Focus Magazine - Fall 2012 - 42

5 QUESTIONS Kevin Kruse

5 Questions With…

Karl Kapp

Karl Kapp, author, The Gamification of Learning and Instruction

rom casual games to serious games, from smartphones to consoles, from toddlers to retirees, games are everywhere. It seems we have reached a con uence of technology and design where games and game-elements have become ubiquitous and seem to have a unique ability to engage us when we need it most. Now a new term has emerged, “Gami cation.” Karl Kapp, Ed.D. is a professor of instructional technology, consultant, speaker and expert on the convergence of learning, technology and gami cation. He frequently works with pharmaceutical, biomedical and life science rms helping them to design and implement e ective learning and training strategies. Karl is the author of e Gami cation of Learning and Instruction, Learning in 3D and Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning. Kevin Kruse: e term “Gami cation” is a relatively new term, what does it mean? Karl Kapp: Gami cation means using gamebased mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning, and solve problems. It is the concept of using parts of games to encourage and promote learning rather than building an entire, elaborate game to accomplish learning or business goals. Kruse: I’ve heard you say that gami cation is more than just adding points, badges or rewards to an eLearning course, can you elaborate? Kapp: ose elements are part of it but those are the least engaging aspects of games. Instead, think of why people play games: the feeling of accomplishment, immediate and

continual feedback, striving against a challenge and overcoming obstacles. ese elements make for e ective gami cation. Kruse: Are games really e ective for learning? Kapp: Yes, the research is pretty clear. One meta-analysis study cited in the book revealed that game/simulation-based learning is 17 percent more e ective than lectures and retention is up to 9 percent higher than traditional instructional methods. Kruse: Why are games so e ective for learning? Kapp: Unlike traditional learning environments, games provide a built-in permission to fail, encourage out-of-the-box thinking, coach the player with continual feedback and empower a sense of control. Additionally, they require continual attention and focus — you can’t let your mind wander when you are playing a game, you must be engaged or you won’t be successful. Kruse: Tell us about your book, e Gami cation of Learning and Instruction. Kapp: e book looks at many aspects of gamication from its de nition to the elements that make games engaging to examples of gami cation in action. It is evidence-based with citations from individual research reports as well as several meta-analysis studies. If you want to learn how to bring game design and instructional design together — you want Gami cation of Learning and Instruction. I

For more information, scan/capture the QR code with your smartphone.

Kevin Kruse is the executive director of SPBT and co-author of the New York Times best-seller, We: How to Increase Performance and Pro ts through Full Engagement. Email Kevin at kkruse@spbt.org.

FOCUS | FALL 2012 | www.spbt.org

http://www.spbt.org

Focus Magazine - Fall 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Focus Magazine - Fall 2012