Allow us to introduce you to gamification. Although much hype surrounds the topic of gamification, there seems to be some misunderstanding as to what exactly it is. For our purposes at Visual Purple, we contend that gamification through our customized simulation training experiences is accomplished through a reward system. While not for every simulation design, when appropriate we will utilize leveling up, leaderboards / scoreboards, badges and achievements to further engage the trainee or learner.
For many even the term of gamification can be a turn-off. Why pay to have a trainee or learner play a game? Gaming concepts are everywhere nowadays from our smartphone apps to email campaigns we all have a desire to feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement.
Gamification must also vary from one application to the next. In the case of simulation design, each simulation is built with different elements of gamification. Through incorporating gamification elements within a simulation, it allows a more immersive training environment that can further engage trainees and learners resulting greater muscle memory and development of critical thinking skills.
Why Gamification Has made Its Way into Simulation Training
Millennials are the least engaged generation at work, and a recent Gallup study further determined that only 31 percent of employees are engaged at work. Let’s just reiterate that number, that’s less than one-third of U.S. workers that were engaged in their work last year! Gamification of training aids the trainee in engaging further and also helps them to prepare better for real-life situations. The average millennial spends upwards of 10,000 hours gaming before even turning age 21. Thus, the millennial workforce is an audience that yearns to have training delivered to them in an easily digestible format that is relatable and intriguing. The millennial generation (as well as other generations) are demanding of innovative training solutions that actually teach what they need to learn.
Gamification in Simulation Training http://t.co/qILcdsx72M