The Gamification of Learning and Instruction

Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education

Karl M. Kapp

• Publisher: Pfeiffer
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9781118096345
• eBook ISBN: 9781118192009
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Human Resource Management
• Index: Business

"Karl has written the definitive guide to gamification, which itself is accessible and engaging. He brings trends to life and illustrates the principles of gamification through numerous examples from real-world games.... There is no doubt that 'gamification' is an important and powerful weapon in the arsenal for learning, marketing, and behavior change of any kind. This book is a valuable guide for all who are trying to understand or adopt these important design principles."
—FROM THE FOREWORD BY KEVIN KRUSE

Games create engagement—the corner-stone of any positive learning experience. With the growing popularity of digital games and game-based interfaces, it is essential that gamification be part of every learning professional's tool box. In this comprehensive resource, international learning expert Karl M. Kapp reveals the value of game-based mechanics to create meaningful learning experiences. Drawing together the most current information and relevant research in one resource, The Gamification of Learning and Instruction shows how to create and design games that are effective and meaningful for learners.

Kapp introduces, defines, and describes the concept of gamification and then dissects several examples of games to determine the elements that provide the most positive results for the players. He explains why these elements are critical to the success of learning. The Gamification of Learning and Instruction is based on solid research and the author includes peer-reviewed results from dozens of studies that offer insights into why game-based thinking and mechanics makes for vigorous learning tools. Not all games or gamification efforts are the same, the gamification of learning and instruction requires matching instructional content with the right game mechanics and game thinking. Moving beyond the theoretical considerations, the author explores how to design and develop gamification efforts. Kapp discusses how to create a successful game design document and includes a model for managing the entire game and gamification design process.

The Gamification of Learning and Instruction provides learning professional with the help they need to put the power of game design to work.

Follow Karl on his widely-read "Kapp Notes" blog at www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/

Table of contents

• The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-Based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education
• Contents
• List of Figures and Tables
• Contents on the Web
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
• Contributors
• Chapter 1: What Is Gamification?
• Chapter 2: It's in the Game: Understanding Game Elements
• Chapter 3: Theories Behind Gamification of Learning and Instruction
• Chapter 4: Research Says . . . Games Are Effective for Learning
• Chapter 5: Leveling Up: What Gamification Can Do
• Chapter 6: Achiever or Killer? Player Types and Game Patterns
• Chapter 7: Applying Gamification to Problem Solving
• Chapter 8: Applying Gamification to Learning Domains
• Chapter 9: Managing the Gamification Design Process
• Chapter 10: Congratulations! Selecting the Right In-Game Achievements, by Lucas Blair
• Chapter 11: Perspective of a Gamer, by Nathan Kapp
• Chapter 12: Casual Game Site: DAU Case Study, by Alicia Sanchez
• Chapter 13: Alternate Reality Games for Corporate Learning, by Koreen Olbrish
• Chapter 14: If You Want to Learn More, Play Games
• Glossary
• Notes
• Index