GAMIFIED ELEARNING EXPERIENCE
Overview
This eLearning module focuses on the fundamentals of gamification, a powerful tool for enhancing learner engagement and motivation. Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts, such as educational courseware and corporate trainings, to create a more dynamic and interactive learning experience.
- Audience: Instructional Designers, Former Teachers, eLearning Enthusiasts
- Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design
- Tools Used: Storyline 360, Photoshop
Problem and Solution
Many teachers aspiring to transition into instructional design face a steep learning curve, particularly when it comes to understanding and implementing gamification in eLearning. Despite their extensive experience in education, these educators often struggle to grasp the fundamentals of gamification, leading to missed opportunities for creating engaging and effective learning experiences. This gap in knowledge can be a significant barrier for teachers aiming to break into the instructional design field.
To address this challenge, I developed an eLearning module specifically designed for teachers transitioning into instructional design, as well as beginners in the field. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of gamification, offering practical insights and actionable strategies for integrating game-like elements into educational courseware. By guiding users through the key concepts and methods of gamification, this learning module empowers aspiring instructional designers to enhance learner engagement and motivation, thus facilitating a smoother transition into their new roles. This solution was inspired by the numerous inquiries I received from teachers on LinkedIn seeking advice on transitioning into instructional design, underscoring the demand for targeted educational resources in this area.
My Process
Research
To begin, I conducted in-depth interviews with over thirty teachers who had reached out to me on LinkedIn, seeking advice on transitioning into instructional design. These conversations allowed me to gather valuable insights into their current knowledge of gamification and identify specific learning needs and common challenges. With this information, I was able to pinpoint the key knowledge gaps that needed to be addressed.
Storyboarding
Next, I drafted a storyboard to outline the structure and flow of the eLearning module. This storyboard defined the learning objectives, key topics, and interactive elements for each section, ensuring that the design was user-friendly and effectively met the needs identified during the interviews.
Gamification Elements
In the development phase, I created a small character to serve as a guide throughout the module, immersing learners in a game-like simulation. This character helped make the learning experience more engaging and interactive.
Real world examples
To enhance the module with practical, real-world examples, I researched popular gamification strategies used in both retail and educational settings. I looked at tools like Class Dojo to understand effective gamification techniques used in classrooms. By integrating these examples, I aimed to provide relatable illustrations of gamification in action.