Level Up Engagement: Gamification Strategies for Gen Z Learners

Introduction

According to Momentive Software research, 57% of Gen Z learners engage with their professional organizations at least once a week. Generation Z are more tech savvy than previous generations, are hungrier for information, and are more accustomed to having instant access to data.

As your organization seeks to engage more Gen Z learners, one powerful way to captivate and motivate young professionals is through gamification. Read our blog to learn how to gamify learning at your continuing education program.

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Introduction to gamification

Gamification is the application of game-design elements and principles in non-game contexts like continuing education programs. In an online learning program, gamification involves incorporating aspects of games—such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges—into educational activities.

The primary goal of gamification is to boost learner motivation, engagement, and outcomes. By tapping into the natural human inclination towards play and competition, gamification can make learning more enjoyable and effective, ultimately gamifying learning.

Integrating game mechanics

The main way in which gamification uses game mechanics to encourage learner participation and sustain interest is by integrating key elements into online learning programs. Here’s how:

1. Points
   Educational staff can award points to Gen Z learners for completing tasks, participating in discussions, or achieving certain milestones, creating a sense of accomplishment and progress.
2. Badges
   For Gen Z learners, badges can serve as visual representations of achievements and can be used to recognize various accomplishments, from mastering a skill to contributing valuable insights.
3. Leaderboards
   Leaderboards introduce a competitive element by displaying top performers, motivating Gen Z learners to strive for higher rankings and recognizing their efforts.
4. Challenges
   When you incorporate challenges and quests that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration for your Gen Z learners, it can make learning more interactive and immersive.

Balancing fun and learning

Gamification will add the important element of fun to your continuing education courses. However, it’s important to ensure the new gamification elements will enhance your learning experience, rather than overshadow learning.

Follow these top three strategies to maintain this balance:

1. Align with your learning objectives
   Begin by designing gamified elements that directly support your learning objectives. For example, create challenges for your Gen Z learners that require applying newly acquired knowledge, ensuring your activities are fun and also educational.
2. Provide meaningful feedback
   Immediate and constructive feedback will help your Gen Z learners understand their progress and highlight areas for improvement, ultimately keeping the learning process transparent and goal-oriented.
3. Avoid overemphasis on competition
   While competition can be motivating for your Gen Z learners, it’s important to foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Encouraging teamwork and peer support can go far in creating a balanced learning experience.

Examples of gamified learning activities

Are you wondering how to practically gamify learning? Here are four practical examples of how you can gamify learning across different educational contexts:

• Language learning
  Try using a point-based system where Gen Z learners earn points for completing vocabulary exercises, participating in conversation practice, and engaging in language games. Badges can also be awarded for mastering different levels of proficiency.
• Continuing medical education
  Consider creating interactive simulations and quests where Gen Z learners conduct virtual experiments, solve medical mysteries, and earn points for accurate results. Use leaderboards to track progress and encourage friendly competition.
• Continuing legal education
  Develop challenges where Gen Z learners assume the roles of historical figures and complete tasks related to significant rulings. Award points and badges for accurate and insightful contributions.
• Continuing Professional Education for Certified Public Accountants
  Consider creating accounting-based tasks and puzzles requiring logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your Gen Z learners can earn points and unlock levels as they progress through increasingly difficult challenges.