8 Notable Benefits Of Using A Badge-Based eLearning Reward System

8 Notable Benefits Of Using A Badge-Based eLearning Reward System
Summary: Are eLearning badges really your best bet when it comes to motivating online learners and boosting active participation? In this article, I'll highlight 8 notable benefits of using a badge-based eLearning reward system in your eLearning program.

Badge-Based eLearning Reward System: 8 Notable Benefits For Online Learners

A badge-based eLearning reward system is one of the most popular gamification strategies. Online learners have the opportunity to earn carefully crafted incentives to proudly display their accomplishments. Thus, they are more likely to engage with the eLearning content and perform at their very best. Here are 8 of the top benefits associated with badge-based eLearning rewards.

1. Provides Online Learners With Public Recognition

Some online learners are motivated by the idea of being recognized by their instructors and peers. In this case, eLearning badges give them the opportunity to show off their achievements for all to see. At the very least, they can proudly display their eLearning badges on their own eLearning course home pages, which serves as a morale boost. You might even consider an eLearning badge contest wherein online learners with the most rewards receive an added incentive, such as a free eLearning course or an extra serious game.

2. Facilitates Friendly Competition

Humans tend to be competitive by nature. Many online learners like to "one up" their peers and rise to the top of the ranks. eLearning badges allow them to engage in friendly competition by striving for more rewards than their counterparts. For example, they invest time and effort to unlock the exclusive "top performer" eLearning badge, which involves a series of task-based simulations and scenarios. You can even pair eLearning badges with leaderboards to take it to the next level.

3. Intrinsically Motivates Online Learners

Intrinsic motivation involves internal factors. Online learners learn for the sake of expanding their knowledge and skills. This is in stark contrast to extrinsic motivators, such as gift cards or monetary incentives. eLearning badges intrinsically motivate online learners by encouraging them to pursue their goals and objectives. Sure, they get to earn an eLearning badge. However, that's an intangible reward that has no financial value. Online learners try to collect as many eLearning badges as possible, but their primary aim is to acquire new knowledge.

4. Promotes A Positive Learning Culture

eLearning badges give online learners the positive reinforcement they need to continually improve their performance and knowledge. They are also a fun way to reward online learners for all their hard work. Thus, a badge-based eLearning reward system helps promote a positive and supportive learning culture. Online learners know that they will be recognized for their accomplishments, and that they are in charge of their own personal growth. Of course, there are a variety of other factors that must be present, such as online support tools and peer-based eLearning feedback that creates a culture of lifelong learning.

5. Breaks Long-Term Goals Into Achievable Milestones

Long-term goals may diminish learner motivation and excitement. This is due to the fact that they lack instant gratification. Online learners have to tackle each of the steps involved in order to achieve the desired outcome. But they don't receive any encouragement between the start and the finish line. Fortunately, badge-based eLearning reward systems give online learners little nudges along the way. They can earn individual eLearning badges that bring them one step closer to the ultimate goal, instead of having to wait until the end to be recognized for their hard work.

6. Fosters Self-Guided Learning

You can even develop an entire self-paced eLearning course that centers on badge-based eLearning reward systems. This promotes self-guided online learners and empowers them to take charge of the process. Break your eLearning course into badge-based eLearning opportunities. For example, online learners must complete an eLearning activity to earn its respective eLearning badge, and they must accrue 20 eLearning badges in order to receive their certificate of completion.

7. Adds A Visual Element To eLearning Incentives

eLearning badges are more visual than many other rewards, such as points or credits. As such, you can get creative when designing your eLearning badges to appeal to online learners' visual nature. For example, add artsy fonts, bold colors, or relevant images. Here are a couple of tips to develop eLearning badges that captivate online learners:

a. Use A Rapid eLearning Authoring Tool

Many rapid eLearning authoring tools feature built-in media libraries. Thus, you can find all the images, graphics, icons, and fonts you need to create your eLearning badges. These tools also help to ensure that your eLearning badges are properly formatted. As such, you'll be able to export them to your eLearning course platform.

b. Research Online Learner Preferences

Online learners come from different backgrounds. Likewise, they have unique personal interests and preferences. All of these elements play a crucial role when creating eLearning badges. Try to incorporate graphics that are culturally appropriate and cater to their hobbies. For example, nature themed images for those who love the great outdoors. Of course, the eLearning badge should also align with your company image and overall objectives.

8. Improves Memory Retention

Online learners are more likely to remember information when it's in small doses. And eLearning badges break your eLearning course into easily digestible milestones. For example, online learners must master the task in order to receive the eLearning badge. Thus, they are able to focus on the steps and skills involved before moving onto the next topic. Online learners have the power to concentrate on each eLearning badge and all of the ideas and concepts it entails, instead of trying to absorb an abundance of facts and stats at any given time. However, to achieve the desired results, you must pair each learning objective or behavior with an eLearning badge. For instance, online learners can earn a new eLearning badge for each interpersonal skill they develop or task they master.

eLearning badges serve as visual reminders of an online learner's personal achievements and milestones. They are versatile enough to work in virtually any eLearning strategy, which makes them an ideal choice for compliance online training courses and certification programs that involve long-term objectives. Hopefully, this article has helped you determine whether eLearning badges are best for your audience.

What are the key differences between serious games and gamified eLearning courses? Read the article Gamification And Serious Games: Differences And Benefits eLearning Pros Need To Know to discover the pros and cons of each approach, as well as their distinguishing characteristics.