Game-based Learning: Improving Skills Training

With the evolution of technology and the introduction of inspiring curriculum developers, corporate learning is experiencing its watershed moment. The days of traditional classroom sessions involving loads of reading exercises are quickly being replaced by game-based learning. Game-based learning has become a popular trend, and HR managers enjoy maximum participation from such training programs.

Need for Game-based Learning

Game-based learning involves educating learners on the subject matter via virtual or non-virtual games. Games in eLearning are becoming one of the most successful corporate training techniques due to the fun components associated with it. Through games, employees learn significant concepts, retain them for a longer duration, and use them readily in practical workplace scenarios. Both commercial and educational games can be used for game-based learning.

Game-based learning also helps to strengthen the overall training experience by improving the understanding of the subject matter. A fun-filled game-based training plan empowers the workforce to learn more effectively and helps in applying their skills at the workplace and staying competitive with their colleagues.

5 Reasons to Include eLearning Gamesin Corporate SkillsTraining

1- Encourages strategic thinking and decision making

Game-based learning requires learners to think swiftly and then use their rationale to solve complex problems. This process promotes quick decision-making and also helps in developing management skills. Most desired learning outcomes such as strategic thinking, putting oneself in the situation of someone else, developing analytical and communicative skills, etc., are easily achieved with soft skills learning games.

2- Improves attention span and retention power

Learners respond better to multimedia-based learning content as compared to text-heavy course modules. When the course content is offered in their preferred format, learners are more receptive to the knowledge being imparted. Game-based learning modules are designed to help the learners focus on the course content and motivate them to use their acquired knowledge in solving the presented problems, thereby reinforcing the concepts in their minds. Improved attention span, spatial vision, higher retention rate, and cognitive, motivational, and social development are among the recognized benefits of using applied game-based learning for training employees.

3- Promotes adapting to new technologies

eLearning games on devices and computers offer an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge regarding digital or virtual challenges, interactive scenarios, internet surfing, or extremely simple things like user and password management. Flexibility is another standout benefit of game-based learning as the learners can easily access the mini-games through their mobile devices, enabling them to continue their training even when they are on the move. Game-based learning provides all the necessary tools and skills to keep pace with the latest technological advancements.

4- Improves learner engagement

To compete with the limitation of reduced attention span during traditional classroom approaches, games-based content in online training programs can serve as an effective strategy to keep the learners interested and absorbed. It successfully keeps the learners focussed on the training program as they get encouragement to utilize their logical and analytical capabilities in the processes.

5- Inculcates a competitive spirit which can improve employee productivity

In general, the competitive elements that are part of a game are not found in traditional learning methods such as lectures or discussions. Rewards, challenges, and leaderboards give employees/players a desire or motivation to engage in a healthy competition and accomplish the required task. It does not mean that they have to be pitted directly against another team member. It could also be simply attempting to get the highest score possible or surpassing the last individual score every time.

These are the five significant reasons which help understand how beneficial it can be to incorporate game-based learning in the skill training sessions for new and old employees of corporate organizations. It can be an extremely refreshing experience for the organizations as well as the learners to enjoy learning some important concepts with a bit of fun and excitement.

GCube is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the Asia Pacific offering complete learning technology solutions under one roof. With over 80+ industry awards, our solutions range from enterprise LMS, custom content development, Virtual Instructor-led Training solutions, mobile learning, microlearning, translation, and localization in over 60 languages.