Clean Up Your Dirty E-learning with Advanced Gamification

by Jeff Campbell

If your e-learning program is dirty, then “Gamification” is the soap you’ve been looking for. It has been around for a while, yet it’s often met with mixed reactions.  But it is more than just a buzzword –it’s a powerful tool that can transform your learning program and drive business growth.

The Evolution of Gamification in E-learning

Traditionally, gamification in e-learning has focused on Points, Badges, and Leaderboards (PBL). Been there, done that. Here’s why these mechanics have produced mediocre results:

Points Accumulation without end seems “pointless.” How are these points earned? How are these mechanics tied to learning or business results?

Badges They are digital stickers. Yes, they can help demonstrate milestones and status. But please stop saying people can show them off on social media. Have you ever seen someone do that?

Leaderboards Who cares? Only the top few. We should engage as many learners as possible, not just those already motivated.

Wet-wiping your e-learning with this PBL approach often leads to “gamification fatigue” because the rewards are systematic, predictable, and mostly useless to the learner. Ultimately, learner autonomy is lost, and your e-learning remains stained.

We must align gamification with your broader audience and move beyond this archaic model. It needs to appeal to them in such a way as to improve learning in a sustained manner and help move your business forward.

Advanced Gamification Mechanics

The future of gamification lies in its evolution beyond PBL. Here are some advanced mechanics to transform the traditional approach. They are designed to engage the maximum number of learners, personalise the experience, and improve your learning and business metrics:

Switch to Virtual Currency

Instead of points, introduce a virtual currency like branded coins, tokens, or gems. This immediately adds a layer of tangibility – virtual currency suggests the possibility of exchange, increasing perceived value.

Strategic Coin Earning

The earning of coins shouldn’t be arbitrary. Define clear rules and criteria that align with the desired behaviors of your learners. It’s not just about completing courses; it’s about fostering a holistic engagement with your products and services. For example, award coins for when learners purchase on your e-commerce site, or submit a survey.

Levels for Milestones

Utilize levels effectively. Set coin thresholds for each level, providing clear milestones in the learner’s journey. This not only aids in segmenting learners for targeted marketing strategies but also offers valuable business insights into learner engagement levels.

Introduce Uncertainty

Spice things up with raffle draws, auctions, or sweepstakes where learners can spend their virtual currency. This element of chance adds excitement and unpredictability to the learner experience.

Fundraisers for Good Causes

Encourage learners to use their coins for philanthropic initiatives. This fosters a sense of community and aligns your brand with social responsibility.

Meaningful Incentives

Go beyond the usual rewards. Offer incentives that add value to your learners’ professional lives or interests. Think experiential rewards, upgrades, job aids, or even branded merchandise that deepens their connection to your organisation.

Gamification and Business Impact

I’ve started using these advanced gamification techniques in several e-learning projects, and the results have been unbelievable. Generally, there are two different types of corporate projects I help clean up with this approach:

Internal/Employee Training: As part of an overall employee experience strategy, these advanced gamification techniques are helping with employee recruitment, recognition, and retention.

External/Customer Education: As a marketing and customer experience framework, these advanced gamification techniques are helping with new customer acquisition, engagement, and advocacy.

Here’s the proof from one of our projects:

Gamification as a Revenue Driver

No matter what kind of training you offer or if you want to improve your business metrics, these advanced gamification techniques are a cleaner way forward. It boils down to this: Digital learning is a form of mental exercise. It requires effort and time. We’ve placed it in the same medium we typically shower in dopamine, so it’s no wonder many organisations struggle to see the ROI of their training. It’s time to add this dopamine detergent to your LMS and monetise your offering.

About Jeff Campbell

Jeff is the innovative founder of Motrain, a trailblazing LMS-embedded gamification and incentive platform focused on improving customer acquisition, engagement, and advocacy. With a deep understanding of how strategic customer engagement drives revenue, Jeff has positioned Motrain not just as a tool but as a unique marketing strategy disguised as an incentivised learning solution. His forward-thinking approach has reshaped how organisations enhance profitability through dynamic customer interactions, making him a sought-after speaker for his insights into converting engagement into enhanced revenue streams.