How To Choose The Most Optimal LMS Gamification Features
You already know what price range you’re looking at and even determined the best deployment model, which was no easy task. Given that you had to consult with everyone from stakeholders to corporate learners. Now it’s time to decide which functions your new Learning Management System needs to provide in order to motivate users and improve ROI. Ideally, you want a gamified platform that’s also simple and straightforward for your L&D team to use. What are the essential LMS gamification features to keep on your radar during the LMS selection process?
1. Built-In Game Mechanics
Of course, the crux of your gamification strategy hinges on mechanics. Such as badges, points, and other rewards that motivate your corporate learners. However, not all LMS platforms are equal in regard to built-in gamification elements. Look for a Learning Management System that gives you the ability to pick-and-choose from a broad range of mechanics. Keep in mind that different learners have different sources of motivation. Their personality traits and backgrounds also come into play. For example, one user might prefer badges that enable them to unlock skills and knowledge autonomously, while others gravitate towards leaderboards that allow them to show off their know-how.
2. Customizable Badges
You should be able to customize badges based on learner preferences, the subject matter, and online training goals, as well as your brand image. For example, the gamified LMS features a variety of templates you can personalize by changing the color scheme or adding graphics. This gives learners more incentive to achieve the badge since it’s more visually appealing and caters to their interests.
3. Advanced Reporting
One of the most integral LMS gamification features to keep on your radar is reporting capabilities. Namely, advanced options that give you the ability to automate report deliveries, view charts and graphs and focus on your KPIs and goals. Earning points might fuel motivation on the front-end since learners know they’re meeting the standards. However, your L&D team and managers or supervisors need a way to monitor individual performance and intervene when necessary. Another crucial requirement to look for is a built-in feedback system so that learners immediately know where they went wrong and how to improve.
4. Social Learning
A crucial part of gamification is social interaction. Sure, some learners may prefer to work alone and accrue as many points as possible. But most want to engage with peers and pit their talents against the top performers. For example, see how far they can rise up the leaderboard or whether they can score more points on the social media pop quiz. Your gamification LMS must be able to support these interactions. As well as informal gamified activities that occur outside the ‘traditional’ online training scope.
5. Role Assign
It may not be a game mechanic, but the role assignment function is an essential LMS gamification feature to look for. Every learner has their own work tasks, personal gaps, and goals. Your LMS must ensure that they have access to gamified activities that align with their needs and professional purviews. For example, your customer service team can participate in simulations and scenarios to bridge skill gaps, and earn a badge. However, they’re unable to view reports that are reserved for LMS admins or access gamified online training tools that are strictly for your sales team. This ensures that data is safe from prying eyes and that everyone gets the targeted resources they require.
6. Personal Progress Tracking
Progress trackers are often an overlooked game mechanic. They give learners the power to see how far they’ve come, what they have left, and eliminate the element of an unwanted surprise. For instance, they can quickly determine which activities they still have to complete to win the badge or reach a level. The best gamified LMS takes it even further by allowing you to customize progress trackers, going beyond the traditional bars and transforming them into themed maps or interactive checklists.
7. Leaderboards
Leaderboards can be a slippery slope. While some may rely on them to fuel some friendly competition, others shy away from them because they prefer solo rewards. That said, your gamification LMS should give you the opportunity to custom tailor leaderboards to learners’ needs/preferences. As an example, give them some degree of anonymity by assigning them a user name. That way, they can still compete without feeling judged. The Learning Management System should also enable you to base leaderboard rankings based on criteria that matter to your organization. For instance, online learners earn a certain number of points by exhibiting favorable behaviors. Those that out-perform their peers earn a higher spot, while those who fall behind are given personalized feedback to help them improve.
8. Serious Game Support
eLearning gamification should not be mistaken for serious games. However, investing in a gamified LMS that provides serious game support is a perk. You can incorporate standalone games into your gamification strategy to make it even more dynamic. These bite-sized gaming experiences offer moment-of-need support and improve learner engagement. They might even have the chance to earn points or other rewards based on their in-game performance.
These are just some of the essential LMS gamification features to think about before investing in a new Learning Management System. However, there may be other criteria to consider based on your business’ needs, learner preferences, and personal gaps. Gather feedback from your eLearning team to see which features will make their workloads lighter, such as automated reports or built-in templates. You should also get input from your learning audience to disclose their motivational factors so that you choose the best mechanics.
Have you ever wondered if the advantages of gamification can be applied to online training? Read our eBook Beyond Badges: How To Use A Gamification LMS To Retain Your Top Talent And Boost ROI and find out the surprising perks of investing in a gamification LMS.
