In the last few years, you would have seen two significant trends in online corporate training:
With the maturing of these techniques, a logical extension is to leverage on the combination of both approaches.
In this article, I outline one of the ways through which you can use the combination. I outline how you can use gamified microlearning activities to boost the impact of your corporate training.
Before moving on to the specifics of the combination (gamified microlearning activities), let me outline the strengths of microlearning and gamification techniques for online training.
Microlearning is short, focused, bite-sized training that is typically 2-7 minutes long. It is not eLearning lite. Instead, it is designed to be a nugget that meets a specific learning outcome.
The microlearning nuggets can be designed to be consumed as a stand-alone nugget (as a job aid/learning aid designed to help learners at the moment of their need), or as part of a learning path featuring several such nuggets (typically for formal training). The microlearning nuggets can also be used to support ILT/VILT programs.
Microlearning is typically offered in the mobile learning format (although, it will support other devices too), enabling learners to consume the learning on the device of their choice and on the go.
It features high-impact, engaging formats notably, animated videos, interactive videos, infographics, interactive infographics, and so on.
The primary trigger for the adoption of microlearning was the need to meet the challenge of diminishing attention spans. But, this is not the only factor in its favor.
As we see a change in the pattern of how learners want to learn, microlearning based training provides a great way to match the learners’ preferences to learn.
Gamification is the use of principles and key elements of gaming to deliver the required learning objectives.
Unlike traditional eLearning, the operative words in this approach are “fun as you learn.” Driven by a narrative, the learning path is interspersed with learning assets, challenges, levels, instant feedback, scores, badges, and leaderboards.
A highly engaging approach, gamification for serious learning helps L&D teams achieve learning outcomes through a more engaging journey. An effective gamification strategy provides higher completion rates as well a better recall and retention. It can be used with equal success to apply the learning at work as well as help learners upskill.
Gamified microlearning activities are one of the approaches that can help you leverage on the combined value of gamification and microlearning.
They offer the following benefits:
I recommend a simple 3-step process that you can use to leverage on the combined power of microlearning and gamification.
You can use them to offer the following (individually or in a path where you can combine one or more):
For instance, you can have different categories based on what you want to achieve. These could include nuggets that learners could use to:
The combination of gamification and microlearning techniques can be done in multiple ways.
I am outlining 4 examples that show how you can use gamified microlearning activities.
Microlearning nuggets can be woven into a highly relevant and personalized learning path. You can either gamify the learning path or have individual nuggets that feature gamification.
This example of gamified microlearning activities features:
The gamified learning journey can offer a personalized performance indicator that can aid learners to focus on further improvement. You can nudge the learners to achieve this through gamification elements (points, badges, and recognition).
This example of gamified microlearning activities features:
In this endeavor:
This example of gamified microlearning activities features:
Besides offering the microlearning nuggets for formal training as well as job aids or learning aids, you can also offer curated assets. To encourage learners to go through them, you can use gamification elements such as points and badges.
This example of gamified microlearning activities features:
As you would have noted, the combination of microlearning and gamification in the format of gamified microlearning activities can be used in many ways to boost the impact of your corporate training.
In this article, I have touched upon a few facets of how you can leverage on this combination. In this endeavor, you are limited only by your imagination. However, if you have any specific queries, do contact me or leave a comment below.