Monthly Archives: July 2021

Game-based learning, Gamification

5 Game Elements that create effective learning games

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You must have heard the phrase: learn by playing. This is not just a saying, but it actually works, as games help in the production of dopamine in the brain that stimulates attention and induces learning.  

And with the revolutionized gaming industry, even educators can learn a lot and apply the strategies to make the teaching effective. But before dwelling on that subject, one must understand the elements that create effective learning games.  

So, without wasting time, let’s know more about them.  

  1. A well-crafted story 

Who doesn’t love a good story? People live for stories. And when a story is introduced in the game, it helps the player feel more immersed in the game. It provides them a meaning, and they understand what is needed from them. And most importantly, the learning aspects become far easier than including just a handful of facts.  

While doing so, the developer must take care of 4 areas: character, plot, conflict, and resolution. Yes, a gaming story does demand a lot of creative thinking, but it is certainly worth the effort. 

  1. Great visuals 

Just like a story, even the aesthetics pull people towards the game. One has seen the immersive experience it creates for the gamers in games like PubG, but it is equally important in learning games. Statistics suggest that visuals increase the willingness to read by 80 percent and comprehension by 95 percent. Also, kids follow directions better with visuals than just text.  

In fact, Quodeck can help you design your gaming platform to create interactive experiences for the learners so that they engage with it easily.  

  1. Interactive gameplay 

Players are usually the actors in a game. And hence, it is essential to keep them involved to stimulate maximum learning. It is best to keep passive activities at the minimum and to make the game as interactive as possible. 

For instance, a traditional technique usually involves making the learner watch a video and understand what was done correctly and incorrectly. But in the case of interactive gaming, the learner will walk through the particular scenario and decide what should be done.  

Infact, there are several ways in which games can be made interactive. These include role-plays, puzzles, competitions, etc.  

  1. Challenge the learner  

It is also essential to keep the learner engaged in the game, and the best way to do that is by challenging them from time to time. But it is necessary to keep the challenges balanced. Challenges that are too complex will make them feel frustrated, and they may lose interest. Hence, it is good to start with simple requirements and test the learner at various stages to ensure that the right level is set.  

  1. Introduce a Reward 

Learning in students is often enhanced when linked to some reward that they win through the game. One approach to reward can be when they complete cumbersome or menial tasks. Also, the reward should be linked to performance, rather than mere competition. In this way, the learners will be encouraged to give their best, and by doing this, they will even start learning better.  

In the end  

To summarise, each of the above-mentioned gaming elements motivates the players and stimulates learning in them in a playful manner.  It is now high time that educators work in collaboration with the designers to make learning easy and fun.  

And of course, with the presence of multiple gaming elements, it is difficult to decide a perfect fit. But with constant testing and tweaking, it is possible to create a successful learning game.

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Corporate Learning and Development, e-Learning, eLearning Develpment Best Practices, Teachers

Why implementing EdTech in classrooms could help in immersive learning

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In recent times, EdTech has been gaining prominence at a rapid pace. It has found its place in classrooms of various scales, ranging from schools to universities. In short, EdTech has revolutionized education by bringing about some much-needed changes. Online classes are one of the results of the growth of EdTech. However, EdTech has also gained popularity in physical classrooms as a means of promoting immersive learning.  

What is EdTech? 

EdTech is a blend of sophisticated technologies and the academic sector. It is a rather vast field consisting of digital classes, e-learning, audio-visual classrooms, and other technologies. The integration of such technologies makes learning much easier and effective. In the past, only a few leading institutions used to try out sophisticated EdTech solutions. Now, however, EdTech has become relatively mainstream.  

How is EdTech helping in making learning more immersive? 

It is quite a known fact that students often find education to be boring. When it becomes immersive, the learners naturally find it to be more interesting. Here are some of the ways in which EdTech improves learning: 

  1. Gamification 

Gamification is one of the most popular features of EdTech, especially for children. The integration of game mechanics in learning makes it fun. There are various types of custom educational software that provide the students with resources in a more engaging manner. 

  1.  Resources 

Students can now learn from eBooks, online platforms, and educational videos. Academic institutions are implementing EdTech to provide learners with better resources. This makes the learning process much richer.  

  1. Collaboration 

EdTech adds collaboration capabilities to the educational field. Learners can easily connect with others around the globe to share knowledge. Discussion forums are a prime example. Video conferencing solutions have made virtual classrooms a reality too. Moreover, student teams working on projects can easily coordinate and collaborate online.  

  1. Better job-readiness 

One of the most popular drawbacks of conventional education is that it is outdated in nature. It does not prepare students for modern-day jobs. However, EdTech helps to get over this issue. It accustoms the students to digital tools like electronic whiteboards, video calling, and emails. Moreover, online resources help the learners obtain up-to-date information.  

  1. Comprehensiveness 

One of the key factors that make EdTech so immersive is its comprehensive nature. Unlike conventional education, modern education is no longer bookish. Instead, the students can learn from online videos and other resources. This helps to gain more practical knowledge. The significance of practical experience in today’s world makes EdTech a logical choice.  

  1. Customized learning 

EdTech helps to deliver customized education to each student. This is far more effective than conventional classrooms. A teacher offering the same knowledge at the same pace for all the students is not really effective. This is because every student is different. However, with EdTech, students may learn in a personalized manner and at their own pace.

Popular immersive learning technologies 

Newer immersive learning technologies are always in the making. These create digital environments to offer an immersive audio-visual experience. Three of the most popular immersive learning technologies are: 

Virtual reality 

Virtual reality is basically a computer-generated scenario that delivers an experience similar to real life. VR helps to make education immersive by making it easier to relate to. For instance, a student watching an educational video would find it to be engaging. 

Augmented reality 

This is a technology that places virtual objects in the environment around the learner. In this process, it creates a digital interface. It has typically been a popular technology in the field of entertainment. However, lately, AR has also found its place in education.  

Mixed reality 

Mixed reality is essentially a blend of VR and AR. The real-world environment is still a part of the digital environment, making the mixed-reality environment seem even more realistic.  

Conclusion 

These technologies are finding application in the academic sector at a growing pace. Their popularity is increasing among students and teachers alike. Virtual environments are also proving helpful in educating children who require special care.   

It is unlikely that the trend of growing EdTech usage would die out any time soon. Essentially, it is helping the education sector evolve and meet the demands of the modern world.  

Corporate Learning and Development, e-Learning, eLearning Develpment Best Practices

The future of EdTech post pandemic

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In recent years, EdTech has been becoming increasingly prominent. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for the growth of the EdTech market. It has constantly spurred demand for sophisticated educational technologies. In the post-pandemic world, EdTech continues to be an integral part of the academic sphere.  

The future of EdTech, however, seems unclear so far. Considering that the sector can adapt to the changing demands of the customers, it has fair chances of doing well.  

What is EdTech? 

For those who are new to the terminology, EdTech refers to the blend of information technology and the academic sector. In the past, computer technology in classrooms mostly referred to large computers. However, with immense development in the field of computers and IT solutions, this has changed.  

Classrooms now come with far more sophisticated features. The COVID-19 pandemic even caused classrooms to turn entirely virtual. All this diverse integration of IT into academics together comprises EdTech.  

What are the post covid trends in the EdTech industry? 

The EdTech industry has undisputedly undergone impressive growth during the pandemic. More and more institutions are taking up online classes as the only viable solution. As a result, the demand for EdTech products has risen.  

  • Video conferences are no longer limited to office and business meetings. There has been a sharp rise in the number of institutions delivering classes online.  
  • A growing number of businesses are coming up in this sector. The post-pandemic period witnessed the launch of thousands of startups in the field of EdTech.  
  • Newer EdTech technologies are constantly coming up. The leading players in this market, as well as the new startups, are trying to innovate.  
  • Naturally, the competition has grown quite high in the EdTech sector. This ultimately leads to better EdTech services as every business tries to attract more users.  
  • For now, the sector is likely to continue growing at a fast pace. At least until the pandemic ends and institutions can hold physical classes safely again, online classes are here to stay.  
     

Hence, it is unlikely that the EdTech sector would die out any time soon, at least until the pandemic ends completely.  

What is the scope of EdTech post covid? 

The academic sector has undergone a sudden and immense change in a matter of months. Quite naturally, it took some time to adapt to EdTech. As EdTech became more mainstream and the new normal, the need for further development arose.  

  • EdTech solutions that involve artificial intelligence and machine learning are on the rise. These would further streamline the education system by automating various activities.  
  • Many parents and students indicate that they would prefer to go back to physical classes once normalcy returns.  
  • The demand for better software solutions is on the rise too. This is especially because children often find the conventional platforms difficult to use.   

Essentially, the EdTech products still have drawbacks. These make many students and academic institutions hesitant to use them. However, one must remember that the academic sector was far less digital in nature until not long ago. The EdTech companies need some time to develop their products further, and they likely will.  

What changes should you expect to see? 

It is evident that if the EdTech companies intend to thrive in the long run, especially once the pandemic is over, they must evolve. They need to be able to cater to the changing demands to stay relevant.  

  • EdTech products like video calling platforms are undergoing rapid development. A sharp rise in user-friendliness of several of these has become quite prominent.  
  • Some of the leading companies are coming up with better learning automation products. These are software solutions that help the students learn at their own pace.  
  • The development of automated assessment solutions is on the rise as well.  
  • You may certainly expect to see rapid innovation in this sector. The EdTech companies now have plenty of incentives to capitalize on.   

Conclusion 

The EdTech brands need to evolve and adapt quickly to capture the rapidly growing market. They are likely to keep on pushing for sophistication and help the sector grow faster. For now, it seems that online classes may not remain a popular option in the future. However, this can quickly change, based on how the EdTech companies act. 

Corporate Learning and Development, Corporate Learning Best Practices, e-Learning, Informal Learning Tips, L&D professionals, Online Learning

7 Ways to Maximize Learning in your Training Programs

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Training programs are a collection of instructions or procedures that are designed to help people improve their abilities. Skills and knowledge, mentality, attitude, and efficiency of a person are important in any profession.

Every person receives training at some point in their lives, whether formal or informal. How many times have you gone to training programs as a student or a professional and been able to recall or put what you learned into practice?

If your answer is close to zero, this was most likely because you were forced to attend the training against your will due to institutional obligations. It’s also conceivable that you received general training with no actual or direct application to your topic or career.

Whether public or personalized, any activity will undoubtedly provide value to individuals in some manner, either directly or indirectly. The only stipulation is that you must be able to benefit from it.

Now check out the tips listed below on how to get the most out of any training program and improve your learning retention:

1.   Clear your mindset:

The majority of individuals do not benefit from any training courses (primarily generic ones). They already have a terrible impression of the session.

This kind of training is of no benefit to them in their career or at work, because they do not concentrate on learning and application, any activity they get will be useless to them.

The primary source of this issue is a preconceived mentality. This mentality is formed as a result of previous experiences or disinformation. So, if you want to learn and have a good belief system, you must not use these filters.

2.   Finalize the pre-work:

Many training courses contain a pre-assignment or pre-assessment exercise that you must complete before the course commencement.

Many individuals do not want to complete this pre-workout, but it is critical for you to self-analyze your present abilities and create a route to your goal talents. It enables you to assess your current abilities and knowledge gaps to succeed in your profession.

3.   Determine the aim of training programs:

It is critical to determine the purpose of training, or in other words, the goal of the program. What are you expecting to gain from the training? Find out what’s in it for you, what skills you’ll get, what information you’ll gain, and what new learnings you’ll accomplish.

This way, you’ll be able to pinpoint your specific objective and concentrate your efforts on achieving it.

4.   Match your learning outcomes to your objectives:

Establish a clear link between what you gain in a training course and your desired outcome. Determine which learnings are linked to your desired abilities. This will encourage you to participate actively in the program and strive to improve your abilities.

5.   Focus on analysis:

What you can’t define, you can’t improve. You must first evaluate the efficacy of your staff training and development program before you can enhance it. Fortunately, current training systems make it simple to get a wide range of data about your learning program’s success. While smaller businesses may choose to forego utilizing training analytics, more prominent companies cannot afford to do so.

It’s difficult for educators and training managers to remain ahead of training innovations on an individual level as the amount of students and courses grows, perhaps spanning several training groups, divisions, and branches.

Make it a habit to track your training data to enhance your business training program. This will assist you to:

  • Gain a sense of your training program’s overall development
  • Find and fill skill gaps, detect issues in your courses (e.g., challenging lessons)
  • Identify parts of your training program that need improvement
  • Recognize and appreciate training effort, locate your top talent

6.   Attend follow-up meetings:

Many training providers schedule follow-up sessions for their students to address any issues they may have when putting the ideas or learnings into practice. Attend these seminars to receive answers to your questions and get additional insight into putting your skills into practice.

Even if you don’t have any questions, you may still learn something new by attending to or studying other people’s problems and solutions.

7.   Add ‘Social Learning’ to your training:

You learn more when you exchange your experience with others, when you have a mentor to assist you, and when you have a model to follow.

Learners and mentors are connected via social learning, allowing them to talk and share their thoughts and problems. Chat rooms, forums, online communities, video conferencing, and other methods are crucial.

This social learning method is an excellent technique to stay motivated, passionate, and eager to learn more.

In conclusion

To advance in your professional job or company in today’s competitive world, you must surpass others. You must have a good attitude and understand your learning style to get the most out of it. These tips will help you get that extra knowledge from your training programs, and you’ll see the change in your learning methods from day one.

The key to success is to put your plan into action. So, put everything you’ve learned in class into practice, and keep brushing up on your abilities.

Corporate Learning and Development, e-Learning, Employee-Training, QuoDeck

7 Counterintuitive Tips for Crushing Your LXP

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LXP is designed with an aim to provide a continuous and amazing learning experience. The article talks about 7 counterintuitive tips for crushing your LXP. 

Business organizations have been integrating LMS (Learning Management Systems) to enhance employee learning. Both trainers and learners need a comprehensive and powerful learning ambiance. This explains the popularity of LXPs (Learning Experience Platforms). 

LXPs offer a customized learning environment. In the process, the learners discover fresh opportunities to imbibe skills. These platforms pool educational content from different places.  

It also recommends the delivery of these skills through the latest technologies. These technologies include gamification, social learning, AI, and others. 

Key benefits of using an LXP in your organization 

1. LXPs enable team branching 

One of the prime benefits of using an LXP is its usability in different business units. Thus, various teams can use it without disturbing the learning process of others. 

Using this software, training managers can fix the number of learners in each team. They can also invite particular members or communicate with them. Besides, LXPs enable them to set individual learning paths and goals. By tracking progress, they can ensure better productivity of the employees. 

2. Learning on the go 

Many professionals love educating themselves on the move. LXPs provide a good platform with this feature, so that they can remain productive. They are compatible with different types of content and platforms, and this simplifies the learning process. The employees can learn at any time and place. 

LXPs have an advantage over LMS. The reason is, they help in upskilling employees. In the process, they can maximize the productivity of these employees. 

3. Intuitive and dynamic features 

The interface and architecture of LXPs are based on social learning. This strengthens its collaborative management, ease of use, and work efficiency. 

It brings you features like content sharing and receiving feedback. Moreover, your employees can display key benchmarks in their respective networks. 

The concept of LXP is like that of microlearning when employees are on the move. So, they can complete exercises on their handsets and take part in learning. 

Also, managers enjoy reduced administrative burden, thanks to the AI features. 

4. Great interface for users 

Employees find it easy to use LXPs, thanks to their seamless interface. It is easy to browse through the blog posts, lessons, videos, etc., through the search options. Besides, employees can come up with their own ways of learning. This includes other content for personalizing their experience. 

LXPs can also strategically track the progress of employees. The central dashboard present in the software helps the employees track the number of completed lessons and badges earned. 

5. Learning recommendations 

LXPs provide highly tailored recommendations to the learners. This ensures that employees don’t lose interest in the matter. In the corporate world, this is a key tactic to enhance productivity. 

In LXP tools, employees can find different customized learning styles. The AI integration further enables the employees to tailor content. These recommendations are largely based on their interests, profiles, and historical data. 

Therefore, employees can keep their staff fully engaged. The training process turns out to be interesting and makes the employees productive. 

6. Time management of employees 

Deploying an LXP enables employees to master their knowledge within their respective time schedules. They need not compromise with their working hours while imbibing fresh skills. With these tools, you can do away with the issues related to bite-size concepts of learning.  

This implies that an employee can engage in learning whenever he or she gets time during office hours. Reading blog posts or undergoing short tutorials would not take much time. Therefore, employees can gain skills without messing up their work schedules. 

7. LXPs are customizable 

Employers can quickly make changes in the learning paths in LXPs. This flexibility eases their operations, saving significant time. 

In the competitive environment, business firms need to stay productive. As the skill requirement is continually evolving, businesses need to come up with updated paths for learning. In the end, it contributes to the success of the venture. 

Conclusion 

With one of the robust LXPs at your disposal, you can significantly mitigate the financial burden. After all, you would be shelling out your money for exactly what you require. The intuitive interface allows the users to upload their content seamlessly for trainees. It makes sense to invest in a powerful LXP.