Gamification in learning management systems
Gamification is becoming a rising trend day by day. It has become vital for any successful learning management system (LMS) in recent years. Simply put, gamification uses game design elements and mechanics in learning systems. From social media to a fitness-related app or portfolio, gamification helps. Some examples of famous game elements are points, badges, and leaderboards. So, by using these tools, gamification entertains learners. Moreover, it motivates the learners to interact with the course content, thus achieving their goals after frequent follow-ups.
Learning management systems have become essential to modern education. The integration of gamification in these learning systems has greatly benefited learners. Here we have highlighted the benefits of gamification and its influence on learning.
What is gamification in a learning management system?
Gamification in a learning management system refers to adding game aspects to the learning environment. Hence, gamification improves learner engagement and engagement. Plus, game design principles turn conventional learning into a compelling experience. Gamification in an LMS usually incorporates different game elements, such as:
- Points and score
- Badges and Achievements
- Levels and progression
- Rankings and Rankings
- Challenges and probes
- Rewards and incentives
- Reviews and progress tracking
- Ways to foster social interaction and collaboration
Henry Waddilove, Managing Director of Novus Business Connections, says:
The goal of gamification in the LMS is to develop a more exciting and admiring learning experience. By incorporating the details of the game, learners are excited to control and track progress. Gamification in the LMS aims to tap into the innate motivation of learners. Moreover, it also offers instant feedback, promotes cooperation and enhances learning.
Benefits of Gamification in eLearning
Motivation plays a crucial role in successful learning. Moreover, integrating game elements into an LMS has become an effective tool. This can keep learners engaged and motivated throughout their learning journey. This article explains how gamification can help learners achieve their goals. Additionally, we have collected several benefits of gamified learning.
Engaged learning and skills development
Vicky Cano, Chef and Recipe Creator at Mealfan, often says:
Gamification enables active learning and facilitates the development of essential skills. On top of that, the interactive segments inspire learners to be more engaged in learning. These activities may include simulations, quests, and problem-solving contests.
Through playful learning platforms, learners feel motivated to use their wisdom. It also improves critical thinking and determination in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, these experiences deepen understanding and promote the learning of vital skills. These essential skills include problem solving, teamwork, decision making and brainstorming.
Exciting learning experience
Companies like Nike, Uber, Starbucks, Chipotle use gaming apps and constantly try to improve the user experience. Because the better the experience, the more likely the audience is to repeat it. Moreover, using strategic means leads people to revisit and even differentiate themselves on the app as your forum becomes a part of their daily lives. Joe Troyer, CEO and Chief Growth Officer of DigitalTriggers, said:
We all know people who brag about their ratings or stars. Although we spend our money on places or apps, people are happy to earn rewards. There’s something fascinating about earning rewards, and the stars and badges just keep piling up. Ultimately, we get used to these rewards alongside our purchases or participation, much like how the likes and reactions on social media make us feel good. This is precisely what you want your learners to experience in your learning management system.
Motivate learners through clear goals and objectives
Professor Dr. Te Wu, CEO of PMO Advisory, said:
Gamification provides learners with clear plans and goals. On top of that, it helps turn their learning experience into a hunt for achievements and bonuses. By setting specific goals, learners feel encouraged to actively participate and progress in the LMS. The visual illustration of progression through levels, badges or knowledge points develops a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, it also motivates the learners and the training team to strive for skill acquisition.
Foster collaboration and competition
Gamification in an LMS promotes cooperation and healthy competition among learners. Features such as leaderboards and multiplayer tests allow learners to compare their level and progress with others, encouraging a sense of friendly competition between learners to maintain engagement. Abner Miller, founder of Starlinkhow, said:
Learners can participate in team activities, peer feedback, or team projects, enhancing social interaction and stimulating knowledge sharing and cooperative understanding. On top of that, things like leaderboards or team projects create a sense of competition or teamwork. In addition, learners can engage in friendly contests. They can compare their progress with that of their peers and nurture their desire to excel. Collaborative learning experiences provide learners with the opportunity to help and learn from each other, fostering association and encouragement.
Immediate feedback and rewards
Josh Snow, CEO of Customerfeedback, said:
Another crucial role of gamification in LMS is the quick feedback and rewards feature. Learners receive quick feedback on their progress to help them focus. Also, this way they can better determine the room for improvement. The incorporation of rewards, such as virtual badges or gems, serves as external motivation. These elements show desirable outcomes and stimulate learner engagement. Rewarding learners ultimately leads to better results. Moreover, it also helps to create an amazing team of skilled workers.
Personalized learning paths
Gamification offers individual learners a personalized experience based on their needs and requirements. Additionally, learners can select their learning courses. They can choose activities based on their interests and set their own pace. This freedom and customization increases their sense of managing their learning progress. This keeps learners motivated and engaged, feeling in control of their progress.
Improve engagement with interactive learning experiences
Gamified LMS platforms incorporate interactive factors that make learning more exciting and comforting. Thanks to the online consultation, learners easily feel involved in the content of the lesson. Additionally, activities that require active involvement, problem solving, and brainstorming are also important. Incorporating quizzes, puzzles and branching scenarios promotes active learning. Thus, learners can analyze, experiment, discover and learn from their mistakes.
Advancement and unlockable content
Alex Contes, co-founder and SaaS expert at Reviewgrower, said:
The idea of advancement and unlockable content in playful learning keeps learners interested. It offers a sense of suspense and discovery. Learners unlock new stages, problems, or content as they complete tasks or earn milestones. This progression technique develops a sense of excitement and interest, creating an urge in learners to continue their journey to see what lies ahead. The strategy of building curiosity for new knowledge acts as an influential motivator.
Takeaway meals
The best thing about gamification is that it is not limited to online learning only. You can also integrate it with e-learning and classrooms. In addition, game elements in learning management systems are of significant importance. It increases the likelihood of motivating and engaging learners by providing clear goals and interactive learning, and by fostering partnership and competition. In addition to that, it also provides quick feedback and rewards and personalizes learning courses.
Gamification transforms the learning journey into an exciting and fulfilling experience, which results in better academic results. Now that no one knows what to predict for the next academic year, it’s time to improve your learning management system. Implement gamification aspects to improve the number of learners and their satisfaction rate.