. Not only this year, either. According to recent research projections, by 2025, it's expected that over 80% of organisations will integrate gamification into their training and L&D programs. And why not? As training material becomes more engaging, boosts knowledge retention and motivates behavioural change, we’ll see gamified microlearning explode as the new best practice for building a skilled, successful workforce through training. The future is bright for gamified learning. Use it in your business to capture your learner’s attention, improve performance and drive results.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iAM Learning, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
