One of the most popular topics in L&D has been the use of games and game mechanics to achieve learning goals. This interest increased considerably with the release and increasing popularity of computer-based games, which gave rise to a giant industry of its own. But in our field there remains a good deal of confusion about the distinction between “games” and “gamification” and the conditions that make their use effective toward learning ends.

Karl Kapp, PhD is one of L&D’s leading voices on the subject. He serves as the assistant director and faculty member at Bloomsburg University’s Institute for Interactive Technologies, and is the author of several books on games and gamification of learning experiences.

I sat down with Dr. Kapp onsite at the 2019 DevLearn Conference & Expo to discuss what the research has to say about successfully using games and gamification as instructional strategies and their effectiveness at improving performance.

In Karl Kapp on Games and Gamification, Kapp addresses the differences between games and gamification and explores the conditions that make each effective.

Here are just a few of the topics that are discussed:

  • Which gaming elements matter the most
  • Self Determination Theory
  • Gamification for performance
  • Challenges with the research on games and gamification
  • And more!

In addition to the video interview, Kapp has assembled various resources and suggested readings to help you learn more.

Download and watch this report now to learn more about how gaming mechanics can improve your instructional strategies and your learners’ performance.